Is there a link between poultry and infertility? We deserve to know | Letters

I have been told that no research is being done in Britain to establish whether there is a causal factor between eating chicken and declining male sperm counts, writesBaroness Jean CorstonLetters and articles on the apparent decline in male fertility, and its probable causes, have been in our newspapers for years, with the cause variously ascribed to diet, exerciseor the environment. Nearly 20 years ago, as a member of the House of Commons select committee on agriculture, we held an inquiry into the poultry industry. Some of us were appalled by the industrialisation of poultry production, with birds crowded together and given diets to ensure that they were ready for slaughter as soon as possible, and very often so quickly that their immature legs broke under the strain of the burgeoning muscle. We were told that the rapid increase in body weight was partly owing to “growth promoters”. They are oestrogens, and oestrogen is a female hormone. On a parliamentary visit to the US in 1999, I asked whether they had conducted any research into the use of oestrogens in poultry production, and its possible effect on male fertility. The question was met with silence. Since then, I have been told via parliamentary questions that no research is being done in this country to establish whether there is a causal factor between eating chicken and declining male sperm counts. We deserve to know.Jean CorstonLabour, House of Lords• Join the debate – [e-mail]...

Source: Guardian Unlimited Science - November 24, 2017 Category: Science Authors: Letters Tags: Food science & drink industry Animal welfare Farming Farm animals Environment Biology Human biology Business UK news Politics World news Medical research Source Type: news