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Anticoccidial activity of salinomycin in battery raised broiler chickens
Abstract:
Infections with single species of Eimeria acervulina, E. mivati, E. maxima, E. tenella, E. necatrix, and E. brunetti, and the six species mixed, were utilized in three separate battery experiments to evaluate the anticoccidial efficacy of various levels of salinomycin (AHR-3096), a fermentation product of a strain of Streptomyces albus. At the 60 to 100 p.p.m. treatment levels, this compound showed significant anticoccidial activity for all parameters studied (mortality, weight gain, feed conversion, dropping scores, and lesion scores). The mortality due to coccidiosis was reduced to 0.1% in the medicated infected birds. Some activity, as measured by weight gain, was seen in the lower levels of salinomycin medication (12.5 to 50 p.p.m.), but other parameters, including mortality and lesion scores, indicated less activity than that seen with the higher treatment levels. At 100 p.p.m., there was no apparent effect on the compound on bird performance in uninfected control birds. Salinomycin at the 100 p.p.m. treatment level was statistically as effective as 121 p.p.m. monensin (reference anticoccidial) in controlling coccidiosis.
Insights
Salinomycin effectively combats coccidiosis in poultry at 60-100 p.p.m. This study shows significant reduction in mortality and improved bird performance, comparable to monensin.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Parasitology
- Poultry Science
- Antimicrobial Agents
Background:
- Coccidiosis, caused by Eimeria species, is a significant parasitic disease in poultry.
- Effective anticoccidial agents are crucial for maintaining poultry health and productivity.
- Salinomycin, a fermentation product of Streptomyces albus, is a potential candidate for coccidiosis control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the anticoccidial efficacy of various levels of salinomycin against six species of Eimeria in poultry.
- To compare the efficacy of salinomycin with a reference anticoccidial, monensin.
Main Methods:
- Three battery experiments were conducted using single and mixed species infections of Eimeria acervulina, E. mivati, E. maxima, E. tenella, E. necatrix, and E. brunetti.
- Salinomycin was administered at different treatment levels (12.5 to 100 p.p.m.).
- Efficacy was assessed by evaluating mortality, weight gain, feed conversion, dropping scores, and lesion scores. Performance in uninfected birds was also monitored.
Main Results:
- Salinomycin at 60-100 p.p.m. demonstrated significant anticoccidial activity across all measured parameters.
- Mortality due to coccidiosis was reduced to 0.1% in birds treated with salinomycin.
- At 100 p.p.m., salinomycin showed efficacy comparable to 121 p.p.m. monensin, with no adverse effects on uninfected birds.
Conclusions:
- Salinomycin is a highly effective anticoccidial agent for poultry, particularly at levels of 60-100 p.p.m.
- Higher treatment levels of salinomycin provide superior control of coccidiosis compared to lower levels.
- Salinomycin presents a viable alternative or supplement to existing anticoccidial drugs like monensin.