Comparing performance and resistance of two broilers breeds challenged by Eimeria acervulina

Area of Science:

• Animal Science
• Poultry Genetics
• Avian Pathology

Background:

• Anticoccidial drugs are being phased out of poultry feed, increasing the need for broiler chickens resistant to Eimeria.
• Eimeria infection significantly impacts poultry production, necessitating genetic selection for disease resistance.
• Understanding breed-specific resistance is crucial for sustainable poultry farming.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate and compare the resistance of two commercial broiler breeds to Eimeria acervulina infection.
• To assess the impact of Eimeria acervulina challenge on broiler performance and health.
• To identify genetic criteria for selecting broiler breeders with enhanced disease resistance.

Main Methods:

• Eight hundred male broiler chicks from two commercial breeds were divided into challenged and unchallenged groups.
• Birds were housed from 1-42 days, with challenged groups infected with Eimeria acervulina at 14 days.
• Performance metrics (feed intake, weight gain, FCR) and clinical signs (oocyst counts, lesion scores) were monitored throughout the study.

Main Results:

• Eimeria acervulina challenge significantly worsened all performance parameters in both breeds.
• Breed B exhibited higher oocyst shedding and more severe gut lesions compared to Breed A post-infection.
• While Breed A showed better early performance, no significant final performance differences were observed between breeds.
• Breed B experienced greater reductions in feed intake, body weight gain, and mean weight post-infection.

Conclusions:

• Breed B demonstrated lower resistance to Eimeria acervulina, indicated by increased oocyst counts and lesion scores.
• Breed-specific resistance to Eimeria acervulina is a critical factor for genetic selection in broiler breeding programs.
• The findings suggest that genetic selection for Eimeria resistance can mitigate production losses in commercial poultry.