HORMONE AND ANABOLICS DETECTION

Hormones and Anabolics

Hormones are endogenous biochemical messengers which are transported through the bloodstream to their target organs. Besides natural sex hormones, synthetic steroids and beta-agonists can be used in livestock breeding to improve the average weight gain and the meat/fat-ratio. As a result of inappropriate or illegal use, residues in food of animal origin such as meat or milk may occur and bear a direct health risk to consumers. Additionally, the entry of hormonal active substances into surface and ground water by manure can have an impact on aquatic ecosystems. Through drinking water and fish consumption, hormone residues could also re-enter the food chain.

In the European Union, the use of hormones and anabolic steroids as growth-promoting substances in animal breeding is completely banned and residues are monitored under surveillance programs (Directives 96/22/EC, 2008/97/EC and 2003/74/EC). However, the therapeutic use of certain hormones for veterinary purposes is permitted. In contrast, outside of Europe, hormones and anabolics can be legally used as fattening agents, because the local authorities assessed their usage as risk-free.

Androgens

Androgens are natural or synthetic steroid hormones that stimulate or control the development of male characteristics. The group of androgens include testosterone, methyl testosterone, 19 nordtesterone, and Trenbolone. If animals are treated with androgens, drug residues may remain in the animal’s meat and milk. Testosterone and methyltestosterone are similar steroid hormone used to boost meat production. Methyltestosterone is also used by fish farmers to reverse sex and obtain fast growing all male population.19 nordtestosterone is comparable to testosterone but has lesser male characteristics. This is often used for calf fattening and in male pigs. Trenbolone is a xenobiotic, efficient anabolic steroid with strong androgenic activity. Genotoxic activity of this substance is suspected. This is used to increase muscle growth and is banned in the EU. Our test systems can reliably detect androgen residues.

Estrogens

Estrogens (or Oestrogens) are primary female sex hormones and play an important role in the regulation of the reproductive system, such as ovulation, fertilization, implantation of the embryo and lactation. They can be produced synthetically and are used as a medication. Some estrogens are used as steroids. Common estrogens are diethylstilbestrol, Estradiol, Ethinylestradiol and zeranol. The agent zeranol (a-Zearalanol) is derived from the mycotoxin zearalenone. It is used to increase the food conversion of ruminants. Zeranol possess three times the estrogenic activity of zearalenone and is known to cause hypertension, reduced fertility and developmental disorder in humans. This compound is banned in the EU. If animals are treated with estrogens, drug residues may remain in the animal’s meat and milk. Our reliable test systems can detect estrogen residues.

Gestagens

Gestagens (also known as progestogens or Progestagens) are female sex hormones and is a class of steroid hormones. They are sometimes used as growth promoters in livestock. When animals are treated with Gestagens, drug residues may remain in the animal’s meat and milk. Types of Gestagens are Acetyl Gestagens and Melengestrol Acetate (MLGA) Gestagens, Chlormadinone Acetate (CMA) or Medroxyprogesterone Acetate (MPA) MLGA accumulates in fat 200 times more than in blood plasma. If given parenterally, the hormonal activity is 125 times that of progesterone. Melengestrol Acetate (MLGA) is a licensed growth promoter in the US and Canada but banned in the EU.

B-Agonists

Β-Agonists are synthetic derivatives of catecholamines. It is used as a medication and for livestock improvement. Growth is accelerated and the meat fat ratio improves. Types of Β-Agonists include clenbuterol and ractopamine. When used as a fattening agent, clenbuterol is used at 5-10 times their usual dosages. Rectopamine reduces fat increase daily weight gain and improves the feed conversion ratio. When Β-Agonists are used drug residues remain in the meat and milk and are risk factors for consumers.

ELISA - RIDASCREEN^® and EuroProxima

RIDASCREEN® and EuroProxima from R-Biopharm Indonesia based on enzyme immunoassay for quantitative analysis of hormones and anabolics.

Benefits:

Quantitative result
High sensitivity and specificity
Fast and reliable

Parameters:

Clenbuterol, β-Agonists, Zeranol, Trenbolon, Testosteron, Ractopamin, Methyltestosteron, Melengestrolacetat, Ethinylostradiol, DES, Acetylgestagene, 19-Nortestosteron, 17β-Östradiol.