Antibiotics as Growth Stimulants for Dairy Cattle: A Review

Abstract

Considerable discussion was devoted to the effects of antibiotics on the growth, metabolism, health and well-being of dairy cattle. Consideration was given to the relative nutritional merits of the various antibiotics in the light of present-day knowledge. The following conclusions were made: Aureomycin and Terramycin, are the only ones which were studied sufficiently to warrant valid conclusions. Considerably more research work needs to be done with Terramycin. Feeding of antibiotics to dairy cattle appears to be justified only in the rations of young dairy calves, or those under 16 weeks of age. Aureomycin and Terramycin appeared to stimulate growth rate, reduce calf scours, increase feed consumption and feed efficiency, and improve the over-all condition and well-being of young dairy calves. Present data indicate that Aureomycin should be fed at levels ranging from 15-20 mg/100 lb. of body weight daily. Discussion was devoted to possible mode of action of antibiotics in calves.