Effect of butyrate, clopidol and their combination on the performance of broilers infected with Eimeria maxima

Abstract

1. The effect of butyric acid glycerides (BAGs) with and without clopidol (CLP) on Eimeria maxima on growth and associated biochemical variables was investigated in broiler chickens.

2. One-day-old chicks were divided into 6 equal groups (Gps) of 30 chicks each; each group was subdivided into 6 equal subgroups. Gp 1 was not infected and not treated. Chicks in Gp 2 were not infected and fed on a ration mixed with 4 g BAGs/kg for 6 successive weeks. Chicks of the other groups were directly inoculated intra-crop with 1 × 10⁴ sporulated oocysts of E. maxima at 14 d of age. Gp 3 was infected and not treated. Chicks in the remaining three groups were given diets mixed with the tested drugs for 6 successive weeks. Gp 4 was fed on a diet mixed with CLP (125 g/kg). Gp 5 was given a diet mixed with BAGs (4 g/kg diet). Gp 6 was fed on a diet mixed with both BAGs (4 g/kg diet) and CLP (125 g/kg).

3. Birds in Gps 5 and 6 showed a reduction in the mean oocyst count, lesion scores and developmental stages in the lamina propria and improved growth and biochemical variables. BAG supplementation enhanced growth and production of healthy broilers.

4. It was concluded that BAGs were a useful supplement in broiler diets as an alternative to growth promoters and antimicrobial drugs.

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank Dr Shawkey M. Moustafa, Head of the Pathology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Benha University, Egypt, for his help and support.