Studies on the detection of tetracycline residues in poultry organs and tissues

Oral and intramuscular administration of tetracycline to poultry resulted in a significant residue in muscles and organs. The highest concentration was detected after 6 hours of administration. The residues gradually decreased by time reaching around the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) after 24 hours. After 4 days no residue was detected in any organ. The results also revealed that the residues were higher in case of the intramuscular than the oral administration and disappeared earlier. Random samples from local markets showed that out of 50 samples examined for presence of antibiotic residues, only two chickens (4%) were positive in liver, and five samples (10%) were positive in kidney. No antibiotic residue was detected in any of the breast samples or thigh samples. Five days pre-slaughter withdrawal time is recommended to ensure complete withdrawal of antibiotics from all organs.