Chlortetracycline Supplements in Self-Fed Rations for Lambs1

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Abstract
The inclusion of chlortetracycline in total mixed rations for lambs containing 50 to 67% concentrates hand-fed or self-fed without a preliminary adjustment period resulted in improved efficiency of feed utilization. Implantation of the lambs with pellets containing a total of 10 mg. estradiol and 250 mg. progesterone apparently did not prevent the improvement in feed efficiency. No statistically significant differences in gain were produced by the antibiotic supplementation. A significant increase in gain and improvement in feed efficiency resulted from the hormone implantation, but these effects were offset to some extent by a slight, but statistically nonsignificant decrease in carcass quality and in dressing percentage and by hyperplastic blockage of the urethra with fluid retention in the peritoneal cavity in some of the wether lambs. Chlortetracycline apparently reduced the incidence of the digestive disorders, diarrhea accompanying self-feeding and enterotoxemia. This may be the result of a transitory diminution of voluntary food consumption during the first two weeks of the feeding trial. The addition of chlortetracycline did not produce any marked effects on carcass grade or on the dressing percentage. It is suggested that an antibiotic may be used effectively as a conditioning factor to reduce the incidence of digestive disorders coincident with placing lambs on a self-fed ration for fattening purposes, and to improve efficiency of feed utilization. Copyright © . .

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