Zearalenone Determination in Forages and Feeds

Quantitative determination of Zearalenone by LC-MS/MS
Zearalenone causes fertility disruption and hyper-oestrogenic activity. It can also cause enlargement of the uterus, rectal and vaginal prolapse, abortions, infertility, foetal loss syndrome and poor foal growth.

Taking a representative sample:
The analytical result is only as good as the sample submitted for analysis. Collecting a representative sample is the first step of the analytical procedure.
Hay & Haylage: Different types, cuttings or lots should be analysed separately. Take at least a handful from at least 5 bales selected at random. Combine all the samples and submit as one sample for analysis. The sample should weigh at least 100g.
Grass: Randomly select between 15 –20 sites on a ‘W’ formation across the field where the animals have been grazing and clip at grazing height. Combine in a clean plastic bucket and mix. Take at least 500g and pack tightly in a plastic bag and submit sample as fresh as possible.
Grains & Mixed Feeds: Bulk loads: Randomly collect around 10 samples as the grain is discharged and combine in a clean plastic bucket. Submit at least 500 g for analysis. Bags: collect grab samples from as many different areas of the bag(s) as possible, mixing if possible to ensure a good representative sample is taken. Submit at least 100g for analysis

Sample Requirement Turnaround Time Price Sample Form Laboratory Species
Representative sample in a large ziplock bag 10 days €50.00 Nutrition Quality request form Environment & Nutrition All

Reference Ranges

Recommended upper limit: 100 µg/kg for breeding stock
200 µg/kg for non-breeding stock
*As per IEC recommendation

Related test(s)

Fungal count and enumeration, nutritional analysis, mycooxin analysis, NOPS Screening

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