Terramycin products, Charles Pfizer and Company, early 1960s

Courtesy National Museum of American History

Antibiotics provided livestock producers with a means to control the infections that spread quickly through large herds and feed lots. Researchers discovered that these antibiotics also had the beneficial side effect of promoting growth. As a result, drug companies developed low-dose antibiotic products that could be added to the daily feed.

Boxes and bottles of livestock antibiotic products with pictures of a pig, a chick, and eggs.

Box, bottle, and plastic dispensing bottle of Terramycin powder with a picture of a pig on the box.

Opposite side of box of Terramycin powder with picture of calf and sheep.

Top of box of Terramycin powder promoting “Free Herd Treater” bottle.

Side of box of Terramycin powder with instructions for use.

Side of box of Terramycin powder with instructions for use.