Published online by Cambridge University Press: 02 September 2010
1. Normal rations containing oleandomycin (2·5 g./ton), oxytetracycline (10 g./ton) and oleandomycin (2·5 g./ton)plus oxytetracycline (10 g./ton) were given to females and castrates which had previously received creep feed with or without oxytetracycline.
2. Forty-eight pigs were individually fed on the rations from 50 to 200 lb. live-weight, a restricted scale of intake based on live-weight being adopted.
3. Pigs receiving the mixed supplement and those given oxytetracycline alone grew significantly faster and utilised their feed more efficiently than those given oleandomycin alone. Differences between the mixed supplement group and those receiving oxytetracycline were not significant.
4. Treatment with antibiotic, either in the creep feed or after weaning, had no effect on carcass measurements. Females had less depth of fat at the shoulder, mid-back and loin compared with castrates and the carcasses were significantly longer.
5. Visceral weights were not influenced by antibiotic treatment but pigs supplemented with oleandomycin had a shorter gut than those receiving a combination of antibiotics. There was a significant reduction in gut weight n i pigs which had received unsupplemented creep feed but no consistent effect on the thickness of the intestine wall or gut diameter. Females had significantly heavier kidneys and spleens than castrates.