Dieldrin-¹⁴C elimination from turkeys

Abstract

A series of experiments were conducted to find ways of removing dieldrin residues from tissues of broiler-type turkeys(Meleagris gallopavo). The turkeys were contaminated with dieldrin and dieldrin-¹⁴C by oral dosing. Elimination was measured by assaying for¹⁴C in the droppings. Carcass retention was measured by assaying the tissue for¹⁴C, and in one experiment, dieldrin residues were measured by electron capture gas-liquid chromatography. Charcoal, Colestipol, and cholestyramine at dosages approximately equal to an intake of 5% of the diet were ineffective gastrointestinal adsorbants for removing dieldrin residues from the turkeys. Starvation accelerated the elimination of dieldrin from the turkeys, but only if the body lipids were reduced to approximately 10% or less of the carcass dry matter.