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Transcriptomic and untargeted metabolomic studies on the anticoccidial activity of eugenol in broilers
Tiantian Geng1, Hongjun Yang2, Jing Liu1
1National Key Laboratory Preventive Veterinary of Hubei Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, No. 1, Shizishan Street, Hongshan District, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, PR China.
Poultry Science
|May 9, 2025
Summary
Eugenol, a plant-derived compound, shows promise as a poultry anticoccidial alternative. It modulates the immune response and gut health, offering a potential solution to concerns over drug residues in poultry farming.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Parasitology
- Poultry Health
- Natural Product Chemistry
Background:
- Coccidiosis, caused by Eimeria parasites, is a significant poultry disease.
- Anticoccidial drugs raise concerns regarding drug residues in poultry products.
- Plant-derived essential oils are explored as safer alternatives for coccidiosis control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the anticoccidial efficacy of seven plant-derived products against Eimeria tenella in broilers.
- To investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying the anticoccidial activity of eugenol.
Main Methods:
- Broiler cage trial to assess anticoccidial index (ACI) of plant products.
- Transcriptomic and untargeted metabolomic analyses of cecal tissue for eugenol mechanism.
- Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to confirm metabolite levels.
Main Results:
- Eugenol exhibited a high anticoccidial index (155.41), comparable to eucalyptus oil.
- Transcriptomic analysis revealed significant differential gene expression in immune-related pathways (cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction).
- Metabolomic analysis identified upregulated immune-related metabolites, including vitamin A acid and anti-inflammatory compounds, alongside prebiotics.
Conclusions:
- Eugenol demonstrates significant anticoccidial activity in poultry, modulating the intestinal immune network.
- Eugenol's mechanism involves regulating differentially expressed genes and metabolites, including immune factors and prebiotics.
- Eugenol presents a potential safe alternative or adjunct to conventional anticoccidial drugs in poultry production.
