The article discusses avian coccidiosis, one of the most common parasitic diseases in poultry farming, which significantly impacts both health and economic outcomes. Caused by Eimeria species, coccidiosis manifests in two forms:
- Subclinical coccidiosis – Leads to indigestion, reduced daily weight gain, and increased feed conversion rates. This occurs when birds ingest a lower number of Eimeria oocysts or are infected with less pathogenic species.
- Clinical coccidiosis – In addition to the above symptoms, there is increased mortality due to high loads of Eimeria oocysts. Disease severity depends on the bird’s immune status, particularly gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT).
Common Control Measures:
- Preventive procedures – Include disinfection, floor burning, coccidiostats in feed, vaccinations, and herbal additives in drinking water or feed.
- Intervention procedures – Involve the use of antiparasitic drugs.
Despite available control methods, complete protection remains elusive. Growing consumer expectations and animal welfare trends push for reducing or eliminating chemotherapeutic agents like coccidiostats from poultry production.
Alternative Solutions & Plant-Based Approaches:
- Phytoncides (secondary plant metabolites) – These substances have proven antimicrobial effects, limiting bacterial growth, viral replication, fungal development, and parasite multiplication.
- Selected herbal ingredients (e.g., allicin, echinacoside, eugenol, flavonoids) – Stimulate the immune system, disrupt Eimeria cell structures, and damage the parasite’s developmental forms.
Case Studies & Field Trials:
Several clinical cases in broiler flocks (Ross 308) demonstrated the effectiveness of herbal-based products (Biocox, Biotix S, Coccilin V Plus):
- Reduced oocyst count in feces.
- Improved flock uniformity and feed consumption.
- Lower mortality rates.
- Enhanced gut health and recovery.
Conclusion:
New approaches using plant-derived compounds, such as phytoncides, essential oils, and herbal extracts, offer a promising solution to reduce antibiotic dependency in poultry farming. Advanced phytogenic formulations may play a key role in future coccidiosis control strategies.