EXCRETION AND TISSUE DISTRIBUTION STUDIES IN CHICKENS FED H3 MONENSIN (NA SALT)

The rate and route of excretion of the coccidiostat, monensin (as the sodium salt), was determined. The monensin, tritiated by the Wilzbach technique, was given to chickens in feed. In one experiment, daily combined urine-fecal samples were collected. In a second experiment with surgically prepared chickens, urine and fecal samples were collected separately. Selected tissues were examined. Most of the administered radioactivity was excreted in the feces. Less than 2% was present in urine and tissues. At least 75% of the radioactivity of the whole tissue was associated with the tissue water, indicating that most of the tissue radioactivity was not monensin. Tissue levels of radioactivity declined rapidly after withdrawal of medication. © 1969, American Chemical Society. All rights reserved.