Supporting Your Livestock Metabolism Studies
Charles River provides animal metabolism testing services with radiolabeled test items to suit your needs. Our facilities include dedicated acclimatization areas with a strong focus on the welfare and enrichment of animals in our care. Our environmentally controlled animal rooms are purposely designed to conduct parallel radiolabeled metabolism studies in multiple livestock species.
Our research farm offers ample grazing space, a milking parlor for non-radiolabeled residue studies, and extensive large animal accommodations. We have experience and are licensed for all livestock species required for regulatory submissions across the agrochemical and veterinary portfolios.
In-life and analytical phases are also performed at the same facility so that samples can be collected, processed, and analyzed avoiding additional shipping delays.
Analytical Capability for Livestock Metabolism Testing Services
Analytical methodologies are constantly evolving, and we are continually investing in equipment, software, and training to provide the most reliable data at a faster pace. Study Directors use their experience to tailor the chemistry in combination with advanced equipment to streamline extraction, clean-up, and concentration techniques to provide the highest quality sample for analysis.
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Expert Livestock Metabolism Testing Services
With experience in a diverse range of dose formulations and routes ranging from encapsulated solids to oil-based suspensions, together with extensive knowledge of radiochemical purity and stability testing methods, we can ensure studies are initiated swiftly. Study Directors work closely with experienced animal technicians and scientific staff to monitor progress and coordinate sample and data transfer between the in-life and analytical phases.
The quantitative and qualitative determination of parent test items and metabolites in radiolabeled studies is primarily undertaken using radio-HPLC or TLC with low-level counting techniques. The confirmatory analysis is undertaken with high-resolution LC-MS or a second contrasting chromatographic system. A variety of state-of-the-art high-resolution LC-MS instrumentation and techniques are available in-house for the identification of unknown components.
Our scientists are highly experienced in the following aspects and techniques of metabolism studies:
- Solvent Extraction
Highly efficient and rapid extraction of multiple matrices simultaneously using high-end extraction equipment. - Enzyme Digestion Extraction
Enzymatic digestion of proteinaceous matrices to release physically bound or encapsulated metabolites. - Surfactant Extraction
Dissolution of debris in SDS solutions providing robust characterization data of residues. - Metabolite Profiling
Expert knowledge of the latest separation techniques and access to a fleet of HPLC and automated TLC equipment. Study Directors work closely with HRMS colleagues to provide a complete portfolio of metabolite identification options.
- Natural Incorporation
Experience in urea protein solubilization, saponification, mineral acid/base hydrolysis, amino acid, and fatty acid analysis. - Enzyme Hydrolysis of Conjugated Metabolites
The use of enzymes (e.g., β-glucuronidase) to deconjugate metabolites provides powerful characterization and aids metabolite identification. - Metabolite Isolations
Efficient and rapid isolation of components of interest using HPLC, TLC, or dedicated flash chromatography systems. - Test Item-Specific Data Requirement
Experience in providing solutions for specific challenges such as triazole-derived metabolites and compounds containing stereoisomers.
Animal Ethics and Welfare
The ethical use of animals and their welfare is a top priority for Charles River and is firmly embedded within our culture. Our animal technicians and scientific staff are recognized for showing commitment to the 3Rs and continuous improvements. Find out more about animals in research.
Keeping Your Metabolism Studies Moving
Our specialists can provide additional support for a standalone study or part of a bigger package. This can include scientific and/or regulatory support throughout the process, from design to report, and beyond.
Studies can be holistically designed to anticipate future needs for analytical residue methods and feeding studies. From developing MS-compatible extraction methods, and ensuring sufficient material for extraction efficiency studies, to ensuring that isomers are evaluated, our Study Directors and Scientific Advisors think beyond the individual study to the whole regulatory program.