Liquid chromatographic determination of multiresidue fluorescent derivatives of ionophore compounds, monensin, salinomycin, narasin, and lasalocid, in beef liver tissue

A liquid chromatographic (LC) method with fluorometric detection was developed to quantitatively determine residue levels of monensin, salinomycin, narasin, and lasalocid in beef liver tissue. The ionophores are extracted from the tissue, purified by both alumina and Sephadex LH-20 column chromatography, and then derivatized. Lasalocid was directly esterified with 9-anthryldiazomethane (ADAM), but monensin, salinomycin, and narasin were first acetylated with acetic anhydride and then esterified with ADAM. The ADAM derivatives were purified on a silica gel column and separated by LC using an RP C-8 5 micron column. A fluorescence detector set at 365 nm (excitation) and 418 nm (emission) was used to monitor the column effluent. The detection limits were 0.15 ppm, and the calibration curves were linear between 0.5 and 5.0 ppm for all 4 ionophores. Mean recoveries were 57, 70, 75, and 90% for lasalocid (5 ppm), monensin (2.5 ppm), salinomycin (2.5 ppm), and narasin (2.5 ppm), respectively. The ionophores were also separated and semiquantitated by using bioautography and thin layer chromatography with a vanillin spray.     

MALDI-TOF MS quantification of coccidiostats in poultry feeds

Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) is a relatively new technique that is having a great impact on analyses. This study is the first to demonstrate the use of linear MALDI-TOF MS to identify and quantify coccidiostats in poultry feeds. 2,5-Dihydroxybenzoic acid (DHB) was found to be the best matrix. In MALDI-TOF MS, coccidiostats form predominantly [M + Na](+) ions, with additional small amounts of [M + K](+) and [M - H + 2Na](+) ions, and no obvious fragment ions. Salinomycin and narasin were unstable in the concentrated DHB matrix solution but were stable when dried on the MALDI-TOF MS probe. A simple fast Sep-pak C18 cartridge purification procedure was developed for the MALDI-TOF MS quantification of coccidiostats in poultry feeds. The MALDI-TOF MS limit of detection for lasalocid, monensin, salinomycin, and narasin standards was 251, 22, 24, and 24 fmol, respectively. The method detection limit for salinomycin and narasin in poultry feeds was 2.4 microgram/g.     

Collaborative study of a spectrofluorometric method for lasalocid sodium in feeds.

A collaborative study has been completed on a spectrofluorometric method for determining lasalocid sodium in finished poultry feeds. After a brief treatment of feed samples with pH 4.7 buffer, the drug is extracted with ethyl acetate. The ethyl acetate extract is further cleaned up by treatment with HCI and NaOH and quantitatively measured by spectrofluorometry. Nonspecific fluorescence is corrected for via the lasalocid-boric acid complex. The method is rapid, sensitive, and free of interference. A number of other feed additives, including monensin and ethoxyquin, do not interfere. Nine collaborators participated in the study and agreement between laboratories was satisfactory. The average recoveries of lasalocid sodium from the mash feeds added at levels of 0.0064, 0.0080, and 0.0096% were 100, 98, and 99%, respectively, and the corresponding coefficients of variation were 12.8, 8.2, and 8.0% (all results included). The method has been adopted as official first action.     

Liquid chromatographic determination of chlortetracycline hydrochloride in ruminant and poultry/swine feeds.

A liquid chromatographic (LC) method is described for the determination of chlortetracycline hydrochloride (CTC) in poultry/swine and ruminant feeds in the 10-100 ppm range and in premix. CTC is extracted from ground feed/premix with acidified acetone, and the extract is filtered through a Millex-HV filter or disposable C18 column. The filtrate is partitioned with methylene chloride when additional cleanup is necessary. A Nova-Pak C18 column is used for LC separation with determination at 370 nm. The average recovery of CTC from premix was 95% with a standard deviation (SD) of 1.70 and a coefficient of variation (CV) of 1.79%. The overall average recovery from feeds was 77% with an SD of 3.18 and a CV of 4.10%.     

Development and validation of a lateral flow device for the detection of nicarbazin contamination in poultry feeds

Concentrations of the coccidiostat nicarbazin as low as 2 mg/kg in feed can result in violative drug residues arising in poultry liver. A lateral flow device (LFD) was developed for the detection of contaminating concentrations of nicarbazin following solvent extraction of poultry feeds. Test results, as determined by both visual and instrumental measurement, are available within minutes. For 22 feed samples, nicarbazin-free and fortified at 2 mg/kg, the % relative inhibition ranged from 0 to 45% and from 53 to 85%, respectively. Nicarbazin contamination at the critical concentration (2 mg/kg) can be determined in all cases providing the sampling is representative. A wide range of feed samples taken at a mill that incorporated nicarbazin into poultry feed were analyzed. Data generated for these samples by both the LFDs and a mass spectrometric method were compared, and a significant correlation was achieved.     

Determination of virginiamycin in feeds.

Virginiamycin was extracted from the feed by ethanol-pH 2.5 phosphate buffer (1 + 1). The pH during extraction was adjusted (when necessary) to between 4 and 5. Sample dilutions and the standard dose response line were prepared to contain ethanol pH 6 phosphate buffer (2 + 8), and the test organism was Sarcina lutea. Three feeds (a poultry ration, a swine finishing ration, and a swine starter ration) showed virginiamycin recovery of 88.8--108.9% when standard solutions were added at concentrations of 4.54--90.8 g/ton. The coefficient of variation (4--20%) was larger for low potency feeds (10 g/ton) compared to the higher feeds (100 g/ton). Similarly, excellent recovery was obtained when the swine starter feed was fortified by a commercial premix. Amprolium, roxarsone, and monensin can be present at 20 times the concentration of virginiamycin with little or no interference in the antibiotic determination. Lasalocid at 10 times the concentration of virginiamycin caused a slightly positive bias (recovery, 107.4%).     

Liquid chromatographic determination of oxfendazole in swine feeds

A relatively simple analytical method is presented for determination of oxfendazole (2-(methoxycarbonylamino)-5-phenylsulfinyl-benzimidazole) at levels as low as 0.012% in swine feeds, using cation exchange liquid chromatography (LC). The sample was extracted with a solvent mixture of methanol-glacial acetic acid (90 + 10) at 45 degrees C, using a gyrorotory shaker. Plant pigments and other feed excipients were removed using zinc acetate treatment and pH-controlled extraction. Oxfendazole was further separated from the remaining interferences and quantitatively determined by LC on a Partisil SCX column with acetonitrile-0.01M phosphate buffer as mobile phase. The method is stability-specific, linear, precise, and accurate at 80-120% labeled strength (relative standard deviation 0.9-1.7 with mean recovery of 98-99%). Supporting data at a level of 0.0135% oxfendazole in swine feed indicated that this method is capable of complete recovery of oxfendazole from medicated swine feeds.     

Comparison of two immunochemical methods with thin-layer chromatographic methods for determination of aflatoxins

Three different methods were compared for the determination of total flatoxins in corn and peanuts naturally contaminated with aflatoxins and in corn, peanuts, cottonseed, peanut butter, and poultry feed spiked with aflatoxins B1, B2, and G1. The 3 methods were an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) screening test; a monoclonal antibody-affinity column-solid-phase separation method; and the AOAC official thin-layer chromatography (TLC) methods for all except poultry feed, for which Shannon's TLC method for mixed feed was used. The ELISA test is designed to provide only positive results for total aflatoxins at greater than or equal to 20 ng/g or negative results at less than 20 ng/g. The affinity column separation is coupled with either bromination solution fluorometry to estimate total aflatoxins or liquid chromatography (LC) to quantitate individual aflatoxins. Fluorodensitometry was used to determine aflatoxins in commodities analyzed by the TLC methods. The LC and TLC results were in good agreement for all the analyses. The results for the affinity column using bromination solution fluorometry were similar except those for cottonseed, which were about 60% higher. The ELISA screening method correctly identified naturally contaminated corn and peanut positive samples. No false positives were found for controls. The correct response for spiked corn, raw peanuts, peanut butter, and cottonseed at greater than or equal to 20 ng aflatoxins/g was about 90%. The correct response for spiked poultry feed at greater than or equal to 20 ng aflatoxins/g was about 50%.     

Determinations of residual furazolidone and its metabolite, 3-amino-2-oxazolidinone (AOZ), in fish feeds by HPLC-UV and LC-MS/MS, respectively

The antibacterial drug furazolidone belonging to the group of nitrofuran antibacterial agents has been widely used as an antibacterial and antiprotozoal feed additive for poultry, cattle, and farmed fish in China. During application a large proportion of the administered drug may reach the environment directly or via feces. Although the use of furazolidone is prohibited in numerous countries, there are indications of its illegal use. It is known that furazolidone can be rapidly metabolized to 3-amino-2-oxazolidinone (AOZ) in the body of the target organism. In this study, a total of 21 fish feed samples, including 17 commercial fish feeds from local markets in China (representing 15 different formulations) and 4 fish feeds obtained from Germany and Turkey, respectively, are analyzed to determine whether the drug is still illegally used or commercially available feeds are contaminated by this drug. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS/MS) methods have been implemented to determine furazolidone and its metabolite AOZ in fish feeds containing animal protein, respectively. An efficient and convenient cleanup method for the determination of furazolidone in fish feeds is developed, and a simple cleanup method for the determination of AOZ is used. Method recoveries for samples used were determined as 87.7-98.3% for furazolidone at two spike levels of 2.0 and 5.0 ng g-1 and as 95.6-102.8% for AOZ at spike levels of 0.4 and 0.8 ng g-1. Limits of detections were 0.4 ng g-1 for furazolidone and 0.05 ng g-1 for AOZ. The established methods are therefore suitable for the determination of furazolidone and its metabolite AOZ in fish feeds at trace contamination levels. Using the established methods, all fish feed samples have been proved to be furazolidone negative; however, AOZ is tested in 16 of 17 fish feeds obtained from local markets in the Hubei province of China, with a positive rate as high as 94.1%.     

Determination of neomycin in animal tissues, using ion-pair liquid chromatography with fluorometric detection

A liquid chromatographic (LC) method is described for the determination of neomycin in animal tissues. Tissues are homogenized in 0.2M potassium phosphate buffer (pH 8.0); the homogenate is centrifuged, and the supernate is heated to precipitate the protein. The heat-deproteinated extract is acidified to pH 3.5-4 and directly analyzed by LC. The LC method consists of an ion-pairing mobile phase, a reverse phase ODS column, post-column derivatization with o-phthalaldehyde reagent, and fluorometric detection. The LC method uses paromomycin as an internal standard, and separates neomycin from streptomycin or dihydrostreptomycin because they have different retention times. The LC column separates neomycin in 25 min; the detection limit is about 3.5 ng neomycin. The overall recovery of neomycin from kidney tissues spiked at 1-30 ppm was 96% with a 9.0% coefficient of variation. The method was also applied to muscle tissue.     

Liquid chromatographic determination of zoalene in medicated feeds

A rapid, reliable separation and quantitation of zoalene (3,5-dinitro-o-toluamide) from feeds is accomplished by using reverse phase liquid chromatography (LC) and ultraviolet detection. An extraction technique which is similar to the present AOAC official colorimetric method is used before chromatographic analysis. This extraction is followed by an activated alumina cleanup and LC to separate zoalene from feed matrix. The methodology was applied to a variety of spiked feed matrices, and yielded good recoveries. Liquid chromatographic results were shown to correlate with colorimetric determinations.     

Determination of ochratoxin A in animal feed and cereal grains by liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection

A liquid chromatographic (LC) method is described for determination of ochratoxin A in animal feeds and cereal grains. Samples are initially extracted with chloroform-ethanol (8 + 2) and 5% acetic acid in water. Extracts are purified using a silica gel cartridge followed by a cyano cartridge. The samples are evaporated, diluted to a known volume, and analyzed using a 10 cm column of 3 micron C18 and a fluorescence detector. The method was applied to a variety of animal feeds and cereal grains at levels of 1.0-0.005 ppm added ochratoxin A. The overall recovery was 90.6% +/- 3.6.     

Liquid chromatographic determination of carbadox in complete feeds, premixes, and concentrates: interlaboratory study

A liquid chromatographic (LC) method previously published for the determination of carbadox in finished feeds and premixes was slightly modified and tested in an interlaboratory study. The feed samples are extracted with methanol-acetonitrile (50 + 50) after wetting with water. The extracts are purified over a short alumina column. An aliquot of the eluate is analyzed with reverse phase liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection. Before the actual interlaboratory study, a prestudy with 2 familiarization feed samples was performed. For the interlaboratory study, 2 series of meal and pelleted samples were prepared with carbadox from different suppliers. Eight collaborating laboratories received 6 feed samples previously milled and ground and 4 pelleted samples which had to be ground by the collaborator's in-house method. Collaborators also received 3 carbadox concentrates (about 10% w/w) and 4 premix samples derived from the concentrates (about 1% w/w). Coefficients of variation under reproducibility conditions were 8.3% for meal samples and 4.9% for pellets. A minor but significant effect was noted for the influence of pelleting temperature on the carbadox content. A minor and insignificant effect was observed for the influence of the milling and grinding procedure on the carbadox content. Alumina cleanup of 1% premixes was not essential, although the resulting chromatograms were cleaner. A slight difference in reproducibility was observed with concentrates (10%) when 0.2 or 0.5 g sample size was used, although the average carbadox concentration found was the same. For premixes and concentrates, coefficients of variation under reproducibility conditions were low, ranging from 2.9 to 7.5%.     

Identification and semiquantitation of monensin sodium in animal feeds by thin layer bioautography

A bioautographic technique for the determination of monensin sodium contamination in animal feeds is described. The feeds are extracted in aqueous methanol and the initial monensin extracts are isolated by filtration through an alumina column. These eluates are partitioned between 5% NaCl and methylene chloride, and are further purified through a Sephadex LH-20 column. A 10 mL eluate containing the monensin is collected from the Sephadex column and evaporated, and the residue is dissolved in methylene chloride. Aliquots are spotted on a thin layer plate and monensin is detected by a thin layer bioautographic technique, using Bacillus subtilis as the test organism. The reliable limit of sensitivity is 100 ppb, but 10 ppb can be detected. This technique can be used to semiquantitate monensin by comparing the zones of inhibition of unknown test samples against monensin standards.     

Liquid chromatographic determination of morantel tartrate in cattle feed

A liquid chromatographic (LC) method is proposed for measuring 0.485-0.970% morantel tartrate in cattle feeds. The drug is leached from feed, diluted, separated from interfering substances on a silica column, and measured in the effluent stream by 313 nm spectrophotometric detection. Two potential degradation products, i.e., cis-isomer of morantel tartrate and N-(3-methylaminopropyl)-trans-3-(3-methyl-2-thienyl)acrylamide, and a related anthelmintic, i.e., pyrantel tartrate, do not interfere. Average recovery of drug from liquid spiked samples and laboratory blends was 98-100% with a maximum coefficient of variation (CV) of 2.3%. Results for pelleted and crumbled commercial scale feeds ranged from 94 to 102% of label claim, with a maximum CV of 1.5%.     

Liquid chromatographic determination of monensin in chicken tissues with fluorometric detection and confirmation by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry

An accurate, sensitive method is described for the determination of monensin residue in chicken tissues by liquid chromatography (LC), in which monensin is derivatized with a fluorescent labeling reagent, 9-anthryldiazomethane (ADAM), to enable fluorometric detection. Samples are extracted with methanol-water (8 + 2), the extract is partitioned between CHCl3 and water, and the CHCl3 layer is cleaned up by silica gel column chromatography. Free monensin, obtained by treatment with phosphate buffer solution (pH 3) at 0 degrees C, is derivatized with ADAM and passed through a disposable silica cartridge. Monensin-ADAM is identified and quantitated by normal phase LC using fluorometric detection. The detection limit is 1 ppb in chicken tissues. Recoveries were 77.6 +/- 1.8% at 1 ppm, 56.7 +/- 7.1% at 100 ppb, and 46.5 +/- 3.7% at 10 ppb fortification levels in chicken. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry is capable of confirming monensin methyl ester tris trimethylsilyl ether in samples containing residues greater than 5 ppm.     

Rapid time-resolved fluoroimmunoassay for the screening of narasin and salinomycin residues in poultry and eggs

Anticoccidial drugs are extensively used in the poultry industry to control the infection of the single-cell protozoa of the genus Eimeria. The most commonly used coccidiostats in poultry are the polyether ionophores such as narasin and salinomycin. This paper presents a rapid and simple method for the screening of residues of these two coccidiostatic compounds in poultry and eggs. The method is based on time-resolved fluoroimmunoassay. Sample preparation of eggs consists only of one extraction and evaporation step, and a solid phase extraction step is needed only for the muscle sample preparation. Mean recoveries were 91.0% from muscle tissue and 81.1% from eggs for both narasin and salinomycin. The performance of the assay was evaluated only for narasin because salinomycin had a cross-reactivity of 100% in the assay, and the recoveries of the compounds were not significantly different (P >0.05). The limits of detection [mean + 3 x standard deviation (SD)] of narasin were 0.56 and 0.28 microg/kg, and the limits of quantification (mean + 9 x SD) were 1.80 and 0.57 microg/kg for muscle and eggs, respectively. The coefficients of variation (CV) of the interassay precision of the method, evaluated by five replicate analyses of muscle samples spiked with 2 microg/kg of narasin and egg samples spiked with 1 microg/kg of narasin, were 4.1 and 6.4%, respectively. The CVs of intra-assay precision tests, determined by 10 replicate analyses at the above-mentioned concentration levels, were 3.8 and 4.5%, respectively.     

Determination of ergosterol in cereals, mixed feed components, and mixed feeds by liquid chromatography

A sensitive, rapid, reproducible, and reliable liquid chromatographic (LC) method is described for determination of ergosterol in feedstuffs. The sample is saponified directly and the saponified mixture is extracted with n-hexane. Ergosterol is determined without further purification or cleanup steps by using a liquid chromatograph with a 250 X 4.6 mm column packed with LiChrosorb Si 60, 5 microns, and a high pressure column prefilter. The ultraviolet detector is set at 282 nm. The limit of detection was 0.1 ppm; recovery ranged between 96.7 and 102.2%. Diode array technology is used for identification and peak purity control. Under strong UV irradiation (254 nm) and oxygen or nitrogen atmosphere ergosterol was converted almost quantitatively to ergocalciferol. Under the described conditions of the method, ergosterol proved to be stable. Ergosterol was determined in cereals, mixed feeds (e.g., for swine and poultry), and their components of plant and animal origin. It was not found in carcass meal, meat-and-bone meal, citrus pulps, or molasses; only traces were detected in fish meal.     

Near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy enables the fast and accurate prediction of the essential amino acid contents in soy, rapeseed meal, sunflower meal, peas, fishmeal, meat meal products, and poultry meal

Near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) calibrations were developed to enable the accurate and fast prediction of the total contents of methionine, cystine, lysine, threonine, tryptophan, and other essential amino acids, protein, and moisture in the most important protein-rich feed ingredients. More than 1000 samples of global origin collected over four years were analyzed on amino acids following the official methods of the United States and the European Union. Detailed data and graphics are given to characterize the obtained calibration equations. NIRS was validated with independent samples for soy and meat meal products and compared to the amino acid predictions using linear crude protein regressions. With a few exceptions, validation showed that 85-98% of the amino acid variance in the samples could be explained using NIRS. NIRS predictions compared to reference results agree excellently, with relative mean deviations below 5%. Especially for meat and poultry meals, NIRS can predict amino acids much better than crude protein regressions. By enabling the amino acid analysis of many samples to be completed in a short time, NIRS can improve the accuracy of feed formulation and thus the quality and production costs of mixed feeds.     

Rapid automated turbidimetric assay for chlortetracycline hydrochloride, using Leuconostoc mesenteroides as the test organism.

A rapid turbidimetric assay has been developed for chlortetracycline hydrochloride (CTC-HCl) in finished animal feeds and feed supplements, using Leuconostoc mesenteroides as the test organism. Two modifications are presented: The incubation period of modification 1 is 2.5 hr and the sensitivity of the assay is 0.03 microgram CTC-HCl/assay tube. Modification 2 has a sensitivty of 0.01 microgram CTC-HCl/assay tube and requires an incubation period of 3.5 hr. For 21 feed formulations, the turbidimetric method recovered 95.7% of label claim. Recoveries of CTC-HCl standards from the same feeds ranged from 93.4 to 134% with a mean of 103%. The relative standard deviation among day-to-day duplicates is 3.50% for the faster modification and 1.63% for the more sensitive modification.