Tetracycline residues in bones of slaughtered animals

The incidence of tetracycline (TC) residues in bones of slaughtered animals (pigs, turkeys, chickens, ducks and calves) was investigated using a scree ning fluorescence test and HPLC analysis. Fluorescence findings vary from 1 8.8% to 100% depending on species. The concentrations of TCs in the bones w ere 0.14-50.0 mg kg(-1). Additionally, an experimental evaluation of the sp ecifity and sensitivity of the fluorescence screening test was performed. C hickens were fed low dosages of oxytetracycline (OTC) and subsequently anal ysed for detectable residues after a withdrawal period of 1, 5, 15 and 25 d ays. The results are discussed with regard to the possible toxicological signifi cance of TC residues in bones. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights re served.