The Effect of Tetracycline on the Coliform Gut Flora of Broiler Chickens with Special Reference to Antibiotic Resistance and O‐Serotypes of Escherichia coli

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Abstract
The effect of terramycin, administered prophylactically in drinking water, on the gut flora of broiler birds was investigated. Exposure to the antibiotic for only 24 h profoundly affected the counts of tetracycline‐resistant strains and selected O‐serotypes carrying resistance determinants. Large numbers of Escherichia coli resistant to sulphonamides were found in treated and control birds and this is discussed in relation to the use of sulphaquinoxaline as a coccidiostat. Evidence of carcass contamination by antibiotic resistant E. coli found in the gut is presented.