The availability of tetracyclines in calves

The bioavailability of oxytetracycline (OTC) and chlortetracycline (CTC) was studied in non-fasting calves. The availability of OTC was found to be 5% and of CTC 37% after oral administration of 10 mg/kg. The availability was reduced when the drugs were given in a milk replacer or in cow's milk. The area under curve (AUC) was reduced 68% when OTC was given in milk replacer, the reduction of CTC availability was 40%. In milk the reduction was 72% for OTC and 47% for CTC. Calcium and iron caused a dramatic reduction of the serum levels. OTC was stored mixed in milk powder at room temperature for 6 months without loss in availability. OTC did not chelate calcium ions in serum. The conclusion drawn from the results was that CTC is more suitable than OTC for oral therapy in calves.