Concurrent use of saponins and live coccidiosis vaccines: the influence of a quillaja and yucca combination on anticoccidial effects and performance results of coccidia-vaccinated broilers

Abstract

A series of studies was conducted to determine the effects of a quillaja and yucca (saponin) combination ( QY ) product on postvaccination oocyst production, development of coccidial immunity, and final bird performance of broilers administered live coccidiosis vaccines. In all, 3 groups of tests were carried out. Study 1 evaluated the effects of QY (0 and 250 ppm) on oocyst per gram of feces ( OPG ) following vaccination at day-of-age; OPG were measured from 5 to 12 d postvaccination. Study 2 determined the effects of QY (250 ppm) in the presence of 3 commercial coccidiosis vaccines in floor pens. OPG were measured weekly for birds receiving each vaccine and for each corresponding vaccine group fed QY. To determine whether QY influenced the development of coccidial immunity induced by the 3 vaccines, 5 birds were removed from each pen at 28 d and challenged with pathogenic levels of Eimeria spp. At 6 d post challenge, lesion scores were used to evaluate the effects of QY on immune protection provided by each vaccine. In addition, comparisons of final bird performance were made between birds given each vaccine and their corresponding vaccinates fed QY. Study 3 comprised a meta-analysis of 15 floor pen trials in which 21- and 42-d body weight, feed conversions, and total mortality were compared between coccidiosis-vaccinated broilers and similarly vaccinated broilers fed QY (250 ppm). Results of these experiments indicated that feeding QY to vaccinated broilers did not significantly affect OPG from days 5 through 12 postvaccination ( P > 0.05). For each vaccine tested in study 2, OPG values were the highest at 14 and 21 d postvaccination. QY significantly reduced OPG at 14 d postvaccination for 2 of the vaccines tested, and produced a similar effect in 1 vaccine at 21 d postvaccination. The remaining vaccine was not affected by QY in the postvaccination OPG results. Despite these changes in OPG, significant differences in lesion scores following the Eimeria challenge were not observed for any vaccinated groups receiving QY. Irrespective of the vaccine, both interim and final feed conversion values were significantly improved when QY was fed ( P < 0.01). Similarly, results of a 15-trial meta-analysis indicated that QY-fed vaccinated broilers had higher body weights, improved feed conversions, and lower mortality than their vaccinated controls. Results show that while QY may induce changes in OPG following vaccination, coccidia-vaccinated broilers fed QY develop immunity equivalent to that of controls and show significant improvements in performance and mortality.

The combination of quillaja and yucca saponins in broilers: effects on performance, nutrient digestibility and ileal morphometrics

“…Trial results indicated that at least part of this effect was associated with a lower level of coccidiosis in birds receiving QY. However, better coccidiosis control did not account for all the improvements recorded, and it was hypothesised that other intestinal effects may have been involved in these growth responses (Bafundo et al 2021). The current data showed that QY produced general improvements in the apparent intestinal uptake of dry matter, organic matter, fats and minerals and N retention.…”

“…In addition, each pen was sprayed with 1 × 10 5 Eimeria acervulina and 3.5 × 10 4 E. maxima sporulated oocysts per bird prior to the start of each test. As shown in Bafundo et al (2021), these procedures are known to induce a significant intestinal disease challenge characterised by moderate to severe coccidiosis, moderate NE and overall mortality two to three times greater than American industry standards. Evaluation of both coccidial and NE lesions at critical time points and total mortality at the end of the trial confirmed the highly pathogenic nature of these conditions.…”

“…Results demonstrated that oocyst production and lesion scores were reduced by QY alone, and when combined with other anticoccidial agents, disease prevention and production performance were enhanced. Supplemental work indicated that coccidiosis vaccinated broilers responded favourably in the presence of QY (Bafundo et al 2021), suggesting that the performance deficits normally observed with vaccine usage (Arczewska-Wlosek and Swiatkiewicz 2014) were offset by QY.…”

Saponin-Rich Plant Premixture Supplementation Is as Efficient as Ionophore Monensin Supplementation Under Experimental Eimeria spp Challenge in Broiler Chicken

“…Our results are in line with recently published data concerning the use of saponin-rich plants ( Quillaja.s ) by the Bafundo team and those published by Saeed et al ( Yucca.s ). ( 24 , 25 ). On the other hand, a recent study shows that saponin-rich plant supplementation ( Yucca.s ) does not have a significant compensation effect on the loss of performance of chickens infested by Eimeria ( 26 ); thus, contradicting obtained data from the present study.…”

Focused review: The role of drug combinations for the control of coccidiosis in commercially reared chickens

“…An example is a combination of quillaja and yucca that contain saponins and are often used to promote intestinal health and immunity in poultry ( Bafundo et al, 2020 ). In a series of studies they were shown, in addition to improving gut health, to have beneficial effects against infections with Eimeria species, necrotic enteritis, and improve the effectiveness of live coccidiosis vaccines ( Bafundo et al, 2021a , b ). Synergism has been claimed for a 1:1 mixture of the natural alkaloid berberine and amprolium ( Malik et al, 2016 ).…”