Screening of oxytetracycline & chlortetracycline residues in poultry feeds in Bangladesh

Abstract

A total of 112 poultry feed samples were screened for oxytetracycline and chlortetracycline antibiotic residues by thin-layer chromatography (TLC). The samples were collected from Natore, Naogaon, Rangpur and Comilla districts of Bangladesh. Poultry feed samples were classified according to their product type (homemade, commercial) and types of poultry feed (broiler feed, layer feed and sonali feed). All the homemade poultry feed samples (100%) tested positive for oxytetracycline and chlortetracycline antibiotic residue when screened. About 95% of commercial poultry feed tested positive for antibiotic residue in all four districts. In this study, the positive screening for oxytetracycline and chlortetracycline antibiotic residue in broiler, layer and sonali poultry feed types are 98%, 95% and 90%, respectively. This study also observed that antibiotic residue remained in feed samples irrespective of temperature and time as they had been stored for about a year at room temperature. From this study, it was revealed that the use of antibiotics in poultry feeds was extensive. Moreover, the duration of sustaining in poultry feed also raised concerns regarding their use and effect on the environment. This study has also increased the concern about the strict monitoring of the use of antibiotics in the poultry industry.