Chlortetracycline

Chlortetracycline (CTC) is an antibiotic used in beef cattle feed and/or drinking water for the control or aid in the control of anaplasmosis caused by Anaplasma marginale; for the reduction of liver condemnation due to liver abscesses; for the control and treatment of bacterial enteritis (scours) caused by Escherichia coli; and for the treatment of bacterial pneumonia (shipping fever) associated with Pasteurella multocida. When used in top-dressed onto beef cattle feed or mineral mixes, CTC requires a veterinary feed directive (VFD). When used in drinking water, CTC requires a product label prescription.

COMPOSITION

Chlortetracycline is a member of the class of Tetracyclines with formula C₂₂H₂₃ClN₂O₈ isolated from Streptomyces aureofaciens.
It has a role as an antiprotozoal drug.

DOSAGE & DIRECTION FOR USE

FOR BEEF CATTLE
CTC can be fed to cattle less than 700 lbs at 350 mg/day to control anaplasmosis, mature cattle are more at risk and can be dosed at a higher rate of 0.5 mg/lb/day in normal feeds and 0.5 to 2.0 mg/lb/day in free-choice feeds.
Chlortetracycline can be fed to beef cattle either on a daily basis or in free-choice formulations based on FDA approved directions. Unless specifically stated on the product label and without a VFD, CTC must not be fed on a daily basis.

DAILY FEEDING
Most FDA-approved uses of CTC require feeding on a daily basis, and sometimes for only a defined, short period of time.
For example, CTC cannot be used for more than 5 days for the treatment of bacterial enteritis or bacterial pneumonia, and must be fed on a daily basis with a VFD.

When fed on a daily basis, CTC may either be mixed in the daily ration or administered as a top-dress, depending on label directions.
If CTC is being fed as a free-choice mineral supplement, the CTC containing feed supplement may be mixed in the cattle’s daily ration or administered as a top-dress. If the CTC product is intended as a topdress, it must be spread uniformly on the top of the ration and sufficient space must be provided for all animals to eat at the same time.

No matter the circumstances, you must have a VFD from your veterinarian to legally include CTC in the feed or mineral. In beef cattle, CTC is approved to control and treat conditions like anaplasmosis, bacterial enteritis or pneumonia.

CTC may be fed to beef cattle weighing less than 700 lbs at 350 mg/day or 0.5 mg/lb/day to treat respiratory disease at 1.0 mg/lb/day.
General feeding directions may not effectively accommodate appropriate blood levels in mature cattle but has been routinely used for calves for decades.

FREE CHOICE FEEDING
CTC can be fed to cattle less than 700 lbs at 350 mg/day to control anaplasmosis, mature cattle are more at risk and can be dosed at a higher rate of 0.5 mg/lb/day in normal feeds and 0.5 to 2.0 mg/lb/day in free choice feeds.