Identification by volatolomics of hydrocarbon, oxygenated, sulfur and aromatic markers of livestock exposure to α-hexabromocyclododecane

•An experimental animal exposure to α-hexabromocyclododecane (HBCDD) was designed.•Hens, broilers and pigs were exposed to realistic α-HBCDD doses in their diet.•Liver volatolomics evidences exposure of the three farm animals to α-HBCDD.•Most candidate markers are hydrocarbon, oxygenated, sulfur and aromatic compounds.•Volatolomics, as an option for surveillance of chemical contamination in livestock.