Efectos de los fitoestrógenos de la alfalfa en la ovulación de las cobayas

Abstract

This study investigated how phytoestrogens present in the diet affect estrogen levels in guinea pigs. The results presented interesting data on phytoestrogens in the balance of guinea pigs through two treatments and a control. It was concluded that phytoestrogens do not cause a significant decrease in estrogen levels in these small rodents. Phytoestrogens are natural compounds in certain plant foods; it has been speculated that they could affect animal hormone levels. This specific research, however, challenges that aforementioned belief. Blood samples from guinea pigs exposed to different concentrations of phytoestrogens were evaluated, and their estrogen levels were measured, resulting in no significance in the use of exclusive alfalfa diets (T1) and exclusive balanced feed (T2). However, there was significance in the use of mixed feeding (T3). The results suggest that, although there were some differences in the size of secondary follicles between treatments, there were no statistically significant differences in other parameters analyzed, such as the size of primordial follicles and eggs, nor in the correlation between the number of eggs and blood estradiol levels. This has important implications for the breeding and management of these animals, especially in environments where foods rich in phytoestrogens are used. Keywords Guinea pigs; phytoestrogens; alfalfa; estradiol