Bio-enhancing Effect of Punganur Cow Urine Distillate on Enrofloxacin in Broiler Chickens

Introduction:
The indiscriminate use of antimicrobials in poultry production has contributed significantly to the emergence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), creating an urgent need for alternative strategies that improve antibiotic efficacy while reducing therapeutic dosage. Natural bio-enhancers have gained attention for their ability to enhance drug absorption and pharmacological activity. This study evaluated the bio-enhancing potential of Punganur Cow Urine Distillate (PCUD) on the pharmacokinetics and antibacterial efficacy of enrofloxacin in broiler chickens.

Methods:
Thirty broiler chickens were randomly divided into three experimental groups. Group 1 received enrofloxacin alone (10 mg/kg body weight), Group 2 received enrofloxacin (10 mg/kg BW) co-administered with PCUD (1 ml/kg BW), and Group 3 was pre-treated with PCUD for 10 days prior to enrofloxacin administration. Plasma concentrations of enrofloxacin were quantified using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated. Data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), and differences were considered significant at p < 0.05. Pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) indices were further evaluated against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus.

Results:
PCUD supplementation significantly enhanced the bioavailability of enrofloxacin compared to the control group, with increases of 129% following co-administration and 116% following pre-treatment. Group 2 demonstrated the highest peak plasma concentration (Cmax) and area under the concentration-time curve (AUC), indicating improved drug absorption and systemic exposure. In Group 3, PCUD prolonged the elimination half-life (t½) and mean residence time (MRT), suggesting delayed drug clearance and sustained plasma concentrations. PK/PD integration revealed enhanced antibacterial efficacy of enrofloxacin against E. coli and S. aureus in PCUD-treated groups.

Conclusions:
The study demonstrates that PCUD acts as an effective natural bio-enhancer by improving the pharmacokinetic profile and antibacterial activity of enrofloxacin in broiler chickens. Enhanced bioavailability and prolonged systemic exposure may facilitate dose optimization in poultry production systems. Further studies are required to characterize the active constituents of PCUD and elucidate its mechanism of bio-enhancing activity.