Effect of mixed organic acid administration on blood levels of chlortetracycline in broiler chicks.

Male broiler chicks, when administered mixed organic acids via the drinking water for 3 days prior to water administration of chlortetracycline (CTC), showed no significant increases in the blood levels of the antibiotic. However, if the organic acids were administered simultaneously with the antibiotic, either via drinking water administration or via oral dosing, significant increases in the blood levels of the antibiotic were noted. With simultaneous administration of the antibiotic and mixed organic acids via the drinking water, a significant decrease in water intake was observed; however, in spite of the decrease in water intake and a concomitant decrease in CTC intake, significant increases in the blood levels of the CTC were still present. These data suggest that mixed organic acids, commonly used in the poultry industry, can be utilized to elicit an increase in CTC blood levels to a greater degree than would be anticipated without the use of the organic acids.