Efficacy of Feed Grade Antibiotics in Finishing Diets Containing Distiller’ Grains with Solubles (dgs)

Rumensin and Tylan, both marketed by Elanco Products Company, have proved to be valuable feed additives when fed to finishing feedlot cattle. Rumensin was approved in the mid-1970s to improve feed efficiency and average daily gain. Rumensin frequently is used to manage digestive disturbances associated with otherwise erratic intakes of high grain diets. Tylan is fed as a preventative for liver abscesses. Rumen disorders such as acidosis and rumenitis are predisposing factors for liver abscesses. Erratic intakes of high grain diets along with poor bunk management are important factors that predispose cattle to ruminal disorders. Abscessed livers can have deleterious affects on animal performance, and in extreme situations lead to excess carcass trim and reduced carcass yields.