Oxytetracycline Premix

Oxytetracycline is a broad-spectrum tetracycline antibiotic with strong inhibitory effects on various pathogens including Gram-positive bacteria, Gram-negative bacteria, mycoplasma, rickettsia, chlamydia, and spirochetes. It is suitable for the treatment and prevention of bacterial infections in various farmed animals.

Applicable Animals in Global Animal Husbandry:

Poultry (Chickens, Ducks, Turkeys): Pullorum disease, fowl cholera, chronic respiratory disease, E. coli disease, salmonellosis, infectious coryza, etc.
Pigs (Piglets, Growing-Finishing Pigs, Breeding Pigs): Swine pasteurellosis, contagious pleuropneumonia, enzootic pneumonia, yellow and white scour in piglets, E. coli disease, salmonellosis, streptococcosis, paratyphoid, etc.
Cattle and Sheep (Calves, Lambs, Dairy Cows, Beef Cattle): Bovine hemorrhagic septicemia, pasteurellosis, contagious bovine pleuropneumonia, brucellosis, postpartum infections, mastitis, metritis, lamb dysentery, mycoplasma pneumonia, etc.
Aquatic Animals (Fish, Shrimp): Bacterial enteritis, gill rot disease, red skin disease, printing disease, etc.
Pets: Respiratory, digestive, and urinary tract infections caused by sensitive bacteria, as well as mycoplasma and chlamydia infections. (Note: Tablets or capsules are more commonly used for pets, this mainly addresses the potential use cases for injections and premixes.)
Special Farming Animals (e.g., Rabbits): Respiratory infections, digestive infections, etc.

Usage and Dosage:

The usage and dosage of oxytetracycline depend on the dosage form, animal species, age, body weight, severity of the condition, and veterinary advice.

1. Premix (Mixed with Feed): ⁶ Typically mixed thoroughly with feed before administration.

Poultry: For 10% concentration, add 200-500g per 1000kg of feed (i.e., 20-50g Oxytetracycline per ton of feed).
Pigs: For 10% concentration, add 300-600g per 1000kg of feed (i.e., 30-60g Oxytetracycline per ton of feed).
Cattle and Sheep: For 10% concentration, add 400-800g per 1000kg of feed (i.e., 40-80g Oxytetracycline per ton of feed).
Aquatic Animals: Administer by mixing into feed in appropriate proportions, depending on the specific disease and species.
Course of Treatment: Administer for 5-7 consecutive days, or as directed by a veterinarian.

2. Injection (Intramuscular or Intravenous Injection): ¹

Intramuscular Injection:
- Livestock (Cattle, Pigs, Sheep, etc.): 5-10 milligrams (mg) of oxytetracycline per kilogram (kg) of body weight, once daily. For severe infections, the dose may be increased or given twice daily.
- Example for 20% Oxytetracycline Injection: Inject 0.025-0.05 milliliters (ml) per kg of body weight.
Intravenous Injection: Limited to certain water-soluble oxytetracycline preparations, typically used for severe cases, must be diluted and administered slowly by intravenous drip, strictly following veterinary guidance to prevent adverse reactions.
Course of Treatment: Generally 2-3 days, can be extended to 5 days for severe infections.

Dosage by Growth Stage:

Young Animals: Used for prevention and treatment of piglet yellow and white scour, calf/lamb diarrhea, etc. Doses should be precise to avoid overdose.
Growing-Finishing Animals: Can be used to prevent respiratory and digestive diseases, especially during stress (e.g., regrouping, weaning) or feed changes. Dosage is usually at maintenance therapeutic levels.
Breeding Animals: Used for prevention and treatment of reproduction-related infections, such as uterine infections, mastitis, etc.
High-Producing Animals: Pay attention to withdrawal periods after administration to ensure the safety of animal products.

Applicable Diseases and Symptoms:

Oxytetracycline is mainly used for the treatment of various infections caused by bacteria sensitive to tetracycline drugs:

Respiratory System Diseases: Bacterial pneumonia, bronchitis, pleuropneumonia, enzootic pneumonia, chronic respiratory disease, infectious coryza, etc., characterized by coughing, nasal discharge, dyspnea, wheezing.
Digestive System Diseases: Bacterial enteritis, gastroenteritis, yellow and white scour in piglets, paratyphoid, salmonellosis, E. coli disease, etc., characterized by diarrhea, vomiting, loss of appetite, dehydration.
Urogenital System Diseases: Metritis, mastitis, cystitis, etc.
Systemic Infections: Septicemia, pasteurellosis, streptococcosis, brucellosis.
Other sensitive infections: Mycoplasma infections, rickettsial diseases, chlamydial diseases, anaplasmosis, etc.

Precautions:

Resistance: Long-term or improper use of oxytetracycline can easily lead to bacterial resistance. Use as directed by a veterinarian to avoid misuse.
Photosensitivity: Animals may develop photosensitivity during treatment; avoid prolonged exposure to strong light.
Hepatotoxicity and Nephrotoxicity: High doses or prolonged use may adversely affect liver and kidney function. Use with caution or adjust dosage in animals with liver or kidney impairment.
Gastrointestinal Reactions: Oral administration may cause gastrointestinal discomfort, such as anorexia, nausea, and vomiting.
Homogenous Mixing: Premixes must be thoroughly mixed with feed to ensure accurate drug intake.
Interaction with Cations: Avoid simultaneous use with drugs containing calcium, magnesium, aluminum, iron, zinc, and other metal ions, as these ions can chelate with oxytetracycline and impair absorption.
Injection Precautions:
- Injectable solutions should avoid direct contact with skin or mucous membranes, as they may cause irritation.
- Temporary pain and edema may occur at the injection site. Deep intramuscular injection can reduce local irritation.
- Intravenous injection should be slow to avoid cardiovascular depression.
Pregnancy and Lactation: Use in late-pregnancy animals may affect fetal bone and tooth development. In lactating animals, oxytetracycline passes into milk. The benefits and risks should be weighed before use.
Storage: Store protected from light, sealed, in a cool, dry place.

Contraindications:

Contraindicated in animals with a known hypersensitivity to tetracycline-class drugs.
Contraindicated in animals with severe hepatic or renal dysfunction.
Use with caution for oral administration in ruminants after rumen development is complete (except for young ruminants), as it may affect rumen microbial activity.
Long-term or high-dose use in young animals may affect normal bone and tooth development, causing teeth discoloration.

Post-Administration Care:

Observe Animal Response: Closely observe the animal’s clinical symptoms, appetite, mental status, and injection site reactions during and after administration. Contact a veterinarian immediately if any abnormalities are noted.
Withdrawal Period Management: Strictly adhere to the withdrawal period specified in the product instructions to ensure animal products (meat, eggs, milk) are free of drug residues and meet market standards.
Supportive Therapy: For severely infected animals, in addition to antibiotic treatment, supportive care such as fluid therapy, electrolyte balance, and nutritional support should be combined.
Improve Husbandry Management: Maintain a good breeding environment, control temperature and humidity, enhance ventilation, and reduce stress to aid animal recovery and disease prevention.
Biosecurity: Isolate sick animals and thoroughly disinfect contaminated premises to prevent disease spread.
Record Keeping: Keep detailed records of medication information, including animal type, dosage, course of treatment, batch number, manufacturer, and treatment efficacy, for traceability.