Transfer of enrofloxacin, ciprofloxacin, and lincomycin into eggshells and residue depletion in egg components after multiple oral administration to laying hens

Regardless of whether antimicrobial drugs are administered to laying hens legally or illegally, residues of these drugs may be present in the eggs. Even if the eggs are not intended for human consumption, byproducts/biowaste, such as eggshells, may contain residues of the drugs used, which may pose a risk to human health and the environment. In the presented research, 2 different groups of laying hens received enrofloxacin (10 mg/kg body weight) and lincomycin (20 mg/kg body weight) once daily for 5 d. Eggs were collected daily and the concentration of enrofloxacin, its metabolite ciprofloxacin, and lincomycin residue in the eggshells, whole eggs, egg yolks, and egg whites were determined by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. This study demonstrates the transfer of enrofloxacin, ciprofloxacin, and lincomycin into the eggshells and provides evidence for the distribution into the eggshells after administration of these drugs to laying hens. The enrofloxacin residues were detected in the eggshell for 10 d after cessation of treatment, ciprofloxacin and lincomycin were rapidly eliminated and 2 d after finish drugs administration they were no longer detected in the eggshell.