Determination of Ionophore Antibiotics in Food Animals by Thin- Layer Chromatography Method

INTRODUCTION Ionophore antibiotics are widely used in veterinary medicine as anticoccidial drugs for poultry and as growth promoters for farm animals. The ionophores, despite their utility, possess a narrow range of safety; several species (horses in particular) appear highly susceptible to the toxic effects of these compounds, compared to other animal species. Thin layer chromatography method is more sensitive, economic and exact for monitoring low amounts of different chemical compounds. The purpose of this study was to apply a thin layer chromatography (TLC) method to identify ionophore antibiotic residues in feeds according to harmonized protocols (FA VII).