Feed additives in animal nutrition: Quantification of a new adrenergic drug by hyphenated techniques

• Published in: Journal of separation science 2003-04, Vol.26 (5), p.363-368
• Main Authors: Bocca, Beatrice, Cartoni, Claudia, Mattia, Michela Di, Fiori, Maurizio, Felli, Marialinda, Neri, Bruno, Russo, Mario Vincenzo, Brambilla, Gianfranco
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Beta-agonists; Biological and medical sciences; Feed additives; Feed and pet food industries; Food industries; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Gas chromatography; Mass spectrometry; Zilpaterol
• ISSN: 1615-9306; 1615-9314
• DOI: 10.1002/jssc.200390045

Zilpaterol, (±)‐trans‐4,5,6,7‐tetrahydro‐7‐hydroxy‐6‐(isopropylamino) imidazo [4,5,1‐jk]‐[1]benzazepin‐2(1H)‐one, is an adrenergic agonist drug licensed in Mexico and South Africa as feed additive for cattle at slaughter age. In contrast, the EU legislative framework prohibits the use of beta‐agonists as growth promoters to produce lean meat. In this study, the compound was quantified as its TMS derivative both by gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (GC‐MS) with a quadrupole detector (QUADR) and by GC‐MS/MS with an ion trap detector (ITD), in Electron Impact (EI) ionization. Subsequently, an extraction and clean‐up procedure for the identification of Zilpaterol in commercial feeds was set up. Different extraction solvents and matrices were considered for their influence on Zilpaterol yield. The analytical method led to good recoveries and limits of detection and quantification in feeds well below the 5–20 μg/g dose proposed for animal nutrition.