Abstract
In this study samples of feedstuffs were collected from different feed mills and animal farms located in central Italy and analyzed for ionophore coccidiostat residues at carry-over levels by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Since unavoidable cross-contamination of feedstuffs may occur during their production as well as distribution and storage, the collection of samples covered all these different stages. Residues of lasalocid, monensin, salinomycin and maduramicin were detected in 32.4% of samples, both at production and storage level. The maximum content for unavoidable carry-over set by Regulation (EU) No 574/2011 was exceeded in 11.3% of samples. The variability of the results highlighted the different approach of each investigated feed business operator to avoid any cross-contamination in non-target feed. The method developed in this study can be able to detect ionophore coccidiostats at low concentrations consequent to carry-over.
Highlights
Coccidiostats are pharmacologically active substances intended to kill or inhibit protozoa of the genus Eimeria causing a disease of the gastrointestinal tract in many farmed animals, such as chickens, turkeys, cattle, pigs, sheep and rabbits
In this study 71 feedstuffs were collected following Regulation (CE) No 152/2009 [18] amended by Regulation (EU) No 691/2013 [19] regarding the methods of sampling and analysis, and analyzed for the regulatory ionophore coccidiostats in the frame of official controls carried out during the years 2011–2015
The sampling of feedstuffs aimed at investigating the potential carry-over as reported by Regulation (EU) No 574/2011 during different stages of the feed chain, and it was carried out as follows: 26 and 16 samples were taken in the animal farms stored in unopened bags or bulk, respectively; 11 samples were collected directly from the manger or the feed distribution container; the remaining 18 samples were taken in feed mills from feedstuff lots produced just after the production of lots in which the addition of monensin was authorized for target species (S1 File)
Summary
Coccidiostats are pharmacologically active substances intended to kill or inhibit protozoa of the genus Eimeria causing a disease of the gastrointestinal tract in many farmed animals, such as chickens, turkeys, cattle, pigs, sheep and rabbits. The mechanism of action of monovalent ionophores is based on entrapping monovalent metal cations (preferably sodium or potassium) and forming neutrally charged metal complexes, that can pass through prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell membranes [3,4], whereas lasalocid can directly translocate bivalent ions, such as calcium. These complexes can disrupt the normal trans-membrane ion gradient, causing energy reduction and cellular necrosis, which occurs primarily in cardiac and peripheral muscle cells [5]. Clinical signs of acute rhabdomyolysis have been observed in acute intoxications with monensin and other ionophoric compounds both in animals and humans [6]
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