Radioimmunoassay of the anabolic agent zeranol. III. Zeranol concentrations in the faeces of steers implanted with zeranol (Ralgro)

Using a monoclonal antibody raised against zeranol, a radioimmunoassay has been validated for the determination of zeranol residues in the faeces of treated steers. The limit of decision defined as the mean apparent concentration of zeranol in the faeces of untreated cattle + 3 SD was 1 ng/g faeces. In a trial in which 27 steers were implanted with zeranol (36 mg) at the base of the ear and six steers were sham implanted, the mean maximum concentration of zeranol in faeces was 5.8 ng/g on Day 15 following implanting, declining to 1.67 ng/g on Day 34 following implanting. During this period there was a marked variation between animals sampled on the same day following implanting. At no time during the trial did the apparent concentration of zeranol in the faeces of untreated animals rise above 0.91 ng/g, which is below the limit of decision for this assay.