Yucca schidigera Improves Performance and Lowers Oocyst Counts in Eimeria Challenged Broilers

Abstract

Coccidiosis is one of the main challenges for the worldwide poultry industry, and several anticoccidial treatments have been used to fight these protozoa. Resistance of Eimeria parasites against anticoccidials—and the public opinion about these treatments—demands for alternatives. In this trial, we tested Yucca schidigera (500 g/T) as a natural alternative in broilers challenged with Eimeria. This treatment was compared to three other treatments: An unchallenged control, a challenged control, and a challenged anticoccidial (625 g/T) treatment with focus on performance, oocyst per gram counts (OPG), and lesion scores. Both the anticoccidial and the Yucca schidigera group showed significant improvement in body weight (2.150 and 2.058 vs. 1.998 and 1.971 kg). growth (60.2 and 57.6 vs. 55.8 and 55.1 g/d). and feed-conversion ratio (1.456 and 1.510 vs. 1.527 and 1.575), compared to both control groups. No significant differences were found between the treatments on OPG collection days 18 and 25. On day 35, lowest OPG counts were found in the unchallenged group (93), followed by the Yucca schidigera group (114), the anticoccidial group (243), and the challenged group (650). Adding Yucca schidigera abolished the effect of the challenge resulting in comparable (FCR) or better (ADG) performance results compared to the unchallenged birds. Yucca schidigera consistently showed lower numbers for OPG counts compared to the anticoccidial and challenged group. Therefore, Yucca schidigera can be considered as an effective alternative for anticoccidial treatment in broilers.

Effects of Dietary Inclusion of a Proprietary Combination of Quillaja saponaria and Yucca schidigera on Intestinal Permeability and Immune Response in Broiler Chickens during a Coccidia Challenge

“…The saponin source and level of the product can vary greatly, and along with the severity of the coccidiosis challenge, impacts the efficacy. In the current study, the MPU treatment, which contained a blend of Quillaja saponaria and Yucca schidigera , was included at a much lower dosage of 110 mg/kg compared to other studies [ 2 , 10 ], indicating a higher potency of the Quillaja Saponaria compared to saponin products only from Yucca schidigera sources. To assess the severity of coccidia infection and its impact on the intestinal mucosa, we used intestinal lesion scores as an indicator.…”

“…During the peak phase of coccidia infection (5 dpi), both the SAL and MPU treatments protected the broiler chickens from the negative impacts of the challenge, as evidenced by improved growth performance. The dietary inclusion of 500 mg/kg of a saponin-based product via an extract from Yucca schidigera effectively promotes growth in broilers infected with Eimeria [ 10 ]. However, the dietary inclusion of 250 or 500 mg/kg of a Yucca schidigera -based saponin source also had no impact on performance in broilers infected with Eimeria [ 2 ].…”

“…These strategies are crucial in helping maintain poultry health and productivity. The phytogenic compounds, saponins, and polyphenols from Quillaja saponaria and Yucca schidigera have been shown to impact growth performance in broilers due to coccidiostat action and improvements in nutrient digestibility and intestinal permeability in both unchallenged and Eimeria challenge situations [ 2 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 ]. In addition, saponins have immunomodulatory effects [ 2 , 13 ].…”

“…Previous studies both with and without yucca involving an Eimeria challenge have focused on the peak phase of Eimeria infection due to the high presence of oocysts and intestinal damage occurring during this period, which eventually leads to increased intestinal permeability [ 10 , 11 , 14 , 16 , 17 , 18 ]. However, little is known about the recovery phase (5 to 12 dpi) following an Eimeria challenge, when immune response and tissue repair are key.…”

Botanicals: A promising approach for controlling cecal coccidiosis in poultry

“…Plants containing saponins also function as astringents, i.e., they reduce surface tension inside the body and help nutrients enter the cells (183,184). Due to these activities, multiple saponin-containing plants have been used to control coccidiosis (101, 105,119,[185][186][187][188][189][190].…”