Oxytetracycline residue in chicken tissues from Tehran slaughterhouse

Abstract: 270 chicken muscle, liver and kidney samples from 90 broiler farm in Tehran province of Iran were collected over a period of one year starting from August 2001. All chicken had been slaughtered in Tehran slaughterhouse. High Performance Liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used for separating, detecting and analyzing of Oxytetracycline residues in samples. All samples showed Oxytetracycline residues and samples from 86 (95.55%) of farms showed residues of Oxytetracycline above MRLs (Maximum Residue Limits). 25 (27.77%), 86 (95.55%) and 17 (18.88%) of muscle, liver and kidney samples showed residues of Oxytetracycline above MRLs respectively. The mean concentrations of Oxytetracycline in muscle, liver and kidney samples were 88.217±44.503 SD, 576.657±201.908 SD and 517.56±186.64 SD ng/g respectively. This study confirmed widespread misuses of oxytetracycline in farms and lack of implementation of recommended withdrawal times. Also the results of this study emphasized on harder regulations for the use of antimicrobial drugs in poultry industry as well as the inspection of chickens for drug residues prior to marketing