Depletion of florfenicol in lactating dairy cows after intramammary and subcutaneous administration

Eighteen Holstein dairy cows ranging in body weight from 500–700 kg and with an average milk yield of 37 ± 6 kg/day were used to investigate the depletion of florfenicol (FFL) in milk and plasma of dairy cows. Three groups of six were administered FFL: Group A, intramammary (IMM) infusion of ~2.5 mg FFL/kg BW at three consecutive milking intervals (total amount of ~7.5 mg/kg BW); Group B, one IMM infusion (20 mg/kg BW) into one quarter and Group C, one subcutaneous (SC) treatment (40 mg/kg BW). IMM infusions were into the right front quarter. Cows were milked daily at 06:00 and 18:00 h. The highest concentrations (C_max) and time to C_max (T_max) were: 1.6 ± 2.2 μg·FFL/mL milk at 22 h (Group A), 5.5 ± 3.6 μg·FFL/mL milk at 12 h (Group B), and 1.7 ± 0.4 μg·FFL/mL milk at 12 h (Group C). The half‐lives (t_1/2) were ~19, 5.5, and 60 h, for Groups A, B, and C, respectively. FFL was below the limit of detection (LOD) by 60 h in three Group B cows, but above the LOD at 72, 84, and 120 h in three cows. FFL was above the LOD in milk from Group C's cows for 432–588 h. Plasma values followed the same trends as milk. The results demonstrate that IMM‐infused FFL is bioavailable and below the LOD within 72–120 h. The concentration of FFL was detectable in both plasma and milk over the course of 2–3 weeks after SC administration. The absence of residue depletion data presents problems in determining safe levels of FFL residues in milk and edible tissues. The data presented here must not be construed as approval for extra‐label use in food animals.     

Kinetics and residues after intraperitoneal procaine penicillin G administration in lactating dairy cows

This paper describes the pharmacokinetic profile of procaine penicillin G after intraperitoneal (IP) administration in eight lactating dairy cows. Procaine pencillin G (PPG, 21 000 IU/kg) was deposited into the abdominal cavity of each cow following an incision in the right paralumbar fossa. Blood and milk samples were taken over the following 10 days, at which point the cows were euthanized. Plasma, milk, muscle, liver, and kidney penicillin concentrations were determined by HPLC, with a limit of quantification of 5 ng/mL for plasma and milk and 40 ng/g for tissue samples. A noncompartmental method was used to analyze plasma kinetics. The mean pharmacokinetic parameters (±SD) were: C _max, 5.5 ± 2.6 μg/mL; T _max, 0.75 ± 0.27 h; AUC _0-∞, 10.8 ± 4.9 μg·h/mL; MRT , 2.2 ± 0.9 h. All milk from treated cows contained detectable penicillin residues for a minimum of three milkings (31 h) and maximum of five milkings (52 h) after administration. Concentrations of penicillin in all muscle, liver, and kidney samples taken 10 days postadministration were below the limit of quantification. Necropsy examinations revealed foci of hemorrhage on the rumenal omentum of most cows but peritonitis was not observed. Systemic inflammation as determined by change in leukogram or plasma fibrinogen was noted in one cow. The results of this study demonstrate that IP PPG is absorbed and eliminated rapidly in lactating dairy cows.     

Pharmacokinetics of eprinomectin in plasma and milk following topical administration to lactating dairy cattle

The pharmacokinetics and mammary excretion of eprinomectin were determined in cattle following topical administration at a dose rate of 0.5 mg kg(-1). The kinetics of plasma and milk concentrations were analysed using a one-compartment model. The maximum plasma concentration of 43.76 ng ml(-1)occurred 2.02 days post administration, and the mean residence time was 4.16 days. Eprinomection was detected in the milk at the first sampling time and thereafter for at least 15 days. Comparison of the milk and plasma data demonstrated the parallel disposition of the drug in the milk and plasma with a milk / plasma concentration ratio of 0. 102+/-0.048. The amount of drug recovered in the milk during this period was 0.109% +/- 0.038 of the total administered dose. This very low extent of mammary excretion resulted in low concentrations of eprinomectin in milk. This supports the permitted use in lactating cattle, as the maximum level of residue in milk did not exceed the maximum acceptable limit of 30 ng ml(-1).     

Penicillin concentrations in serum, milk, and urine following intramuscular and subcutaneous administration of increasing doses of procaine penicillin G in lactating dairy cows.

Eight healthy, non-pregnant, crossbred Holstein dairy cows (557-682 kg) within their first 3 months of lactation (13-21.5 kg of milk/day) were used. Cows were kept in tie stalls for the whole experiment. The 8 cows were randomly assigned to 2 (IM and SC) 4 x 4 balanced Latin square design experiments. Doses of procaine penicillin G (PPG) (300000 IU/mL) in each square were 7000, 14000, 21000 and 28000 IU/kg and were injected IM or SC once daily for 5 consecutive days. Volumes of PPG per site of injection never exceeded 20 mL. Blood was collected to determine the Cmax, Tmax, and AUC; urine and milk were also taken to measure the persistence of PPG in these fluids. Results show that serum Cmax and Tmax were only slightly affected by increasing the doses or the route of administration, whereas the AUC was linearly increased in relation to the dose injected in both modes of injection. In the urine, Cmax varied from 160 to 388 IU/mL and Tmax from 72-120 h during 5 consecutive days of PPG injection. A dose effect in Cmax was observed only for the IM route of administration and no variation (P > 0.05) was found between the IM and SC routes. Milk Cmax concentrations were only increased by the dose regimen in the IM group. At doses of 21000 and 28000 IU/kg, the IM group had a higher (P > 0.05) Cmax when compared with the SC groups. Milk PPG residues were not detectable over 96 h following the last IM injection, independently of the dose injected. However milk PPG residues were detected for up to 132 h following the last SC injection. These results show that when PPG is injected IM once daily in volumes not exceeding 20 mL/site at doses as high as 28000 IU/kg, the withdrawal period should be at least 96 h. Therefore, in the present model, there was no advantage to inject PPG by SC route to improve PPG kinetic parameters as the AUC, Cmax, or Tmax.     

Pharmacokinetics and milk residues of butorphanol in dairy cows after single intravenous administration

The pharmacokinetics of butorphanol tartrate were investigated following intravenous administration of 0.25 mg/kg of body weight to six healthy non-lactating Jersey cows. Three lactating Holstein cows also received 0.045 mg of butorphanol/kg of body weight intravenously to determine the extent and duration of drug transfer into milk. A radioimmunoassay technique was used to measure butorphanol concentrations in plasma and milk. The disposition of butorphanol following intravenous administration was characterized by rapid and extensive distribution followed by a slower elimination phase. Apparent volume of distribution was 4.178 ± 1.145 (mean ± SD) I/kg, mean elimination half-life was 82 min, and clearance was 34.6 ± 7.7 ml/min/kg. Trace quantities of butorphanol were detected in the cow's milk for up to 36 h following administration. These pharmacokinetic data were compared with pharmaco-kinetic and pharmacodynamic data for butorphanol in other species and for three other potent opioids in related ruminant species.     

On-farm feeding interventions to increase milk production in lactating dairy cows

Tropical Animal Health and Production - The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of tropical legume (Phaseolus calcaratus) mixed with ruzi grass feeding on the performance of...     

Pharmacokinetics of tilmicosin in beef cattle following intravenous and subcutaneous administration

The intravenous pharmacokinetic profile of tilmicosin is yet to be achieved because of the cardiovascular effects of tilmicosin. This study summarizes two pharmacokinetic studies that provided complete pharmacokinetic profile of tilmicosin in cattle. The first study was a pharmacokinetic study of tilmicosin in beef calves dosed by i.v. infusion over 5 h. The second study was a subcutaneous (s.c.) pharmacokinetic study comparing the pharmacokinetic profile of tilmicosin in light (approximately 170 kg) and heavy (approximately 335 kg) beef cattle and comparing the labeled dose range of 10 or 20 mg/kg dose. The data from the two different studies were used to calculate bioavailability values, which support the assumption that tilmicosin is 100% bioavailable in cattle. The results from the second study showed that the weight of an animal when administered tilmicosin does not have a significant effect on exposure, but did demonstrate that doubling the dose of tilmicosin administered doubles the systemic exposure to tilmicosin.     

影响奶牛乳蛋白质含量的因素及营养调控技术研究

乳蛋白是牛奶中最重要的成分之一,受多种因素的影响,如品种、奶牛泌乳阶段、胎次、疾病和饲料组成与营养等。文中阐述了乳蛋白的合成机理及有关影响乳蛋白的营养和非营养因素;同时对国内外乳蛋白营养调控的技术进展作了全面的阐述,旨在为提高乳蛋白含量和产量提供参考。     

Pharmacokinetics of ceftiofur in plasma and uterine secretions and tissues after subcutaneous postpartum administration in lactating dairy cows

A study was conducted to measure concentrations of potentially active ceftiofur derivatives, in plasma, in uterine tissues (endometrium and caruncles) and in uterine secretions at different time points after a single subcutaneous administration of ceftiofur hydrochloride (Excenel RTU Sterile Suspension) at the dose of 1 mg/kg body weight in Holstein-Friesian dairy cows. The animals (n=4) were injected within 24 h of calving, after expulsion of the foetal membranes. Plasma, lochial fluid, caruncles and endometrium were collected before ceftiofur hydrochloride administration and at 1, 2, 4, 8, 12 and 24 h after treatment. For each cow the concentrations of ceftiofur in the biological matrices were quantified using an high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) assay. The limit of quantification of the method was 0.1 microg/mL for plasma and 0.1 microg/g for lochial fluid, caruncles and endometrium. The concentrations of potentially active ceftiofur derivatives detected in plasma reached a maximum of 2.85 +/- 1.11 microg/mL at 2 h and decreased to 0.64 +/- 0.14 microg/mL at 24 h after administration. In lochial fluid, these concentrations reached a maximum of 0.97 +/- 0.25 microg/g at 4 h and decreased to 0.22 +/- 0.21 microg/g at 24 h after administration. In endometrium, these concentrations reached a maximum of 2.23 +/- 0.82 microg/g at 4 h and decreased to 0.56 +/- 0.14 microg/g at 24 h following the injection, whereas these levels in caruncles were 0.96 +/- 0.45 and 0.60 +/- 0.39 microg/g obtained at 8 and 24 h, respectively. At the dose of 1 mg/kg body weight in healthy dairy cows, subcutaneous administration of ceftiofur (as ceftiofur hydrochloride) after parturition results in concentrations of ceftiofur derivatives in uterine tissues and in lochial fluid that exceed the reported minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) for the common pathogens (Escherichia coli, Fusobacterium necrophorum, Bacteroides spp., and Arcanobacterium pyogenes) associated with acute puerperal metritis.     

Pharmacokinetics of phenylbutazone in plasma and milk of lactating dairy cows

Phenylbutazone was administered intravenously (i.v.) to a group of four lactating cows at a dosage of 6 mg/kg body weight. Whole plasma, protein-free plasma and milk were analysed for phenylbutazone residues. Pharmacokinetic parameters of total and free phenylbutazone in plasma were calculated using a non compartmental method. In regards to whole plasma data, the mean volume of distribution at steady state ( V _ss), was 147 mL/kg body weight, with a mean (± SEM) terminal elimination half-life ( t _1/2) of 40 ± 6 h. The mean clearance ( Cl ) was 3 mL/h/kg body weight. The V _ss as determined from the protein-free plasma fraction was 50 021 mL/kg body weight. This larger V _ss of free phenylbutazone compared to total plasma phenylbutazone was attributed to a high degree of plasma protein binding, as well as the greater penetration of free phenylbutazone into tissues. The mean t _1/2 of free phenylbutazone was 39 ± 5 h. This similarity to the t _1/2 estimated from total plasma phenylbutazone data is attributed to an equilibrium between free and plasma phenylbutazone during the terminal elimination phase. Mean t _1/2 as determined from milk, applying a urinary excretion rate model, was 47 ± 4 h. Milk clearance of phenylbutazone was 0.009 mL/h/kg body weight, or about 0.34% of total body clearance. Furthermore, evidence suggests that phenylbutazone either binds to milk proteins, or is actively transported into milk, as its concentration in milk was greater than that predicted due to a simple partitioning from plasma into milk.     

Fenbendazole-related drug residues in milk from treated dairy cows

Oral administration of [¹⁴C] fenbendazole (FBZ) at a dose of 5.Omg/kg leads to the presence of radiolabel in the milk of lactating dairy cows. However, the maximum mean concentration of total FBZ equivalents quantitated to one-third of the recommended safe concentration in milk (1.67 μg/mL). The label is equally distributed to the fat and aqueous portions of the milk. The maximum level, in general, is attained approximately 24-36 h after drug administration, with the highest levels ranging from 24 to 48 h after administration. The residues rapidly deplete, attaining levels of 10-20ng/mL by day 5, and are essentially undetectable by radiolabel monitoring by day 6. Extraction of the milk by matrix solid phase dispersion indicated that the label was distributed between traces of the parent drug, FBZ, and predominantly, the FBZ sulphoxide (SO) and sulphone (SO₂) metabolites. No other radiolabelled peaks were observed. Based on these data the metabolites of FBZ, FBZ-sulphone and FBZ-sulphoxide, could be used as marker residues for monitoring the administration of FBZ to lactating dairy cows.     

Antibiotic residues in milk following bulbar subconjunctival injection of procaine penicillin G in dairy cows

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether, and at what time, penicillin enters milk at a concentration that is detectable following bulbar subconjunctival injection in lactating dairy cows. DESIGN: Randomized clinical trial. ANIMALS: 66 Holstein cows that were at least 2 weeks past calving and had not been treated with antibiotics in the preceding 30 days. PROCEDURE: Cows were randomly assigned to receive a treatment of 1 ml (300,000 units) procaine penicillin G by bulbar subconjunctival injection or remain untreated. Composite milk samples were collected immediately before treatment and 4, 10, 16, 22, 28, and 40 hours after treatment. Milk samples were tested by use of a commercial test for beta-lactam antibiotics. RESULTS: Among penicillin-treated cows, the first positive test results were observed 4 hours after treatment, and the last positive result was observed 22 hours after treatment. The percentages of positive test results before treatment and at 4, 10, 16, 22, 28, and 40 hours after treatment were 0, 9, 87, 42, 8, 0, and 0%, respectively. None of the untreated cows had positive test results for beta-lactam antibiotics at any sampling time. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Penicillin was detected in milk for up to 22 hours after a single subconjunctival injection of procaine penicillin G in cows. This result should be considered when recommending milk withholding periods following the administration of penicillin by this route in lactating dairy cows.     

Influence of estradiol administration to lactating cows on bacterial growth in milk whey

Bacterial growth (E. coli) in whey was studied by turbidometric technique during estradiol benzoate administration (0.02 mg/kg of body weight/day for 12-19 days) to 13 ovariectomized cows at three stages (early, mid and late) of the 1st- and 3rd-lactations. Whey samples from cows at early stage (60-90 days) of 1st-lactation promote the growth of E. coli during the estradiol treatment. This included a significant increase in the maximum turbidity and a decrease in the generation time. Bacterial growth was inhibited in whey from cows at other stages of lactation during the hormone treatment. The degree of inhibition varied at different stages of lactation. No significant alterations in the ability of whey to support bacterial growth were observed in 3 ovariectomized cows treated with the drug vehicle (arachis oil) alone. Majority of the quarters included in the present study were bacteriologically negative throughout the study.     

Determination of cloxacillin residues in dairy cows after intramammary administration

The aim of this study was to perform a comparative analysis of the characteristics of cloxacillin (CLO) (MRL of withdrawal in bovine milk is 30 ng/g) after a single intramammary (IMM) dose in the dry period (DP) and lactation (LP), and to establish a high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analytical method for CLO detection in milk. The research was conducted on a group of 10 cows in DP and 10 in LP. A single dose of 600 mg of CLO was administrated by the IMM route for a single quarter in DP and 500 mg for a single quarter in LP. CLO concentration was analyzed by HPLC. CLO was monitored at a wavelength of 206 nm. Pharmacokinetic calculations were performed using Phoenix^® WinNonlin^® 6.4 software. The calibration curve was linear over the range of 13.03–28 019.00 ng/g with the coefficient of determination R² > 0.999. CLO withdrawal in both the LP and DP group had a biphasic nature. The total CLO elimination in the DP and LP group was reached after 36 and 6.5 days, respectively. A quantitative and confirmatory method for the determination of CLO in fresh milk has been established. We have confirmed that the withdrawal of CLO in the DP group is not a linear process and has a stepwise character.     

Pharmacological aspects of chloramphenicol administration by the intramammary route to lactating dairy cows

Concentrations of chloramphenicol (C M) were determined, by microbiological assay, in the milk and blood serum of 17 culled dairy cows after intramammary infusion of an approved parenteral CM product (Gloveticol) and in the milk of 16 lactating cows after treatment with two approved CM products for intramammary infusion, at dosages ranging from 1 to 30 g/cow. C M was quickly absorbed from the udder into the blood circulation; the doses of 12.5 and 25 g/cow were almost completely absorbed within 20 hours. Absorption half-life (t1/2ab) from fully functioning quarters was 57+/-18 minutes, and the t1/2ab from partially functioning quarters was 125+/-37 minutes. Mean peak serum C M concentrations were 6.1, 16.2, and 37.4 microg/ml after the cows had been infused with 5, 12.5, and 25 g, respectively. These values were considerably higher than the corresponding peak serum C M concentrations reported following intramuscular injection of equivalent doses of the drug. C M residues were not detectible microbiologically in milk from treated quarters 20 hours after treatment with 5 g or 6.25 g, and 36 hours after treatment with 15 g. Drug concentrations in the milk from the non-treated quarters were approximately 70 per cent of the corresponding serum drug levels. Serum CM concentrations of potential therapeutic value in the treatment of gram-negative bacterial infections, i.e. > 5 microg/ml, were maintained for 8 hours after cows had been infused with 12.5 g, and for 12 hours after infusion with 25 g. The implications of the improved systemic availability of C M infused by the intramammary route over the intramuscular route are discussed in terms of potential therapeutic efficacy, local irritation, and duration of drug residues.     

Elimination kinetics of ceftiofur hydrochloride after intramammary administration in lactating dairy cows

OBJECTIVE: To determine the elimination kinetics of ceftiofur hydrochloride in milk after intramammary administration in lactating dairy cows. DESIGN: Prospective study. ANIMALS: 5 lactating dairy cows. PROCEDURE: After collection of baseline milk samples, 300 mg (6 mL) of ceftiofur was infused into the left front and right rear mammary gland quarters of each cow. Approximately 12 hours later, an additional 300 mg of ceftiofur was administered into the same mammary gland quarters after milking. Milk samples were collected from each mammary gland quarter every 12 hours for 10 days. Concentrations of ceftiofur and its metabolites in each milk sample were determined to assess the rate of ceftiofur elimination. RESULTS: Although there were considerable variations among mammary gland quarters and individual cows, ceftiofur concentrations in milk from all treated mammary gland quarters were less than the tolerance (0.1 microg/mL) set by the FDA by 168 hours (7 days) after the last intramammary administration of ceftiofur. No drug concentrations were detected in milk samples beyond this period. Ceftiofur was not detected in any milk samples from nontreated mammary gland quarters throughout the study. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Ceftiofur administered by the intramammary route as an extra-label treatment for mastitis in dairy cows reaches concentrations in milk greater than the tolerance set by the FDA. Results indicated that milk from treated mammary gland quarters should be discarded for a minimum of 7 days after intramammary administration of ceftiofur. Elimination of ceftiofur may be correlated with milk production, and cows producing smaller volumes of milk may have prolonged withdrawal times.     

Pharmacokinetics of spiramycin after intravenous, intramuscular and subcutaneous administration in lactating cows

Spiramycin is a macrolide antibiotic that is active against most of the microorganisms isolated from the milk of mastitic cows. This work investigated the disposition of spiramycin in plasma and milk after intravenous, intramuscular and subcutaneous administration. Twelve healthy cows were given a single injection of spiramycin at a dose of 30,000 IU/kg by each route. Plasma and milk were collected post injection. Spiramycin concentration in the plasma was determined by a high performance liquid chromatography method, and in the milk by a microbiological method. The mean residence time after intravenous administration was significantly longer (P less than 0.01) in the milk (20.7 +/- 2.7 h) than in plasma (4.0 +/- 1.6 h). An average milk-to-plasma ratio of 36.5 +/- 15 was calculated from the area concentration-time curves. Several pharmacokinetic parameters were examined to determine the bioequivalence of the two extravascular routes. The dose fraction adsorbed after intramuscular or subcutaneous administration was almost 100% and was bioequivalent for the extravascular routes, but the rates of absorption, the maximal concentrations and the time to obtain them differed significantly between the two routes. Spiramycin quantities excreted in milk did not differ between the two extravascular routes but the latter were not bioequivalent for maximal concentration in the milk. However, the two routes were bio-equivalent for the duration of time the milk concentration exceeded the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of various pathogens causing infections in the mammary gland.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Comparative pharmacokinetics of enrofloxacin and ciprofloxacin in lactating dairy cows and beef steers following intravenous administration of enrofloxacin

The comparative pharmacokinetics of enrofloxacin and its metabolite ciprofloxacin were investigated in lactating cows and beef steers. The plasma elimination half-life of either enrofloxacin or ciprofloxacin was shorter in cows than in steers. The overall production of ciprofloxacin was slightly higher in steers than in cows (metabolite ratio: 64% and 59%, respectively). There was no significant difference in plasma protein binding of enrofloxacin between cows (percent bound: 59.4%) and steers (percent bound: 60.8%). Ciprofloxacin was more extensively bound to plasma proteins in steers (percent bound: 49.6%) than in cows (percent bound: 33.8%). The steady state volume of distribution of enrofloxacin is comparable in cows (1.55 L/kg) and steers (1.59 L/kg). Within either bovine class, plasma elimination half-life of enrofloxacin and ciprofloxacin are comparable, while plasma protein binding was higher for enrofloxacin than for ciprofloxacin. Ciprofloxacin was more concentrated in milk than enrofloxacin.     

Pharmacokinetics and milk penetration of moxifloxacin after intravenous and subcutaneous administration to lactating goats

The pharmacokinetics of moxifloxacin was studied following intravenous (IV) and subcutaneous (SC) administration of 5 mg/kg to healthy lactating goats (n = 6). Moxifloxacin concentrations were determined by high performance liquid chromatography assay with fluorescence detection. The moxifloxacin plasma concentration versus time data after IV administration could best be described by a two compartment open model. The disposition of SC administered moxifloxacin was best described by a one-compartment model. The plasma moxifloxacin clearance (Cl) for the IV route was 0.43 +/- 0.02 L/kg (mean +/- SE). The steady-state volume of distribution (Vss) was 0.79 +/- 0.08 L/kg. The terminal half-life (t1/2lambdaz) was 1.94 +/- 0.41 and 2.98 +/- 0.48 h after IV and SC administration, respectively. The absolute bioavailability was 96.87 +/- 10.27% after SC administration. Moxifloxacin penetration from blood to milk was quick for both routes of administration and the high AUCmilk/AUCplasma and Cmax-milk/Cmax-plasma ratios reached indicated a wide penetration of moxifloxacin into the milk. From these data, it appears that a 5 mg/kg SC dose of moxifloxacin would be effective in lactating goats against bacterial isolates with MIC < or = 0.20 microg/mL in plasma and MIC < or = 0.40 microg/mL in milk.     

Milk residues and performance of lactating dairy cows administered high doses of monensin

Milk residues and performance were evaluated in lactating cows that were fed up to 10 times the recommended dose of monensin. Following an acclimatization period of 14 d, during which cows were fed a standard lactating cow total mixed ration containing 24 ppm monensin, 18 lactating Holstein dairy cows were grouped according to the level of feed intake and then randomly assigned within each group to 1 of 3 challenge rations delivering 72, 144, and 240 ppm monensin. Outcome measurements included individual cow daily feed intakes, daily milk production, body weights, and monensin residues in composite milk samples from each cow. There were no detectable monensin residues (< 0.005 microg/mL) in any of the milk samples collected. Lactating cows receiving a dose of 72 ppm monensin exhibited up to a 20% reduction in dry matter intake, and a 5% to 15% drop in milk production from the pre-challenge period. Cows receiving doses of 144 and 240 ppm monensin exhibited rapid decreases in feed intake of up to 50% by the 2nd d and milk production losses of up to 20% and 30%, respectively, within 4 d. Lactating cows receiving up to 4865 mg monensin per day had no detectable monensin residues (< 0.005 microg/mL) in any of the milk samples collected. Results of this study confirm that food products derived from lactating dairy cattle receiving monensin at recommended levels are safe for human consumption.