Bovine Metabolism of Organophosphorus Insecticides. Metabolism and Residues Associated with Oral Administration of Dimethoate to Rats and Three Lactating Cows

Abstract

Dimethoate is active as a systemic insecticide for cattle. Three lactating cows were treated orally with the radioactive compound and analysis of blood, tissues, excreta, and milk showed Dimethoate to be rapidly metabolized and excreted. Twelve days after treatment, the insecticide was found in trace amounts only in the cow tissues. Hydrolysis of Dimethoate by rats and cows occurred initially at the methyl-phosphate, phosphate-sulfur, sulfur-carbon, and particularly at the carbonyl-nitrogen bonds. Phosphorothioate oxidation occurred with certain of the hydrolysis products and was assumed to occur also with Dimethoate. © 1959, American Chemical Society. All rights reserved. © 1959, American Chemical Society. All rights reserved.