Nicarbazin is authorized for use as a feed additive for the production of feeding stuffs for target animal species. However, the production of feed containing nicarbazin can result in cross-contamination to feeding stuffs for non-target animal species.
BS EN 15782 is a standard that serves technical specifications for determining nicarbazin in animal feeds, enabling the prevention of feed contamination.
It specifies a method for the determination of additive use of nicarbazin in animal feeding stuffs and premixtures (maximum concentration 2.5% nicarbazin) using high-performance liquid chromatography. Nicarbazin is a 1:1 equimolar mixture of 4,4’-dinitrocarbanilide (DNC) and 4,6-dimethyl-2-pyriminol (HDP). Nicarbazin is generally determined by using DNC as the target compound.
In BS EN 15782 method, the DNC moiety of nicarbazin is detected. BS EN 15782 specifies the limit of quantification as 20 mg/kg and the limit of detection as 0.5 mg/kg.
Note 1: A lower limit of quantitation may be achievable but should be validated by the user.
BS EN 15782 on nicarbazin in animal feeds applies to:
Nicarbazin is a coccidiostat that is used to fatten hens. It's also used to control the population of geese and pigeons as a contraceptive. In animal feeds, it is essential to ensure that the nicarbazin content is within the safe prescribed limits for animal consumption.
BS EN 15782 provides users guidance on the High-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) method to determine nicarbazin. It also provides users with a step-by-step procedure for the method, enabling users to do the method correctly.
BS EN 15782 provides users guidance on principle, reagents, apparatus, sampling, sample preparation, procedure, calculation, expression of results, precision and test report, ensuring the safety of the feeds.
With compliance to BS EN 15782, users can develop and assess animal feeds, enabling users to limit and prevent the presence of nicarbazin in animal feeds that complies with regulatory requirements.
EN 15782:2009