Nicarbazin Residues in Broiler Tissue and Litter

Abstract Three consecutive grow-outs of broilers fed nicarbazin were conducted to assess the presence of nicarbazin residues in muscle tissue and liver and in the litter. The anticoccidial was added to starter and grower feeds given to mixed sex broilers to 35 days. Finisher feeds without nicarbazin were given in the last week. Very few samples of tissue from breasts and leg quarters retained nicarbazin residue, but residues always remained in the litter and reflected the level present in the feed. Residues of nicarbazin persisted in the litter to the end of the third grow-out even in pens were birds received diets with nicarbazin only in the first grow-out. Residues occurred in livers more frequently than in muscle tissue, but still in a concentration considered safe for human consumption. Commercial use of nicarbazin following current applications by the industry is considered safe since residues found in tissue are far below the limits established by law.