Coccidiosis is a great concern. 

Coccidia which is a common protozoan in domestic birds and other fowl is capable of developing resistance to antibiotics. Coccidiosis affects global food production causing economic losses that are globally estimated to be around 3 billion $ per year. This loss is caused by different coccidian species such as E. acervulina, E. maxima, and E. tenella., and depending on the species of the Eimeria involved, the infestation increases intestinal problems and causes immunosuppression in poultry flocks all around the world.

In cases of subclinical coccidiosis, production performance, water, and feed intake decreases, and animals will become more vulnerable to other diseases, especially to necrotic enteritis caused by Clostridium perfringens, or Salmonella infections. If not managed properly and necessary actions are not taken, subclinical coccidiosis may develop into clinical coccidiosis. A proper prevention programme against coccidiosis will also help to decrease the linked bacterial problems of the intestinal channel as well.

So far, strict hygiene or biosecurity control, good husbandry, management measures and adding coccidiostats in feed has been the main methods of the coccidiosis control. Anticoccidials as prevention have been used since the 1940s, and it became more and more concern in recent years, due to some linked antimicrobial resistance, and related human health threat. Even though neither vaccination nor other measures tested could replace the use of coccidiostats in feed, banning coccidiostats as a feed additive is under discussion since 2012.  The EU Agriculture Council Ministers recently voted to ban the anticoccidials amprolium, amprolium/ethopabate, dimetridazole, metichlorpindol, metichlorpindol/ methylbenzoquate and nicarbazin.

Having an environmentally friendly anti-coccidial solution is important when both regulations and animal welfare are considered.

Life cycle of Eimeria spp.:

Coccidia (Eimeria ) is highly prolific protozoa due to the special life cycle, involving inside the host, and outside the host cycles. Under proper temperature/moisture of the litter, and in a very short time (1-2 days) the oocytes, become infective (sporulated oocyte). The animals get infested through litter and faeces, and these sporocytes settle in the intestinal mucosa of the host. Following the first, the second invasive stage will start, and new offsprings will be produced and enter a further intestinal wall. This cycle will continue, destroying large numbers of intestinal cells (gut wall) and finally, the cycle will end by producing sex cells. Fertilization will start and oocyst (immature, unsporulated) will be produced and shed to the environment through faeces. This whole cycle would take between 5 to 8 days, and in this short time, an infected chicken may spread thousands of oocysts in the droppings.

What are the alternatives:

Although individually, some natural and organic compounds may exhibit certain activity against coccidiosis, to be able to catch different aspects at once, it is important to study synergic combinations. We as XVET have been studying this option. Combinations also allow low dose schemes, as activities will be greater than when being used as a single ingredient.

The inhibitory effect of Essential oils derived from plants on Eimeria has been studied. Both in vitro and in vivo studies reported that essential oils can be used as feed additives in poultry to control coccidiosis, as well as improving the bird’s resistance against oxidative stress. Bioactive compounds present in the essential oils extracted from some plants such as Oreganum were able to destroy the parasites, including oocysts and sporozoites. Furthermore, oregano oil supports the intestinal functional capacity and contributes to the antioxidant defense system.

The active fraction of garlic, allicin is an effective component and has certain antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal and anti-parasitic effects. An In vitro study has shown that allicin could inhibit sporulation of E. tenella effectively.

Combined with above, short and medium chain fatty acids will enhance antimicrobial activities and improve gastrointestinal integrity. Also, their potential anticoccidial effect on some species has been studied.

The synergy of essential oils and Fatty acids is a promising alternative to combat coccidiosis and can be easily used in antibiotic-free production.

Following this concern, XVET is currently working on a new product formula. Stay tuned to learn more about the launch of this new product.

For more information please contact technical@xvetgermany.com.