Beta-agonists have chemical structures, similar to the naturally occurring catecholamines, adrenaline and noradrenaline. They were originally produced for the treatment of respiratory diseases such as asthma. Beta-agonists facilitate the use of fats rather than glucose as a fuel source. Therefore, meat production is increased while fat deposition is inhibited. This improves the meat: fat ratio of animals and leads to the production of higher quality meat at lower cost. There is a risk that residues of Beta-agonists may be present in meat products, which may be harmful to the consumer. The use of Beta-agonists as growth promoters has been banned in most countries. Consequently, it is important that abuse of these compounds is monitored.
| Assay | LOD (ppb) | Compound | %CR** | %CR*** |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beta Agonists | 0.30 (Urine) | Clenbuterol Cimbuterol Salbutamol Tulobuterol Bromochlorbuterol Brombuterol Carbuterol Mabuterol Clenpenterol Terbutaline Mapenterol Pirbuterol Penbutolol Cimaterol Clenproperol Clorprenaline Hydroxymethyl Clenbuterol | 87.00 109.00 100.00 84.00 75.00 65.00 49.00 43.00 29.00 29.00 26.00 24.00 5.00 4.00 4.00 1.70 0.90 | 100.00 125.00 115.00 97.00 86.00 75.00 56.00 50.00 33.00 33.00 30.00 28.00 6.00 5.00 5.00 2.00 1.00 |