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Excretion of Polyethylene by Dairy Calves¹

Pennsylvania State University, University Park

Abstract

The excretion of polyethylene was studied in 12 male Holstein calves from 12 to 14 weeks of age. Beginning at 6 weeks of age, two diets with all ingredients ground and mixed (basal and basal + 10% lard) were fed to equal groups. A 10-day total fecal collection period was conducted when the calves were 12 to 14 weeks of age. Polyethylene was mixed with the diets at 5% and fed during the 10-day total collection period.

At least 7 days were required for the polyethylene to approach maximum concentration in the feces. Both groups of calves reached saturation at about the same time. The polyethylene concentration did not differ significantly in samples taken at 6-hr, intervals in the basal group, whereas the concentration was lowest at 2 a.m. and highest at 2 p.m. in the basal + lard treatment. This variation could not be explained by differences in dry matter excretion at these periods.

Dry matter digestion coefficients were similar for total collection and polyethylene predicted estimates. More variation was noted in the total collection method. Measurements of dry matter digestion, which included the polyethylene in the dry matter, underestimated the dry matter digestion from 3 to 4 percentage units. Total recovery for the polyethylene was 103% of the daily dose with a coefficient of variation of 9.6%.

¹ Authorized for Publication as Paper No.3000 in the Journal Series of the Pennsylvania Agricultural Experiment Station.

² The authors thank Charles A. Wittnam, U. S. Industrial Chemicals Company, and R. B. Grainger, Monsanto Chemical Company, for contributing the microthene polyethylene powder and Santoquin, respectively, that were used in this study.