COMMON MISTAKES LIVESTOCK FARMERS MAKE IN DRUG USAGE

While drug usage is being de-emphasized in advanced climes, Africa (Nigeria inclusive) is not prepared to even deploy antibiotics correctly.

In most developed economies, farm biosecurity measures remains the rule of thumb. The disorderly practice on this side of the globe makes the use of therapeutic agents inevitable.

Faulty Practices I Have Seen Includes:

1. Farmers deciding for themselves what medications to use based on previous history and experiences.

2. Prescription from a fellow livestock farmer based on personal guesses.

3. Prescription from untrained shop attendant or drug vendor.

4. Hasty prescription from a trained animal health personnel without proper diagnosis of the problem.

5. Unwillingness to access pharmaceutical intervention despite the absence of any biosecurity protocols.

6. Excessive and unbridled drug usage premised on the assumption that livestock thrive better on a barrage or plethora of medicines.

7. Multiple drug combinations intended to check all manifested signs.

8. Under-dosing of sick animals due to ignorance or a deliberate measure of austerity.

9. Over-dosing of sick animals to achieve 'accelerated' recovery.

10. Deciding for cheaper drug brands with doubtful efficacies.

Consequences of the aforementioned:

1. Multiple drug combinations may lead to drug to drug interactions

2. Drug interactions may lead to nullification, reduced efficacy or toxicity.

3. Growth depression could occur.

4. Abnormal body functions may be noticed.

An Outline Of Incongruent Drug Combinations:

1. Drugs like Gentamicin, Neomycin, etc., must not be combined with Penicillins.

2. Don't combine Enrofloxacin, Ciprofloxacin, Norfloxacin, etc., with Calcium or substances containing Calcium.

3. Non Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDS) in combination with Gentamicin, Neomycin etc could lead to kidney damage.

4. It is contra-indicated to combine Tetracyclines with Calcium compounds

5. Never concurrently administer Morphine with Atropine.

6. It is unsafe to combine herbal preparations with synthetic drugs.

7. Do not combine Sulpha based drugs with multivitamins.

8. It is not right to combine multivitamins with herbal preparations.

9. It is safer to administer Enrofloxacin, Ciprofloxacin, Norfloxacin etc without multivitamins.

10. Do not administer biocides like Iodine compounds less than 7days after vaccine administration.

Drugs administration is a sensitive matter, always consult with your Veterinarian for directions.

Do you want to start a layers or broiler poultry farm but don't know how to go about it send a what's app message to 09055992631 to be added to our Poultry Farmers WhatsApp Group.
*Credit Dr Umar Rabiu*