The comparative pharmacokinetic profile of cequinome following single intravenous (IV) and intramuscular (IM) administration of 2 mg/kg bodyweight was investigated in goats to determine the potential dosage regimen against susceptible microorganisms. Plasma concentrations of cefquinome were determined by high performance liquid chromatography. Plasma cefquinome disposition followed two-compartmental and mono-compartmental open models after IV and IM injection, respectively. Following IV injection, the major pharmacokinetic parameters (mean +/- SEM) were t(1/2 alpha) 1.17 +/- 0.22 h, t(1/2 beta) 5.76 +/- 0.19 h, V-d(area) 0.51 +/- 0.05 L/kg, AUC 33.83 +/- 2.53 mu g/mL, Cl-B 0.06 +/- 0.004 L/h/kg and MRT 6.09 +/- 0.11 h. After IM administration, the principal pharmacokinetic parameters (mean +/- SEM) were, C-max 4.84 +/- 0.23 mu g/mL, T-max 1.5 h, t(1/2k alpha) 0.64 +/- 0.23 h, t(1/2 beta) 5.86 +/- 0.29 h, AUC 19.82 +/- 2.07 mu gh/mL and MRT 8.08 +/- 10.50 h. The bioavailability after IM injection was 57.39 +/- 3.40%. A dosage regimen of 2 mg/kg body weight at 24 h interval following IV or IM injection would maintain the plasma levels required to be effective against the bacterial pathogens with MIC values <= 0.39 mu g/mL. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.