AN EVALUATION OF THE USE OF MICOTIL, METAPHYLACTICALLY, ON ARRIVAL, FOR CALF PNEUMONIA

The parenteral administration to calves of the antibiotics tilmicosin and oxytetracycline, on arrival at two feedlots, was evaluated. A tota l of 86 suckled weanlings were used on two farms. Following their purc hase in a number of livestock marts in the South of Ireland, the calve s were treated on arrival with either tilmicosin (Micotil, Elanco Anim al Health), or oxytetracycline (Terramycin LA, Pfizer Animal Health) b y injection and they were compared with a negative control group. The average daily gain of the Micotil treated animals aas 665 grammes per day. This exceeded the average daily gain, the differences in growth r ates are consistent with larger trials in feedlots in North America.