Quantification of enrofloxacin residues in broiler chicken tissues using competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay

Abstract

Irrational use of antimicrobial agents’ results in their accumulation in poultry eggs, meat and other byproducts. Less is known regarding antimicrobial residues in broiler meat, specifically for Jhang, Punjab, Pakistan. Thus, the main purpose of this research was to evaluate the prevalence of enrofloxacin residues in broiler chickens tissue. A total of 90 samples of chickens’ tissue were collected randomly from different local meat shops of Jhang city and were analyzed using competitive colorimetric enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit. Out of 90 samples analyzed, 53% of the breast muscle and 62% of the liver tissues samples contained residues of enrofloxacin higher than maximum residue limits. Median concentration of enrofloxacin residues in breast muscle and liver tissue was 103 ng/g and 1409 ng/g respectively. Quantification of antibiotic residues distribution in chickens’ tissues revealed that the difference between breast muscle and liver tissue was non-significant. Results of study revealed that broiler chickens being sold in Jhang city contained the enrofloxacin residues and may exposethe consumers to their deleterious effects.