Levels of Tetracycline Residues in Liver, Kidney, Muscle and Gizzard Tissues from selected Poultry Farms in Obio-Akpor Local Government Area, Rivers State, Nigeria

Poultry farmers around the world utilize antibiotics, albeit indiscriminately, for both preventive and curative purposes. This study assessed tetracycline residues in chicken sampled from 4 poultry farms in Obio-Akpor Local Government Area in Rivers State, Nigeria. Liver, kidney, muscle and gizzard tissues were analyzed using High performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) for tetracycline, oxytetracycline and doxycycline residues. All samples reported residue levels within the WHO/FAO Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) except for the liver sample in Farm 1 which was 895.04 µg/kg. Doxycycline recorded the least residue level within the range of 1.67 µg/kg to 9.30 µg/kg, while oxytetracycline and tetracycline recorded residue levels within the ranges of 1.671µg/kg to 98.662µg/kg and 0.886 to 895.037 µg/kg respectively. These results are indicative of the susceptibility of consumers to health hazards arising from antibiotic residues. It is therefore pertinent for Regulatory agencies to ensure compliance with effective and sustainable agricultural practices such as antibiotics withdrawal periods.