Antibiotics are used to prevent and treat pathologies of bacterial origin in chickens. They are both universal and designed for broilers or layers. What antibiotics should be given to chickens for certain diseases, and how to neutralize the negative consequences of their intake, we will find out further.
Can chickens be treated with antibiotics?
Chickens can and should be given antibiotics, as they help raise a sick bird to their feet and at the same time stop the epidemic. In addition, such drugs increase the productivity of chickens, since their active ingredient inhibits pathogenic microflora.
However, for humans, the use of meat and eggs of such birds is a serious danger, since an antibiotic tends to accumulate in the body, especially if it is given to birds for a long time and in excessive doses. With proper use, it is gradually excreted from the body over some time, so a person can eat poultry meat and eggs. To do this, consider a number of recommendations:
- when a bird undergoes a full course of treatment, its meat and eggs can be eaten 3-4 weeks after its completion;
- for preventive purposes, small doses of antibiotics are used, therefore, after the end of therapy, eggs can be consumed after 3 days, and meat - after 10-14 days.
However, it should be understood that if small doses of drugs are given to the feathered, then they develop resistant races of microorganisms, that is, resistant to certain chemicals. In this regard, one cannot thoughtlessly feed the chicken stock with medicines. In addition, it must be borne in mind that their intake negatively affects the quality of the eggs, as they begin to bite.
What antibiotics to put in the medicine cabinet?
Each poultry breeder should always have at hand preparations that he can use if necessary as first aid. If we talk about antibiotics, then in the medicine cabinet should be medicines with a wide spectrum of action. We will consider them further.
Baytril
The active substance is enrofloxacin. It acts quickly and is well absorbed by the body. The drug is suitable for the treatment of:
- salmonellosis;
- colibacillosis;
- enteritis;
- hepatitis A.
Baytril is a powerful antibiotic that inhibits the growth of bacteria.
It is produced in the form of an intramuscular solution, which is injected. The drug also comes in the form of an oral solution, so it is added to water or feed.
For preventive purposes, 1 ml of the substance is dissolved in 2 l of water. It is given to 2-4-day-old chickens, and on the 5th-9th day, a vitamin complex is required.
Along with the antibiotic, a number of medications cannot be used, which include:
- macrolides;
- Chloramphenicol;
- Theophylline;
- Tetracycline etc.
Enroflon
Unlike the previous drug, it is easier to use because it is available as a concentrated solution. He is bred in water, and then they are watered by livestock. It will help to cure the same diseases as Baytril.
For preventive purposes, Enroflon is used from the first year of life of the chicken. A 5% solution is added to water at a rate of 2.5 mg per 1 kg of weight.
Enroxil
The active ingredient of the drug is also enrofloxacin. Available in the form of a solution for oral administration. More often it is prescribed for infectious diseases, which are:
- salmonellosis;
- coligranulomatosis;
- infectious sinusitis;
- bronchitis;
- hemophilia;
- pasteurellosis.
For prophylactic use, birds up to 4 weeks of age are given a solution at the rate of 5 ml per 10 l of water. The course of admission lasts 3 days. In case of serious infections, the dose is increased to 3 ml per 5 l of water, and the course of administration is extended to 5-6 days.
Enroxil is often given to broilers to prevent serious infectious diseases in them, which often affect them because a lack of acidity weakens their digestive system and develops a lack of beneficial enzymes. For preventive purposes, a 5% solution is given to chickens at the rate of 1 ml per 1 liter of water. The course of admission lasts 3 days.
Chloramphenicol
One of the most effective means that fights both intestinal diseases and diseases of the respiratory system. Available in the form of a powder or tablets with a bitter taste, it is soluble in water.
As a rule, the drug is added to dry food, as the bird may refuse bitter water. An antibiotic is given 3 times a day at a rate of 30 g per 1 kg of live weight.
In case of individual intolerance in a bird, digestive disorders and allergies are noted.
Amoxicillin
For the treatment of diseases affecting the gastrointestinal tract, urinary tract or respiratory system, veterinarians usually prescribe Amoxicillin, which is a semi-synthetic antibiotic of the penicillin series. It has a bactericidal effect against gram-positive and gram-negative microorganisms.
The drug is available in the form of a powder of white or light yellow color, 1 g of which accounts for 0.1 g of amoxicillin trihydrate and 0.9 g of glucose.
In the first decade of life, poultry is given Amoxicillin at the rate of 100 g per 400 l of water, and in the future - 100 g per 200 l of water. The course of admission is 3-5 days. The drug is well absorbed from the digestive system, rapidly spreading to all organs and tissues.
Baykoks
An antiparasitic therapeutic agent that has an anticoccidic effect and instant action. Available as a colorless, odorless suspension for oral use.
The dose of the drug for adult chickens is 7 mg per 1 kg of weight. The suspension is diluted in 1 liter of water and the birds are evaporated for two days. The solution can be used within 48 hours. If a precipitate forms, it must be well mixed before use.
The youngsters begin to give an antibiotic from 2 weeks of age, diluting 1 ml of the drug in 1 liter of water. Drink them 2 days.
Analogs of Baykoks are Koktsidiovit and Solikoks.
Popular antibiotics for broilers
A broiler is a precocious hybrid that is grown for meat. It grows rapidly, gains weight and, as a result, poorly regulates body temperature, which leads to rapid hypothermia and increased sensitivity to the environment.
So, in order not to lose the whole population, broilers must be soldered with antibiotics at a tender age to increase immunity. They are administered from 4 to 11 days from birth, but initially chickens are given vitamins to strengthen their immune system.
Antibiotics of the tetracycline group are popular with poultry farmers, but they have existed for a long time, and many pathogens managed to develop immunity to them. In this regard, specialists at the initial stage of development of young animals do not recommend using them. Other drugs are more effective for prevention.
Furazolidone
Antibiotic characterized by non-toxic effect. Its advantage is that in addition to inhibiting bacteria and some viruses, it creates and supports non-pathogenic microflora. It prevents the development of pathogens that cause a number of intestinal diseases:
- salmonellosis;
- coccidiosis;
- pasteurellosis.
The medication is available in the form of a powder that is poorly soluble in water. Usually it is mixed with dry food and fed to chickens older than 8 days. The duration of therapy is about 3 days, but not more than 10 days.
Dosage:
- chickens up to 10 days of age - 0.02 mg per 10 goals;
- young animals up to 1 month - 0.03 mg per 10 goals;
- adult broilers - 0.04 mg per 10 goals.
Side effects of the drug are diarrhea and an allergic reaction. In addition, the bird may have individual intolerance.
Trichopol
It is considered an antiprotozoal agent with an antimicrobial effect. Its active substance is the antibiotic metronidazole, which destroys the acid balance of bacteria and causes their death.
The drug does not cause disturbances in the gastrointestinal tract, however, it also requires exact adherence to dosage. In addition, it has long been used in medicine, so some pathogens may be resistant to it.
Trichopolum is very poorly soluble in water, so it is mixed with dry food. For preventive purposes, use 20-25 mg of the substance per 1 kg of weight. The course of admission is 5 days. It is repeated every 2 weeks until the young growth is 1.5 months old.
Enrofloxacin
A new generation broad-spectrum antibiotic that can be given from the 3rd day of the chicken’s life. It is sold both in pure form and is part of other medicines:
- Enroflox;
- Baytril;
- Enroxyla.
Using these drugs, it is possible to prevent the development of many diseases, including salmonellosis, mycoplasmosis, pasteurellosis. The course of treatment is 5 days. 1 mg of substance is dissolved in 1 liter of water.
Tromexin
This broad-based antibiotic is prohibited for laying hens, but recommended for broilers, since it does not harm their development in the future. It fights intestinal and respiratory diseases and is an excellent remedy for diarrhea.
The drug is used as follows:
- on the 1st day - prepare a solution of 2 g of the substance and 1 l of water, which is designed for 10 adults or 20 young animals;
- in the next 2 days - the concentration of the drug is reduced to 1 g per 1 liter of water, the solution is designed for the same number of goals;
- take a break for 4 days and again repeat the course in the same sequence.
The use of the drug with dry food is allowed. The dose remains the same, but the number of meals is increased up to three times.
Montlar 10% and Koktsisan 12%
The greatest danger to the young body is coccidiosis - an infectious disease that affects the gastrointestinal tract. For its prevention, such means are used:
- Montlar 10%. The active substance is the antibiotic monensin sodium, which is active against all types of coccidia. The drug is available in the form of a powder with a peculiar smell. Its color may vary from tan to brown. The drug is insoluble in water, so it is given with food. The dose for broiler chickens is 1000-1250 g per 1 ton of feed from the 1st day of life. Exclude it from the diet 5 days before slaughter.
It is forbidden to give Montlar laying hens and adult breeding birds. At the same time, it is not allowed to take Tiamulin, Erythromycin, Aleandomycin and sulfonamides.
- Koktsigard 12%. Specially designed for the prevention and treatment of coccidiosis. It is poorly soluble in water, so it is also added to the feed. A special syringe is inserted in the package, which facilitates the input of the desired dosage. Be sure to ensure that the bird ate the entire portion of the feed with the medicine, otherwise there will be no therapeutic effect. The daily dose is 500 g per 1 ton of feed. It is removed from the diet 5 days before the slaughter of the bird.
Popular antibiotics for laying hens
If the removal of antibiotics from the body does not play a major role for meat breeds, then for hens this is of great importance. The fact is that drugs accumulate not only in the body, but also in the eggs, because of which they can become unfit for human consumption. So, for layers, medicines are selected with a faster withdrawal from the body.
Biomycin
It is a white powder that is diluted in water before use. Enter it intramuscularly or orally.
An antibiotic is often used not for preventive purposes, but as a growth stimulator for young animals. Experts note growth acceleration of 25% when adding the drug to the diet for 2 months. At the same time, it also copes well with bacteria and some viruses.
Typically, biomycin is given in tandem with sulfa drugs, as they reinforce each other's actions. In the treatment of laying hens, flu, mycoplasmosis, pullorosis or coccidiosis, the powder is used in two ways:
- Enter by injection. A single dose is 2 mg of the substance per 2 ml of physiological saline. Injections put hens 3 times a day for a week.
- Give orally by dissolving 1 mg of the substance in 1 liter of water. The medicine is fed with livestock 3 times a day for 3-5 days.
A side effect is individual intolerance and an upset bowel.
Sulfadimezin
The advantage of this medication is low toxicity, good absorption and a small number of side effects (only individual intolerance). It is a yellow-white powder, which is diluted in water and used to treat bacterial diseases:
- coccidiosis;
- salmonellosis;
- pasteurellosis;
- typhoid.
In addition, sulfadimezin helps against diseases of the respiratory system:
- pneumonia;
- sore throats;
- laryngitis.
The most effective is the parallel administration of the drug intramuscularly and orally. The antibiotic is mixed with dry food (0.05 g per 1 kg of weight) and given 2-3 times a day. Duration of the course is 4-6 days. Before each meal, prepare a fresh serving.
Chlortetracycline
The tetracycline antibiotic in the form of a water-soluble yellow powder, which is used to stimulate the growth of females, prevent and treat such diseases:
- pneumonia;
- coccidiosis;
- colibacillosis;
- mycoplasmosis.
Specialists note that some strains of salmonella and staphylococcus have immunity to chlortetracycline.
It is administered intramuscularly or orally. It should be borne in mind that the aqueous solution under the action of sunlight quickly decomposes, therefore, the medicine is not stored, and each time a new portion is made.
With intramuscular injection, the solution is prepared at the rate of 1 mg per 1 kg of weight. The laying hens are given 2 injections per day. When administered orally, 40 mg are taken per 1 kg of weight. Drink 3 times a day for 7 days. If the symptoms of the disease have not passed, treatment is repeated after 3 days.
Combined antibiotics
In the treatment of various diseases in chickens, combined drugs are also used.
Avidox
This drug consists of two antibiotics - doxycycline, which belongs to a wide spectrum of action, and colistin. Such a tandem doubles the effect of the drug - it destroys the cell membrane of bacteria and inhibits the synthesis of proteins of microorganisms.
It is available in the form of a water-soluble white powder for oral use and is used to treat respiratory diseases that occur in a chronic form and are complicated by pasteurellosis, mycoplasmosis and colibacteriosis.
Add the drug to the feed at the rate of 0.01 mg of substance per 1 kg of feed.
The medication is strictly prohibited for birds with kidney diseases and with hypersensitivity to tetracycline antibiotics.
Ditrim
A complex systemic antibiotic that has a broad antimicrobial effect. It contains two active substances - sulfadimesin and trimethoprim. The drug is available in the form of:
- suspensions for oral administration;
- a solution of light yellow or light brown color for injection.
It has low toxicity, therefore, subject to the recommended dosage, it does not adversely affect birds. Moreover, the antibiotic effectively fights against gram-positive and gram-negative microorganisms and bacteria, including E. coli, streptococci, staphylococci. In addition, it acts on the causative agents of brucellosis, pasteurellosis.
Dilute it in water (1 ml of the drug per 1 liter of water) and drink the chickens for 3-5 days. In acute infections of bacterial or viral origin, the drug is administered 2 times a day after 12-13 hours. The course lasts until the birds recover completely, however it should not exceed more than 8 days.
This antibiotic is forbidden to give to birds with chronic diseases of the kidneys and liver, as well as with individual intolerance.In rare cases, the appearance of drowsiness, indigestion, allergies, and depression is noted. In case of an overdose, violations of the kidneys and gastrointestinal tract occur.
Doreen
Another combination antibiotic that contains rifampicin and doxycycline. It is produced in the form of a powder of brick red color and is used to prepare a solution for injection. Assign it for treatment:
- colibacillosis;
- salmonellosis;
- gastroenteritis;
- respiratory and other diseases of bacterial origin, the causative agents of which are sensitive to the components of the drug.
The solution is administered intramuscularly 1 time in 24 hours for 3-7 days. Dosage - 5-10 mg of the substance (depending on the age of the bird) per 1 kg of live weight. If one or more doses are missed, treatment is started anew according to the schedule.
The powder is previously dissolved in water for injection or in a solution of sodium chloride. With increased bird sensitivity to the drug, treatment is immediately discontinued.
Dorin is forbidden to be used simultaneously with iron-containing medicines and aluminum, calcium, and magnesium salts, since their interaction can lead to the formation of sparingly soluble substances.
Antibiotics in the treatment of various diseases
As mentioned above, not all drugs are effective against certain pathogens. So, let us consider in more detail which drugs are better to use in the treatment of various pathologies.
It is important to know the symptoms and other common diseases of chickens in order to be able to distinguish one ailment from another. Read about the various diseases of chickens here.
Salmonellosis
One of the most dangerous diseases that is widespread among poultry. It is strictly forbidden to eat meat of sick individuals.
For treatment, veterinarians often prescribe Baytril and give it according to the scheme:
- 1 day - 50 ml of the drug is dissolved in 100 l of water and administered once a day;
- 2nd day - 100 ml of the drug is dissolved in 100 l of water, administered to young animals 2 times a day;
- 3rd day - 200 ml of antibiotic are diluted in the same volume of water and chickens are fed every 6 hours;
- 4th day - the solution is prepared from 400 ml of the substance and 100 ml of water, birds feed them every 3 hours;
- the pattern is repeated after the 4th day.
The course of treatment lasts 5 days or more.
Pathology can also be treated with Enroflon. In this case, take 5-10 mg of the substance per 1 kg of weight and solder the bird for 3-5 days.
Coccidiosis
Before giving antibiotics to chickens, sick birds should be quarantined. The treatment is carried out:
- Baykoksom;
- Koktsisanom 12%;
- Furazolidone.
It should be remembered that the pathogen quickly gets used to one drug and develops immunity to it. So, in the treatment and prevention of coccidiosis, antibiotics are changed once every 1-2 years.
In the video below, the breeder shares his experience in treating coccidiosis with antibiotics:
Preference is usually given to water-soluble representatives, since the sick individual refuses food, but eagerly drinks.
Chicken typhus or pullorosis
Disease affects both adults and newborn chickens. Treatment of typhoid is effective with the parallel use of Biomycin and Furazolidone.
Pasteurellosis or Chicken Cholera
The most effective drug for the pathogen is sulfamethazine. The solution is prepared at the rate of 1 g per 1 liter of water and sick individuals are evaporated for 3 days. In the following days, the dosage is reduced by 2 times - up to 0.5 g per 1 liter.
Colibacillosis
This viral disease is characterized by rapid development and can cause massive mortality of chicken stock. Broilers and meat breeds are especially susceptible to it.
As soon as the first symptoms of the pathology become noticeable, they immediately begin treatment with such antibiotics:
- Syntomycin;
- Biomycin;
- Furatsilinom (furazidinom).
The best effect in the fight against colibacillosis is achieved by combining the above drugs. At the same time, the following tools are most popular:
- Syntomycin. The strongest antibiotic with a wide spectrum of action. Available in the form of a white powder with a bitter taste. It is difficult to dissolve in water, so it is added to dry food. 5-6 mg of the drug are taken per individual. Antibiotic food residues are not recommended to be left the next day. The course is 5-6 days. The drug is contraindicated in birds with kidney and liver diseases, with sensitivity to chloramphenicol and inhibition of blood formation.
- Furazidine. Domestic veterinary drug with effective antimicrobial action. Available in the form of a yellow powder, poorly soluble in water. It is stable - does not lose its properties when dissolved in boiling water. This is the most low-toxic drug. Feed him 2 times a day, 2-3 mg per individual, previously mixed with food. The duration of the course is 5-7 days.
How to smooth out the negative effects of antibiotic treatment?
After treatment or prophylaxis with antibiotics, the bird needs to cleanse the body of the accumulated drug. There are several ways that speed up this process:
- Drink plenty of water - there should always be fresh, clean water in the drinking bowl.
- Restoring intestinal microflora - birds are given special preparations, and fermented milk products (cottage cheese, fermented baked milk, kefir) are introduced into the diet of young animals.
- Fresh air and plant food - in the warm season, birds should be outdoors for as long as possible. So they can eat green grass, which is a source of vitamins. If the treatment was in the autumn-winter period, instead of the grass they give fresh vegetables - carrots and white cabbage.
- Introduction to the diet of mineral and vitamin complexes and protein foods - inert and meat and bone meal.
Many farmers oppose the use of antibiotics in poultry farming, but there are situations where you cannot do without them. The main thing is to choose the right drug, observe its dosage and do not forget that it takes time to remove drugs from the body of the bird.