In pig production the impact of health on profitability is immense and usually goes beyond the moment of the clinical outbreak. Early infections have a negative impact on the live weight of pigs at the time of weaning and the end of the nursery phase. Furthermore, lightweight pigs are more susceptible to diseases later in life. Some of the most important bacterial pathogens during the most critical phases of pig production (farrowing and nursery) are Streptococcus suis, Staphylococcus hyicus, Haemophilus parasuis, and Pasteurella multocida.
Description
In pigs, amoxicillin is used during the early stages of production to treat sows or piglets against some respiratory infections caused by P. multocida and S. suis. Moreover, amoxicillin also can be effective against S. hyicus and H. parasuis. Ampicillin is roughly equivalent to its successor, amoxicillin, in terms of spectrum and level of activity as can be seen in Figure 1. Both molecules are broad-spectrum beta-lactam antibiotics with a bactericidal mode of action that are approved for veterinary use.
For pigs, aqueous and oily products for parenteral administration are approved as well as premixes and water-soluble powders for oral medication via feed or water. Below are some advantages and disadvantages of each type of treatment from a practical point of view. AMOXICILLIN SP is a soluble powder containing 800 mg/g amoxicillin trihydrate (equivalent to 697 mg amoxicillin). AMOXICILLIN SP will not block nipple drinkers or water lines. The maximum solubility of AMOXICILLIN SP is 3 g/litre, although solubility may be increased by use of water conditioner powder.
Features of Amoxicillin For Pigs
Antibiotics and medications are critical to treat, control, and prevent disease in swine. Without the responsible and timely use of antibiotics, sickness can spread rapidly on a farm, endangering the health and welfare of animals and the safety of our food. While pig farmers work closely with veterinarians to ensure that their pigs stay healthy, at times pigs need medical attention requiring the use of antibiotics to treat illness.
When farmers use antibiotics as prescribed by a veterinarian, pigs tend to give birth to healthier litters, get sick less often and recover faster, and suffer less premature death due to illness. Combining the responsible use of antibiotics along with strict biosecurity measures is very effective in maintaining pig health and maximizing production and profits. Pipevet.Com carries the majority of prescription and non-prescription antibiotics for swine use. If you have any questions please feel free to contact us for answers.
Amoxicillin SP Indications
AMOXICILLIN SP is indicated for the treatment of infections caused by bacteria susceptible to amoxicillin, including:
Swine: Respiratory infections caused by Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae
Arthritis and meningitis caused by S. suis
Secondary infections due to ear and tail-biting
Dosage and Administration
It is recommended to administer AMOXICILLIN SP once daily via the drinking water, using either a tank or water proportioner. It is advisable to restrict drinking water for approximately 2 hours (less in hot weather) prior to medication. Each 15 ml measure (provided in the packaging) will contain approximately 10 grams of AMOXICILLIN SP.
Pigs: The recommended dosage is 20 mg AMOXICILLIN SP, to provide 16 mg amoxicillin trihydrate, per kg body weight per day, equivalent to 1 g AMOXICILLIN SP per 50 kg body weight per day, administered via the drinking water for a period of 3 – 5 consecutive days. Tank Method: Ensure there is no access to unmedicated water while medicated water is being offered. Any unused medicated water should be discarded immediately after the treatment period. Make a stock solution, by scattering the calculated amount of AMOXICILLIN SP onto the surface of 5 – 10 litres of water and stir. Dilute this stock solution by stirring into a tank of water sufficient to provide the volume of medicated drinking water that will be consumed in approximately two hours. The normal water supply should be resumed after this time.
Water Proportioner Method: To calculate the amount of AMOXICILLIN SP required to medicate the total daily drinking water intake, the following is a guide: Pigs younger than 4 months: 20 g AMOXICILLIN SP/100 litres of water Pigs older than 4 months: 30 g AMOXICILLIN SP/100 litres of water Make a stock solution, by scattering the calculated amount of AMOXICILLIN SP onto the surface of 5 – 10 litres of water and stir until completely dissolved. Dilute this stock solution by using a water proportioner calibrated to deliver medicated drinking water containing the appropriate concentration of AMOXICILLIN SP, sufficient to provide the volume of medicated drinking water that will be consumed in approximately two hours. The normal water supply should be resumed after this time.
Prices of Amoxicillin For Pigs
$26.28 – $322.02