Oxytetracycline Residues in Eggs From Commercial Poultry Farms in Ilorin City, Nigeria

Background: The risk of indiscriminate antibiotic use in Nigeria is high and has serious public health and food implications. The unrestricted usage of oxytetracycline can lead to the accumulation of antibiotic residues in animal products, such as eggs. Objectives: This study investigated oxytetracycline residues in eggs from 20 commercial poultry farms in Ilorin City, Nigeria. Methods: Samples were randomly collected from poultry farms in Ilorin City, Nigeria, and analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Results: Oytetracycline residues were detected in pooled egg samples from 15 farms (75% prevalence). The mean concentration of 398.30±186.73 µg/kg was obtained with six samples (30%) exceeding the recommended maximum residue limit (MRL) of 400 µg/kg. Standard curve analysis showed linearity (r2=0.98). Conclusion: This study revealed a high prevalence of oxytetracycline residues in eggs produced by commercial poultry farms in Ilorin City, Nigeria. It underscores the need for better regulation and oversight of antibiotic use in poultry farming to mitigate health risks associated with antibiotic residues and antimicrobial resistance (AMR).