Comparison of Pharmacokinetics of Enrofloxacin After Single Oral Bolus and Pulse Dose Administration in Broiler Chicken

Enrofloxacin was administered to commercial broiler chicken of 6 weeks of age at 10 mg kg−1 as oral bolus and pulse dose to two groups of twelve birds each. Blood was collected at predetermined time interval and plasma samples were analyzed for enrofloxacin concentration by using HPLC. Mean plasma concentration was significantly higher in oral bolus dose up to 2 h and at 48 h. In both the groups enrofloxacin concentration was above 0.30 μg mL−1 up to 24 h. Pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated by non compartmental analysis which revealed significant increase in AUC0–∞ (25.35 ± 1.92 vs. 19.66 ± 1.68 μg h mL−1) and t1/2β (10.63 ± 0.35 vs. 8.70 ± 0.74 h) in oral bolus dose when compared to pulse dose. There was no significant difference in other pharmacokinetic parameters such as MRT, MAT, Vd area/F, Vdss/F, ClB/F, Cmax and tmax. Hence it can be concluded that enrofloxacin administered to broiler chicken at 10 mg kg−1 every 24 h as pulse dose will result in better clinical efficacy at par with oral bolus dose. © 2015, The National Academy of Sciences, India.