Animal Metabolism Studies

Metabolism studies are conducted to determine the nature of residues and the test substance’s metabolic pathways in animals. We work with partners to design and plan every detail of a study to best meet the product development and/or regulatory compliance needs.  Our GLP-compliant studies range from preliminary tests to determining the uptake of 14C radiolabelled agrochemicals and metabolite profiles.  The analytical phase of metabolism studies is performed in our laboratories by expert and experienced staff. Total radioactive residue, extractions, matrix clean up, isolations, and characterisation/radio profiles of the incurred residue are tailored and performed to satisfy routine as well as complex projects with exceptional care and quality. Elucidating the structure of novel metabolites is often technically challenging and requires the attention of experienced metabolic chemists. Our laboratories contain advanced chromatographic and mass spectrometry equipment including NMR, LC-Tof, LC-Qtof and LC-Orbitrap which provide an efficient metabolite profiling and identification service.

Working with us:

• Our studies will determine the nature of your products’ residues and metabolic pathways in animals as well as assess the potential for their accumulation and metabolism in soil residue – providing the reliable data you need to make product development decisions.
• We can help you at every stage of the process, from requirements assessment and study design to execution and dossier development. We can perform single studies for product registration and complex, customised projects to meet your unique requirements. 
  
• We have extensive in vitro and in vivo experience and can accurately isolate, identify and characterise known and unknown metabolites in tissues and excreta.
  

Services and capabilities

Livestock facilities

Our ability to use commercial farm scale trials, environmental risk assessments and both laboratory and field studies allows us to work with most livestock species. Such livestock include cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, rabbits and poultry.

Radio-analytical capability

We use radio-HPLC, radio-LC-MS/MS, radio-TLC, LSC, bio-imaging and combustion analysis to quantify residues and identify metabolites. 

Veterinary medicine:

• VICH GL 46 – Metabolism and residue kinetics.
• VICH GL 47 – Laboratory animal comparative metabolism.
• VICH GL 48 – Marker residue depletion.

Feed additives

• EFSA guidance for establishing the safety of additives for the consumer.