Distribution of penicillin G residues in culled dairy cow muscles: implications for residue monitoring.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration sets tolerances for veterinary drug residues in muscle but does not specify which type of muscle should be analyzed. To determine if antibiotic residue levels are dependent upon muscle type, seven culled dairy cows were dosed with penicillin G (Pen G) from 1 to 3 days and then sacrificed on day 1, 2, or 5 of withdrawal. A variety (9-15) of muscle samples were collected, along with liver and kidney samples. In addition, corresponding muscle juice samples were prepared. All samples were extracted and analyzed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) to determine Pen G levels. Results showed that Pen G residue levels can vary between and within different muscles, although no reproducible pattern was identified between cows or withdrawal times. Muscle juice appeared to be a promising substitute for muscle as a matrix for screening purposes. Because of the potential for variation within muscles, all samples taken need to be large enough to be representative.