Application of 1D 1H NMR for fast non-targeted screening and compositional analysis of steroid cocktails and veterinary drug formulations administered to livestock

A fast non-targeted strategy is described for analysis of formulations—meant for administration to live stock—containing growth-promoting agents or veterinary drugs. The use of 1 H NMR as a first step universal screening method is applied and used in routine analysis. The implementation of this approach has increased the analysis efficiency considerably. Apart from screening on illegal compounds, 1 H NMR information on matrix and thus, indirectly, administration mode, can be present. An ever-growing 1 H NMR database is used containing more than 200 reference substances. Based on the 1 H NMR screening, decisions for further analysis can be made, such as for instance HPLC fractionation of steroid cocktails and subsequent 1 H NMR (and LC–MS) analysis. Examples of unravelling formulations are given in detail including a steroid cocktail containing 15 compounds.