Simultaneous analysis of spectinomycin, halquinol, zilpaterol, and melamine in feedingstuffs by ion-pair liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry

A method for the simultaneous analysis of veterinary drug residues (spectinomycin, halquinol, and zilpaterol) and contaminants (melamine) in feedingstuffs by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry was developed. Method performance for all analytes was evaluated by reversed-phase liquid chromatography, reversed-phase with altered chemical equilibrium, and hydrophilic interaction (HILIC) as chromatographic modes. Validation was in accordance to Commission Decision 657/2002/CE, by considering the best chromatographic approach. Ion-pair liquid chromatography with C18 as stationary phase led to the lowest random uncertainties, effective analyte separation and shorter time of analysis. Low precision deviations and good recovery rates were obtained and thus method reliability and sensitivity could be consolidated. Method applicability was evaluated by the analysis of samples of feedingstuffs, such as cattle, pig, and poultry feeds, feed ingredients of both animal and vegetable origins, and mineral feeds. Some samples showed quantifiable concentrations of halquinol and zilpaterol, reinforcing the importance of this new analytical control method.