Response of Broilers to Moenomycin

Abstract

DURING screening for new antibiotics, Lindner and Wallhäusser (1955) isolated a previously undescribed antibiotic from an antibiotic-producing streptomyces strain. This compound was designated moenomycin. The fermentation and isolation of this antibiotic are described by Wallhäusser et al. (1965). Chemical characterization of the antibiotic by Huber et al. (1965) indicated that moenomycin is a mixture of at least four active components, which belong to a group of phosphorus-containing glycolipid antibiotics which are conspicuous by their tendency to form high molecular associates. Wasielewski et al. (1965) reported that moenomycin has an antibacterial spectrum which is similar to that of penicillin. No cross-resistance was found in strains resistant to several antibiotics. It was found to be effective against some experimental infections of mice by parental administration. However, there was almost no absorption from the gastrointestinal tract. Bauer and Dost (1965) added moenomycin to the diet of broilers, swine, calves, and laying hens. Their…