Detecting animal by-product intake using stable isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS). (November 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: da Silva, D.A.F.; Biscola, N.P.; dos Santos, L.D.; Sartori, M.M.P.; Denadai, J.C.; da Silva, E.T.; Ducatti, C.; Bicudo, S.D.; Barraviera, B.; Ferreira, R.S.
• Is Part Of: Veterinary journal. Volume 217(2016)
• Page Start: 119
• Page End: 125
• Publication Date: 2016-11
• Subjects: Animal by-product intake -- Stable isotopes -- δ13C value -- δ15N value -- Sheep; Veterinary medicine -- Periodicals; 636
• DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2016.10.002
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1090-0233

Abstract

Highlights: Assessment of serum δ 13 C and δ 15 N allowed dietary animal protein to be tracked. Animal by-product intake was detected using stable isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS). IRMS proved to be biologically and economically relevant for the veterinary field. IRMS was a high sensitivity, resolution, low cost, fast detection test to track or point-assess animal feed. Abstract: Sheep are used in many countries as food and for manufacturing bioproducts. However, when these animals consume animal by-products (ABP), which is widely prohibited, there is a risk of transmitting scrapie – a fatal prion disease in human beings. Therefore, it is essential to develop sensitive methods to detect previous ABP intake to select safe animals for producing biopharmaceuticals. We used stable isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS) for 13 C and 15 N to trace animal proteins in the serum of three groups of sheep: 1 – received only vegetable protein (VP) for 89 days; 2 – received animal and vegetable protein (AVP); and 3 – received animal and vegetable protein with animal protein subsequently removed (AVPR). Groups 2 and 3 received diets with 30% bovine meat and bone meal (MBM) added to a vegetable diet (from days 16–89 in the AVP group and until day 49 in the AVPR group, when MBM was removed). The AVPR group showed 15 N equilibrium 5 days after MBM removal (54th day). Conversely, 15 N equilibrium in the AVP group occurred 22 days later (76th day). The half-life differed between these groups by 3.55 days. In the AVPR group, 15 N elimination required 53 days, which was similar to this isotope's incorporation time. Turnover was determined based on natural 15 N signatures. IRMS followed by turnover calculations was used to evaluate the time period for the incorporation and elimination of animal protein in sheep serum. The δ 13 C and δ 15 N values were used to track animal protein in the diet. This method is biologically and economically relevant for the veterinary field because it can track protein over time or make a point assessment of animal feed with high sensitivity and resolution, providing a low-cost analysis coupled with fast detection. Isotopic profiles could be measured throughout the experimental period, demonstrating the potential to use the method for traceability and certification assessments.