Quantification of antibiotics in imported and local broiler chickens using MS/Q-TOF: a study from Muscat Governorate

Chicken serves as an economical and essential source of protein for the human body. However, chickens are susceptible to contamination by various foreign substances, including antibiotics and heavy metals, which can lead to toxicity and resistance within the human body. Therefore, the aim of this present study is to measure the amount of antibiotics in the chicken, especially ciprofloxacin and tetracycline groups using Liquid Chromatography Quadrupole Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry (LC-QTOF-MS/MS). For fulfilment of the aim, the local and imported broiler chicken sample was collected Muscat Governorate, Oman. The chicken breast meat and kidney were placed separately in test tubes for analysis, with subsequent treatment using the necessary chemicals and centrifugation at 4000 rpm and 14000 rpm. The samples were filtered through 0.45-mu m nylon filter paper and evaporated. The common antibiotics, namely gentamicin sulphate, sulphanilamide, oxytetracycline, chloramphenicol, and levofloxacin, were detected in the kidney and breast meat within the permissible limit. In local chicken, the highest amount of antibiotics was sulphanilamide followed by oxytetracycline > gentamicin > chloramphenicol > levofloxacin, respectively. However, the imported chicken, the highest amount of antibiotics was sulphanilamide followed by gentamicin > oxytetracycline > chloramphenicol > levofloxacin, respectively. In conclusion, the identified antibiotic residues in chicken breast meat and kidneys do not pose substantial health risks to consumers, as they fall within acceptable limits. The findings do not raise concern for the well-being of the population in Oman.