Understanding exposure routes of endocrine disruptors in livestock

Abstract

This paper present review on various exposure routes of endocrine disruptors in livestock due to
concern and wide usage of synthetic chemicals and other substances to mimic and interfere with
natural hormones in livestock. Exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals can have a lifelong effects
and consequence to next generation livestock offspring. New endocrine disruptor chemicals continue
to emerge and the negative and deleterious effects of such chemicals on growth, reproduction, and
obesity constitute a public health issue in livestock production. The review indicates that there are
various routes through which endocrine disrupting agent can get into animal body and disrupt the
normal function of endocrine system: controversial use of synthetic steroid hormones, grazing
contaminated pasture, drinking water, concentrate feed, inhalation EDCs substances, placental route,
milk exposure and skin contact with product containing endocrine disruption chemicals. There is
concern and call for animal science researchers to extensively diversify their studies in this area to
come out with holistic solutions on how to minimize exposure and physio-reproductive consequences
of endocrine disruptors in livestock.