Effect of oral administration of oxytetra cycline on the oxygen uptake of the Indian major carp, Catla catla.

The Indian major carp, Catla catla is selected to oral administration of low (0.3mg) and high (0.6mg) doses of oxytetracycline at 24 h intervals for 48-h and its impact on the oxygen uptake of the fish was measured .the high and low doses were selected based on the recommended dosage per kg body weight of fish for treatment of different bacterial and fungal diseases. The results indicated that the metabolic rate of the exposed fish is dependent on the dose as well as the duration of administration of the antibiotic. Because of the health risks associated with the use of antibiotics in animal production, there is a growing awareness the antibiotics should be used with more care. This is reflected in the recent implementation of more strict regulations on the prophylactic use of antibiotics and the presence of antibiotic residues in aquaculture products. The results of the present study are discussed with the available information on the effect of antibiotics on animal systems.