Residues in young veal calves after consumption of milk containing penicillin.

Residues in urine, kidney, and muscle following consumption of milk containing procaine penicillin G were determined in 4- to 8-day-old Holstein bull calves. Calves were fed milk diluted 1:1 with water. Nine control calves received diluted milk only while 8 calves received diluted milk containing 6,600 IU penicillin/kg (low group), and 10 calves received 13,200 IU/kg of milk consumed (high group). Urine samples were collected over 11 h after each morning feeding for 3 days. Calves were slaughtered on day 4 of trial and kidney, muscle, and urine samples obtained. Urine was tested for residues with the Live Animal Swab Test and tissues by the Swab Test on Premises. Both tests are microbiological assays used for detecting growth inhibition of Bacillus subtilis. No residues were detected in urine of control calves. Residues in urine were detected in 6 calves in the low group and 7 calves in the high group after feeding. At slaughter, residues were in 3 of 5 urine samples from calves in the low group and 8 of 10 calves in the high group. However, no residues were detected in kidney or muscle of control or treated calves.