Abstract

In recent years, research has shown that iophenoxic acid is useful as a biomarker in mammals. Its potential was initially demonstrated in several species of carnivores but it has since been found to be suitable for use in two species of herbivore, goats (Capra hircus) and deer (Odocoileus virginianus). We investigated its suitability for use in European rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) dosed at levels of 1.5, 5 and 10 mg kg^-1. Mean plasma-iodine concentrations in these groups increased to 328, 989 and 1438 g per 100 mL, respectively, after three days. The half-life of IPA was greater than 25 days at all three doses and plasma iodine remained at 4–10 times baseline levels for 13, 15 and 17 weeks, respectively.