Abstract
This research examines the toxic effects of cypermethrin on the activity of enzymes Alanine Aminotransferase (ALAT) and Aspartate Aminotransferase (ASAT) in Gallus domesticus (chicks). Two methods of exposure were used: induced and feeding. Fifteen-day-old chicks treated with cypermethrin through intramuscular injection at doses of 20 µl/body weight (b.wt) and 40 µl/b.wt, as well as through feed at concentrations of 1 µl/20 mg and 1 µl/40 mg, administered weekly for a duration of up to 20 weeks. A control group was kept untreated. Enzyme activity was evaluated at intervals of 5 weeks. Marked changes in ALAT levels were recorded in the induced group. After 5 weeks, ALAT activity in chicks given 20 µl/b.wt cypermethrin (34.24 ± 0.845) showed a significant difference (P<0.05) compared to both the control group (219.99 ± 13.14) and the higher dose group (297.69 ± 30.55). By 20 weeks, ALAT activity in the 20 µl/b.wt group increased (254.62 ± 199.75) but differed significantly from the controls (324.56 ± 4.54). Likewise, exposure through feeding at 1 µl/20 mg resulted in significant ALAT changes at 5, 10, and 15 weeks when compared to the control group. ASAT levels exhibited a similar pattern. Induced exposure of both doses (20 µl/b.wt and 40 µl/b.wt) led to significant increases at all assessment points (5, 10, 15, and 20 weeks), suggested ongoing hepatic stress. Groups treated via feed (1 µl/20 mg and 1 µl/40 mg) also displayed significant ASAT changes throughout the experimental duration (P<0.05). These results imply that cypermethrin, regardless of the method of administration, has hepatotoxic effects and disrupts physiological development in chicks. The changes observed in ALAT and ASAT activities place these enzymes as reliable indicators of pesticide-induced liver dysfunction in poultry. This study emphasizes the potential dangers of cypermethrin exposure in poultry and reinforces the necessity for caution in its agricultural application.