The Function of Garlic Extract in Reducing of Side Effects of Eimeria tenella Oocyte on the Growth Indices and Mucosal Tissue of Cecum in Broiler Chickens

In this study, the efficacy of garlic extract in comparison with commercial toltrazuril drug on oocyte excretion of Eimeria tenella and improving the side effects of this oocyte on growth and performance indices of broiler chicks were studied. In this regard, 360 broiler chicks were randomly divided into eight groups with three replicates. Groups 1 to 4 received a suspension from E. tenella at the age of 21 days. Groups 1 and 2 received garlic extract at a dose of 500 and 1000 ppm and in group 3, the chickens received toltrazuril, 5 days after the challenge. Group 4 did not receive any treatment. In this study, four control groups were considered for the main groups, which only received the extract and were not challenged. At 7, 9, and 12 days after the challenge, the number of oocyst excretion was counted in these groups. Additionally, feed intake, weight gain and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were calculated and compared weekly. The comparing of oocyte excretion rate in different groups showed that all groups treated had a significant difference with each other. The least amount of oocyte excretion was observed in the group receiving toltrazuril. Analysis of growth indices at the end of growing period shows that although there is no significant difference between weight gain and feed intake among garlic extract recipients with toltrazuril, the lowest food conversion ratio is in the group receiving toltrazuril. Also, there was no significant difference between the two groups receiving garlic extract. Therefore, it can be concluded that garlic extract can reduce oocyte excretion and improve growth indices in chickens infected with Eimeria tenlla and can be effective as a supportive treatment in coccidiosis control.