Effects of Activated Carbon, Phenobarbital, and Vitamins A, D, and E on Polybrominated Biphenyl Excretion in Cows

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Abstract
Cows [12] environmentally contaminated with polybrominated biphenyl residues were in a balanced 2 period changeover experiment. Treatments were activated C and sodium phenobarbital; sodium phenobarbital and injections of vitamins A, D and E; activated C, phenobarbital and vitamins A, D and E; and control. A standard roughage and concentrate diet was fed. Average initial concentrations of polybrominated biphenyls in the milk fat ranged from 92-236 ppm. Experimental treatments did not significantly affect excretion of polybrominated biphenyls in milk and feces or the apparent half-life of residues in milk fat or body fat. Half-life residues in milk fat averaged 60 days, but ranged from 36-301 days. The longer half-life in early lactation than in later lactation indicated an effect of change of body weight on half-life. Milk was the major route of excretion, averaging 6.5 .times. that of fecal excretion. Polybrominated biphenyl in milk fat, body fat, blood and feces followed parallel concentrations throughout the study.