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Coccidial infections and manganese absorption
Poultry Science
|December 1, 1982
Summary
Avian coccidiosis from Eimeria infections significantly impacts manganese absorption in chickens. Eimeria acervulina reduced absorption early, while later stages showed varied effects across Eimeria species.
Area of Science:
- Poultry Science
- Veterinary Parasitology
- Nutritional Physiology
Background:
- Coccidiosis, caused by Eimeria parasites, is a significant disease in poultry.
- Understanding nutrient absorption during coccidiosis is crucial for managing flock health and productivity.
- Manganese is an essential trace element for poultry, involved in various metabolic processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of different Eimeria species infections on manganese absorption in chickens.
- To determine the temporal effects of coccidiosis on the bioavailability of orally administered manganese.
- To correlate changes in manganese absorption with specific Eimeria species and stages of infection.
Main Methods:
- Four-week-old Single Comb White Leghorn male chicks were infected with Eimeria acervulina, E. necatrix, E. brunetti, or E. tenella, with an uninfected control group.
- Radiolabeled manganese (54Mn) was administered orally to birds at various time points post-infection (Days 1, 3, 6, 10, 14, 21, 28).
- Bloodstream radioactivity was measured at 1, 2, and 4 hours post-administration to assess manganese absorption.
Main Results:
- Eimeria acervulina infection significantly decreased manganese absorption by 23-34% at 6 days post-infection.
- Eimeria necatrix caused a smaller, more variable decrease in manganese absorption.
- Other Eimeria species did not significantly affect manganese absorption early in the infection; however, at 14 days post-infection, all species showed a two- to fourfold increase in manganese absorption in one trial.
Conclusions:
- Eimeria acervulina has a notable negative impact on manganese absorption during the early stages of infection.
- Manganese absorption can be altered both decreased and increased at different stages of coccidial infections, depending on the Eimeria species.
- These findings highlight the complex interactions between avian coccidiosis and trace mineral absorption, with implications for nutritional management.