Factors influencing dissipation of avermectins in sheep faeces

Factors influencing fate of avermectins (abamectin, doramectin) in faeces of treated sheep were investigated under different experimental conditions. In the laboratory, concentrations of both avermectins were declined in homogenised faeces of treated animals until day 14 of exposure, regardless of experimental conditions. After that day, no significant decrease in concentrations was observed till the end of the experiment. Established DT50 did not exceed 9 days. In the karst pasture, an average DT50 of 27 days was established for abamectin and 23 days for doramectin in natural faeces of treated sheep. In the compost mixture, doramectin concentration was decreased by 38.9±2.6% during 21 days of the thermophilic phase of composting. Therefore, DT50 was not established. A possible influence of moisture content of sheep faeces on concentrations of avermectins was observed.