as alternatives in
fighting coccidiosis
Essential oils contain known active ingredients
that can have a direct antiparasitic effect.
Plant-based
alternatives may be
one way forward for
which has a morbidity rate of 10-40%
and mortality of up to 50%.
Because coccidia damage the
intestinal epithelium, feed digestion
is impaired, resulting in losses in
performance through reduced
weight gain, feed efficiency and
temporary reduction of egg
production in layers.
poultry producers
to control this costly
parasitic disease.
Coccidiosis is recognized as the
costliest parasitic disease for the
poultry industry worldwide, with
estimated total annual costs reaching
$800 million, when the costs of
prophylaxis, medications and losses
of productivity due to mortality,
morbidity, and lowered feed
conversion are taken into account.
Estimates of the global cost of its
prevention in chicken alone stand at
$300 million a year.
Among the multiple species of
this intracellular parasite, the two
most common types affecting
poultry production worldwide are
Eimeria acervulina, which causes
upper intestinal coccidiosis, and
Eimeria tenella (caecal coccidiosis),
A need for alternative
solutions?
An outbreak of coccidiosis in a
flock will depend on several factors
which can be controlled to varying
degrees. It is usually the result of a
breakdown in the balance between
three elements: the parasite, the
host (chickens selected for their
zootechnical performances are
particularly sensitive to coccidia),
and the environment (
intensively-reared birds are more vulnerable
to coccidiosis). A coccidia control
program should take into account all
these elements, starting with hygiene
and housing management practices.
Much work has also been
carried out on the role of dietary
factors: the influence of nutrients
and micronutrients (vitamin K, A,
selenium) has been widely studied,
as have the feed form and origin
(maize could be more favorable
than wheat). However, control of
these factors is not sufficient on their
own and, in commercial poultry
production, additional coccidia
control solutions are often necessary.
