BLOGS > IMPROVE RESILIENCE AGAINST COCCIDIOSIOS FOR A STRONGER BOTTOM LINE IN POULTRY

Impact of coccidiosis in poultry production

Coccidiosis affects broilers, layers, and breeders and represents a major economic drain for poultry production. Infected flocks commonly show stunted growth, poor feed conversion, diarrhea, and an increased susceptibility to secondary infections such as necrotic enteritis. A 2021 survey showed that 94% of poultry professionals in Asia reported coccidiosis as a significant contributor to production costs, with substantial estimated annual losses, including approximately USD 478 million in Indonesia and USD 406 million in Thailand.

Under field conditions, Eimeria acervulina, Eimeria tenella and Eimeria maxima are frequently identified, often occurring as mixed infections, which increases intestinal damage and complicates control strategies. Despite intensive production systems, coccidiosis remains difficult to control due to the environmental persistence of oocysts, climatic pressure, and the reduced efficacy of traditional anticoccidial drugs.

Beyond its direct impact on performance, coccidiosis plays a critical role in predisposing poultry flocks to secondary intestinal diseases.

Coccidiosis and Clostridium perfringens coinfection in poultry

A costly combination

Coccidiosis and Clostridium perfringens coinfection represents a significant health and economic challenge in poultry production, frequently resulting in necrotic enteritis (NE). Coccidial infection acts as a primary predisposing factor for clostridial overgrowth.

The disease process explained

Primary trigger: Coccidiosis (Eimeria spp.)

These protozoan parasites invade and destroy the epithelial cells lining the host’s intestinal tract. This causes physical damage, inflammation, and impaired nutrient absorption (malabsorption).

Secondary effect: Clostridium perfringens proliferation

Clostridium perfringens is a normal resident of the poultry gut at low levels. The intestinal damage caused by Eimeria infection creates an ideal environment for this bacterium to proliferate rapidly.

Increased nutrient availability

Damaged epithelial cells leak plasma proteins, while the host produces excess mucus. Both provide a protein-rich substrate that supports rapid growth of C. perfringens.

Shift in gut microbiota

Coccidiosis alters the intestinal microbiome by lowering concentrations of beneficial bacteria such as Lactobacillus spp. and butyrate-producing organisms, which normally help suppress pathogenic bacteria.

Necrotic enteritis (NE) development

Rapid proliferation of C. perfringens leads to toxin production, including NetB toxin, resulting in severe inflammation, intestinal necrosis, bloody diarrhea, reduced performance, and increased mortality rates.

The value of investing in gut health

While it may seem counterintuitive to invest in gut health when flocks appear clinically healthy, the old adage “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” rings especially true in poultry farming. Investing in proactive gut health measures is a smart financial decision that can pay dividends in the long run.

Given the direct link between coccidial intestinal damage, clostridial overgrowth, and performance losses, proactive gut health management represents a sound economic strategy.

From an economic perspective, proactive gut health management supports:

• More stable feed efficiency
• Improved resilience during disease pressure
• Reduced reliance on therapeutic interventions

In this context, prevention is not an expense, but a strategic investment.

How Olus®Cox liquid supports profitable poultry performance

Within an integrated gut health strategy, nutritional support plays a key role in mitigating the impact of coccidiosis and necrotic enteritis challenges.

Olus®Cox liquid:

• Supports resilience against coccidiosis without directly targeting oocysts, allowing compatibility with coccidiosis vaccination programs, particularly in breeders and layers.
• Provides antibacterial activity against Gram-positive bacteria such as Clostridium spp., supporting intestinal balance during coccidial challenges.
• Unlike traditional anticoccidials (e.g. amprolium), which act only on coccidia, Olus®Cox liquid is positioned to support multiple aspects of intestinal health.
• Helps maintain feed intake during periods of intestinal stress.
• Supports immune function as part of an integrated gut health strategy.

Target application

For coccidiosis and necrotic enteritis challenges.

Composition

A carefully designed blend of essential oils, plant extracts, vitamin E, dextrose, and electrolytes.

Note on aquaculture

While this article focuses on poultry production, intestinal protozoal challenges are also reported in aquaculture systems, particularly in warm and humid regions of Southeast Asia. In species such as Asian sea bass, intestinal health challenges can negatively affect feed intake, nutrient utilization, and overall performance. Although the underlying pathogens and disease mechanisms differ from poultry coccidiosis, the economic principle remains the same: maintaining intestinal integrity and microbial balance is essential for consistent performance and efficient feed utilization under commercial aquaculture conditions.

Integrated management strategies, including biosecurity, nutrition, and gut health support, therefore play an increasingly important role across animal production systems.

About the author

Dr Kashif Waqas – Regional Manager | Southeast Asia

Dr. Kashif is a qualified veterinarian with specialized expertise in monoglycerides, emulsifiers, phytobiotics and their application in animal nutrition and health. With a strong scientific approach and practical industry experience, he focuses on delivering effective, innovative solutions that enhance gut health, performance, and sustainability in livestock and aquaculture. His work bridges research and field application, supporting the advancement of modern animal production systems. 

Reach out to Dr. Kashif for guidance on integrated gut health strategies to manage coccidiosis and necrotic enteritis challenges in poultry.