Drug Screen – Beta Agonists in Hair or Feathers (LC/MS)

Detection of beta-agonist drugs in hair, wool, or feathers by liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry. Targets include clenbuterol, ractopamine, zilpaterol, bambuterol, and albuterol.

Equine: Quarter inch diameter of mane (preferred), tail, or body hair with the roots/follicles intact.

Cattle, Sheep, or Goat: Collect enough hair such that the total amount when bunched is approximately 2 cm in diameter. Avian species: 10 broiler feathers or 6 turkey feathers.

Equine: Approximately 1/4-inch in diameter of mane (preferred), tail, and/or body hair should be submitted for testing. Hair should be pulled, not cut, ensuring the roots/follicles remain intact. Strands of hair can be pulled from multiple locations of the same source (i.e., mane) in order to achieve the required amount. If collecting multiple samples, use new disposable gloves each time. Wash hands between each collection if gloves are not worn.

Cattle, Sheep, or Goat: Hair from the pastern, fetlock, or tail is recommended. Hair may be collected from multiple locations and combined to ensure sufficient sample size. If necessary, dry the hair with a paper towel prior to cutting. Clean clippers or scissors with a disinfectant wipe prior to use, between each animal, and after the final collection. Cut the hair as close to the skin as possible using clippers or scissors.Feathers: avoid exposure to direct sunlight. 

Sealed, leak-proof plastic bag or container closed with security tape. 

Store samples dry at room temperature and protected from light. 

View TVMDL’s Equine Hair Sample Preparation, Collecting Hair for Livestock Show Testing, or Feather Sample Collection Preparation handouts to learn more about sample collection and packaging. 

Samples must be received in the testing lab / location by 3:30 p.m., otherwise samples will be held until the next scheduled test day.