Dieldrin-14C elimination from turkeys.

A series of experiments were conducted to find ways of removing dieldrin2 residues from tissues of broiler-type turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo). The turkeys were contaminated with dieldrin and dieldrin-14C by oral dosing. Elimination was measured by assaying for 14C in the droppings. Carcass retention was measured by assaying the tissue for 14C, and in one experiment, dieldrin residues were measured by electron capture gas-liquid chromatography. Charcoal, Colestipol, and cholestyramine at dosages approximately equal to an intake of 5% of the diet were ineffective gastrointestinal adsorbants for removing dieldrin residues from the turkeys. Starvation accelerated the elimination of dieldrin from the turkeys, but only if the body lipids were reduced to approximately 10% or less of the carcass dry matter.