Effect on chick embryos development after exposure to neonicotinoid insecticide imidacloprid
Abstract Introduction Worldwide, Imidacloprid is one of the most commonly used insecticides belonging to the family of neonicotinoids. The discovery of neonicotinoids as important novel insecticides represents a milestone in insecticide research over the past three decades. Worldwide, it is insecticides. The objective of current study is to observe the effect on development of chick embryos after exposure to varying concentrations of neonicotinoid insecticide imidacloprid. Methods The current study was carried out on 400 fertile eggs of white leghorn chicken obtained from government poultry farm In experimental group chicken eggs were exposed to Imidacloprid with doses of 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg and 20 mg in a volume of 2.5 ml, 5 ml, 10 ml and 20 ml respectively and in control group matching volume of Normal Saline without Imidacloprid were used. The embryos were terminated on 21st day, eggs shell broken with a scalpel and embryos removed. The developmental and teratogenic effects were observed and recorded. Results The results show that experimental group had comparatively more cases of developmentaleffects; growth retardation resulting into failure of retraction of yolk sac, limbs defects, head enlargement, ectopia viscerale and decrease weight of chick, crown rump length as compared to controls. Discussion Imidacloprid exposure increases the risks of teratogenic effects with increasing embryonic age. Comparatively higher doses proved more toxic to thedevelopment of chick embryos.