Used primarily in veterinary medicine as an antibacterial agent to treat and prevent bacterial infections in livestock, especially in cattle, poultry, and swine. It is effective against a range of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. Commonly administered through feed or drinking water, it helps control diseases such as bovine mastitis, calf scours, and respiratory infections in poultry. Due to concerns about antibiotic residues and resistance, its use is regulated, and withdrawal periods are required before animal products enter the food supply. Also used in research settings for studying antimicrobial resistance and drug metabolism in animals.