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Ergovaline stability in tall fescue based on sample handling and storage methods
Krista Lea1, Lori Smith2, Cynthia Gaskill2
1Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, University of Kentucky Lexington, KY, USA.
Frontiers in Chemistry
|September 25, 2014
Summary
Proper handling and storage are crucial for accurate ergovaline testing in tall fescue. Transporting samples on ice immediately after harvest ensures stability, while freezing at -20°C is recommended if same-day analysis isn't feasible.
Area of Science:
- Agricultural Science
- Veterinary Science
- Analytical Chemistry
Background:
- Ergovaline, an ergot alkaloid from Neotyphodium coenophialum in tall fescue, causes livestock health issues.
- Ergovaline is known for its instability and susceptibility to various environmental factors.
- Accurate quantification of ergovaline is essential for managing livestock health risks associated with tall fescue consumption.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of different sample handling and storage conditions on ergovaline stability in tall fescue.
- To identify optimal methods for preserving ergovaline integrity from harvest to analysis.
- To provide recommendations for field sample collection and laboratory storage to ensure reliable ergovaline testing results.
Main Methods:
- Tall fescue samples were collected at three harvest dates and subjected to various handling (heat, UV light, ice transport) and storage (22°C, 5°C, -20°C) conditions for up to 28 days.
- Ergovaline concentrations were determined using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) with fluorescence detection.
- The experiment was replicated across all harvest dates to ensure robustness of the findings.
Main Results:
- Exposure to UV light and heat significantly degraded ergovaline within 2 hours.
- Samples transported on ice maintained ergovaline integrity for 2 hours.
- All storage temperatures (22°C, 5°C, -20°C) resulted in significant ergovaline loss within 24 hours.
- Storage at -20°C showed minimal further degradation after 24 hours, while 22°C and 5°C exhibited intermittent losses.
Conclusions:
- Immediate analysis of tall fescue samples on the same day of harvest, transported on ice, is recommended for the most accurate ergovaline level determination.
- If immediate analysis is not possible, storing samples at -20°C is the preferred method to maintain ergovaline stability until analysis.
- Adherence to recommended handling and storage protocols is critical to prevent underestimation of ergovaline exposure risks in livestock.
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