Effect of Chlortetracycline on Incidence of Cervical Abscesses and Weight Gains of Swine

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Abstract
A total of 418 pigs from 1955-fall and 1956-spring litters that were farrowed on a farm where cervical abscesses had been a recurring problem were used in 4 experiments. Groups of pigs were self-fed either a basal ration or the basal ration supplemented with 50 or 100 gm. chlortetracycline per ton in the first two experiments. In the subsequent experiments, the groups of pigs were self-fed either the basal ration, or the same ration supplemented with 50 gm. per ton or 50 gm. per ton to 75 lb. body weight followed by 20 gm. per ton to market. The incidence of cervical abscesses was significantly reduced in pigs fed the antibiotic-supplemented rations when compared with the controls, weight gains were increased, feed efficiency improved, and less time required to reach a weight of 200 lb. No advantage was apparent following incorporation of the higher antibiotic level (100 gm. per ton) as compared with the 50-gm. level in the feed of pigs from weaning to marketing on the control of cervical abscesses, weight gains, or feed efficiency. In all instances, however, continuous use of 50 gm. chlortetracycline per ton of feed produced better results than the lower level in either controlling or preventing cervical abscesses. Copyright © . .