Colombian Standards for Antimicrobial Dosing in Cattle: Establishing Defined Daily Doses and Defined Course Doses.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Despite international efforts to monitor antimicrobial (AAM) use, gaps persist, especially in Colombia's livestock sector. Therefore, this study aims to assign Defined Daily Doses (DDDCo) and Defined Course Doses (DCDCo) for cattle in Colombia. METHODS: A systematic search was performed from the online veterinary products registry database to identify veterinary products containing at least one AAM, marketed in Colombia for use in cattle, between 2023 and 2024. The monograph was retrieved from the label, and standard weights were applied to compute doses if required. DDDCo and DCDCo were assigned by calculating an average of daily and course doses, respectively. Overall, 856 records containing at least one AAM were listed as active for the market. RESULTS: A total of 321 injectable parenteral medications and 32 oral parenteral products were identified. For non-systemic use, the medications included 89 intramammary, 14 intrauterine, and 38 topical formulations. DDDCo and DCDCo values were assigned successfully for each AAM identified by route of administration. CONCLUSIONS: This study systematically assigned DDD and DCD to quantify antibiotic use in Colombian cattle, highlighting 90% comparability with Canada and Europe but noting differences in administration routes, drug combinations, and cattle weight assumptions.