The Growth Promoting Effects of Various Antibiotics on Pigs

Abstract

The inclusion of streptomycin at levels of 10 mg. per lb. of feed in a corn-soybean and a mixed ration resulted in a small increase in growth of young pigs, but this increase was not statistically significant. However, the addition of liberal quantities of niacin, calcium pantothenate and riboflavin plus the streptomycin increased the growth rate on both rations significantly. Aureomycin, fed at levels of 10 mg. per lb. and procaine penicillin fed at levels of 1 and 5 mg. per lb. of feed were found to be considerably more effective than streptomycin. The data suggest that the growth promoting properties of certain antibiotics may be favorably influenced by fortification of rations with certain B-complex vitamins.