Efficacy and Characteristics of different Methods of Coccidiosis Infection in Broiler Chickens

Abstract

Problem statement: Different methods of experimental infection of broiler chickens withEimeria species have been described in the literature. These methods had not been compared and contrasted so as to contribute to the selection of the most appropriate model of coccidiosis in broiler chickens. Identifying such a model was important to speed up the screening of potential coccidiostatics. Approach: In five different experiments with broiler chickens, we used different methods of infection with Eimeria species. In this paper the different methods and the results have been evaluated. Results: Administration through gavage into the crop of relatively low doses of either Eimeria tenella alone, or in combination with Eimeria acervulina and Eimeria maxima, did not influence body-weight gain and feed intake, but did induce intestinal lesions and faecal shedding of oocysts. The administration of an identically high number of sporulated oocysts in the form of a mixture of the three Eimeria species, either through a single dose by gavage or through the litter, produced similar lowering effects on body-weight gain or feed intake, similar degrees of severity of intestinal lesions and similar rates of faecal oocyst shedding. Conclusion: Depending on the variables considered of interest, the present data may indicate the most appropriate model. The model using infection with oocysts through the litter may optimally mimic the field situation in combination with controlled conditions and allowing experimental flexibility and a high number of experimental units within the research facility.

Control of eight predominant Eimeria spp. involved in economic coccidiosis of broiler chicken by a chemically characterized essential oil

“…The optimization of reproduction of the intestinal pathogenesis by a controlled challenge with the eight species of Eimeria is of paramount importance, before the evaluation of any drug or immunopotentiator against these protozoa (Elmusharaf et al . ). In addition, the multiplication and pathogenesis of Eimeria spp.…”

Utility of Feed Enzymes and Yeast Derivatives in Ameliorating Deleterious Effects of Coccidiosis on Intestinal Health and Function in Broiler Chickens

“…However, in terms of identifying the most influential predisposing factors, a reliable and reproducible infection model is critical. Coccidia infection with live sporulated oocysts via oral gavage (crop) or litter contamination is commonly used in experimental coccidiosis models and is reasonably reliable in general (82). However, there are variation in experimental approaches related to dosing, species specification, timing and composition (wild-type or attenuated) for vaccination overdose and co-infection with Clostridium perfringen among others (82,83).…”

“…Coccidia infection with live sporulated oocysts via oral gavage (crop) or litter contamination is commonly used in experimental coccidiosis models and is reasonably reliable in general (82). However, there are variation in experimental approaches related to dosing, species specification, timing and composition (wild-type or attenuated) for vaccination overdose and co-infection with Clostridium perfringen among others (82,83). For nutrition research, it is imperative to have a coccidiosis model that is not only reproducible but target sections of the gut that have significant ramifications on nutrient digestion and absorption.…”

Exposure of Broiler Chickens to a Weak Electromagnetic Field Reduces the Impact of a Simulated, Commercial Eimeria Infection

“…Infection through gavage with a single high dose of inoculum has no similarity with the field situation and might result in results with no practical relevance. Standardized infection through the litter mimics the field situation, but can be done under controlled conditions and allows experimental flexibility and a large number of experimental units within the research facility (Elmusharaf et al, 2010).…”