Comparative therapeutic effects of tilmicosin phosphate and amoxicillin on clinical outcomes and hematobiochemical variables in buffalo calves with acute respiratory disease: A randomized clinical trial

Abstract

Acute respiratory disease (ARD) in buffalo calves is a major health concern in tropical and subtropical regions, particularly in developing countries. It contributes significantly to calf morbidity and mortality, affecting productivity and economic returns in livestock farming. The objective of the present investigation was to evaluate the comparative therapeutic efficacy of tilmicosin and amoxicillin for the treatment of the acute respiratory disease in buffalo calves. For this purpose, 18 buffalo calves were randomly assigned into two treatment groups (9 each). Group 1 was treated with subcutaneous injection of tilmicosin phosphate at a dosage of 10 mg/kg body weight, and  Group 2 was treated with amoxicillin LA at a dosage of 15 mg/kg body weight. Buffalo calves were examined clinically and clinical index scores were recorded before treatemt and at 7 and 14 days post-treatment. Additionally, hematological and biochemical investigations were done for each calf. Calves of group 1 showed significant improvements in their clinical index scores (p < 0.01), and a reduction of total leukocyte count in comparison with group 2. However, there was a significant increase in RBCs count, hemoglobin and  MCHC% (p < 0.05). There was a significant decrease in the serum globulin and copper (p < 0.05) in group 1 in comparison with group 2 after 14 days post-treatment. However,  haptoglobin showed non-significant variation. Moreover, albumin and albumin/globulin ratio showed a significant increase in tilmicosin treated group in comparison with amoxicillin treated one. The results of the present study indicate superior efficacy of tilmicosin for treatment of acute respiratory disease in buffalo calves. More investigations are needed to evaluate the efficacy of tilmicosin on specific microorganism in this locality.