Cyromazine Determination in Poultry based Animal Feedstuffs by HPLC/DAD using QuEChERS Methodology

The extensive and uncontrolled use of the larvicide cyromazine used for the control of fly species in poultry operations may lead to residues in poultry based products as well as in higher melamine levels because of the in vivo metabolism of cyromazine. This has already caused the death of cats and dogs and therefore the tolerable daily intake has been re-evaluated by legislation authorities. The aim of this study was to develop a validated HPLC method for the determination of cyromazine in commercial poultry based animal feedstuffs. Solid phase dispersion applying the QuEChERS approach was used. Chromatographic analysis was performed by an Inertsil ODS -3 analytical column (5 μm, 250 × 4 mm) using a mobile phase of MeOH – H2O (60-40% v/v), delivered isocratically. Cyromazine was detected at 220 nm. Validation was performed in terms of linearity, sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, repeatability and stability. The LOD of the method was found at 0.03 mg / kg, the LOQ was found 0.1 mg / kg, while the linearity extends up to 10 mg / kg. Absolute recovery achieved by the proposed methodology was 78 (±3) %. Several samples from the local market were examined, however no cyromazine residues were identified.