Sporulation rate and viability of Eimeria tenella oocysts stored in potassium sorbate solution

In order to find a new preservation solution for avian coccidial oocysts that can replace potassium dichromate (K₂Cr₂O₇) solution, Eimeria tenella oocysts were preserved in 0.1 to 10% potassium sorbate (C₆H₇KO₂) solution in this study. The results showed that there was no significant difference between the sporulation rate of E. tenella oocysts preserved in 0.1 to 10% C₆H₇KO₂ solution and in 2.5% K₂Cr₂O₇ solution (p > 0.05). The 0.5 to 10% C₆H₇KO₂ solution could also effectively inhibit the growth of bacterial microorganisms. E. tenella oocysts preserved in 1% C₆H₇KO₂ solution at 4 °C for 3, 6, 9, and 12 months, with the oocyst production of E. tenella oocysts being 1.3-, 1.2-, 1.6-, and 1.3-fold higher than that of oocysts stored in 2.5% K₂Cr₂O₇ solution (p < 0.05). In conclusion, C₆H₇KO₂ could replace K₂Cr₂O₇ as the preservation solution of avian coccidial oocysts.