Ewes on Antibiotics for last month before lambing?

[pozo]

The breeder I purchased from advised me to put the ewes on a tetracycline of some sort for the last 30 days.  Has anyone heard of this?

Thanks. This is the first year we are lambing since 2004.

[EmsoffLambs]

Many breeders will put their ewes on chlortetracycline during late gestation as an aid in preventing Chlamydia and Vibriosis abortion. Pipestone vet recommends feeding either 300 mg/day or 1000mg/day for one week every three weeks.

[pozo]

Thank you as always Emsoff

[Honey Tree]

 Where can you purchase chlortetracycline?  Is it available locally or only mail order or do you have to have a prescription?  What is the cost and do you top dress the grain?  Sorry for all the questions.

[EmsoffLambs]

You can buy five pound bags at WalMart under the name Aureomycin, but these are impractical and expensive if you are feeding more than a handful of sheep. Most feed stores can special order it and most feed mills carry it.

[Honey Tree]

I'm definitely feeding more than a handful of sheep.  What is the approximate cost?

[EmsoffLambs]

It's will cost roughly $12 for five pounds at WalMart or $15 for 50 pounds from a feed mill. Pretty major price difference.

[Honey Tree]

I didn't have a clue how much it was.  It's pretty cheap insurance.  I'll check with my feed mill to see if they carry it.  Thanks so much for the information!