AMINE FORMATION AND METABOLIC ACTIVITY OF MICROORGANISMS IN THE ILEUM OF YOUNG SWINE FED CHLORTETRACYCLINE

Abstract

Effects of low levels of chlortetracycline (10 to 40 ppm) in the diet of young swine were observed by studying activities of microorganisms in ileum contents. Extractions for amines have shown that amino acid decarboxylases are lessened when chlortetracycline is added to the diet; products of tyrosine and tryptophan breakdown are reduced; the formation of agmatine, putrescine, cadaverine, and histamine is suppressed. Manometric procedures revealed a reduction of 42% in the production of CO2 under aerobic conditions when 10 ug of chlortetracycline per ml of preparation is present. These reduced activities of the microflora may be factors contributing to the well-being of these young animals.