DETECTION AND QUANTITATION OF TETRACYCLINE RESIDUES IN COMMERCIAL BROILERS FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION IN SOUTH-EAST NIGERIA

Abstract

Common and frequent misuse of tetracyclines (TCs) in poultry production results in the presence of their residues in edible tissues intended for human consumption, posing a serious public health threat. The presence and concentration of tetracyclines (oxytetracycline, chlortetracycline, doxycycline and tetracycline) in different poultry organs was determined in this study using immunoassay. The liver, kidney,gizzard and muscle o/50 birds were used in this experiment for the presence of tetracyclines and 45(90%) ofthem had detectable TCs residues, while 43(86%) were positive for tetracycline residues. Thirty six (72%) of the muscle samples were positive and all were above the maximum residue limit (MRL) of TCs in chicken muscle; 42 of the 43(86%) positive liver samples were above the MRL, 42 (84%) of the kidney samples were positive and all were below its MRL; 34 (68%) of the gizzard samples were positive and all were above the MRL of TCs. The mean TC concentration of each organ differed significantly (P < 0 .05) from the organ specific MR.Ls. The results indicate high levels ofTCs in poultry meat meant for human consumption. Strict  monitoring of the use of tetracyclines in poultry production and observance of prescribed withdrawal periods before birds are slaughtered and processed for humanconsumption is highly recommended.