Evaluation of the Effectiveness of a Phytogenic Supplement (Alkaloids and Flavonoids) in the Control of Eimeria spp. in Experimentally Challenged Broiler Chickens

Abstract

Avian coccidiosis remains a problematic challenge in poultry farms worldwide, with increasing concerns about resistance to conventional anticoccidial drugs, highlighting the need for alternative control strategies. A total of 256 male broilers (Ross 308), 1 day old, were randomly assigned to four experimental groups (eight replicates, each containing eight chickens) to evaluate the effectiveness of a phytogenic supplement against Eimeria spp. At 14 days, broilers were challenged via oral gavage with a mixture of six strains of live Eimeria spp. oocysts (4.0 × 104 Eimeria spp. oocysts per bird). The groups included a negative control (no anticoccidials or challenge), a positive control (coccidial challenge, no anticoccidials), a phytogenic-supplemented diet based on alkaloids and flavonoids, and a diet with anticoccidials (narasin and nicarbazin). Fecal samples were collected for oocyst counts from day 14 to 23, and at 23 days (9 days post-infection), intestinal lesions and mucosa measurements were evaluated. The oocyst counts in the phytogenic and anticoccidial groups were significantly lower than in the positive control (with a reduction of 61.3% and 71.6%, respectively, compared to the positive control) (p < 0.05), with no significant differences between the phytogenic supplement and anticoccidials. The phytogenic supplement provided intermediate protection based on histopathological scores with a significantly lower histopathology score than the positive control but significantly higher than the negative control (p < 0.05). No differences in body weight, feed intake, feed conversion ratio, or mortality were observed across groups during the trial, likely due to the moderate challenge applied. In conclusion, the phytogenic supplement demonstrated anticoccidial activity comparable to narasin and nicarbazin without compromising productivity, warranting further research into its mechanisms, resistance impact, and commercial application.