URINARY-EXCRETION OF DIETHYLSTILBESTROL IN THE OSTRICH

Stilboestrol(R) tablets (20 x 1 mg) were given to 4 ostriches. Urine w as collected over a period of 8 days and stored frozen at -20 degrees C pending analysis. Analyses were performed on a gas chromatograph - m ass selective detector for the presence of parent compound and/or meta bolites. Diethylstilbestrol and its metabolite, dienestrol, were detec ted in urine; dienestrol only for 1 day but diethylstilbestrol for 8 d ays after administration. Residue analysis for the use of diethylstilb estrol as growth promoter can be performed on the urine of ostriches b y scanning for parent compound only since it can be detected longer th an the metabolite.