BLOGS > PHYTOGENIC FEED ADDITIVES AS SUPPLEMENTATION TO SUPPORT COCCIDIOSIS VACCINATION IN POULTRY
PHYTOGENIC FEED ADDITIVES AS SUPPLEMENTATION TO SUPPORT COCCIDIOSIS VACCINATION IN POULTRY
Coccidiosis is a common and challenging disease in poultry, significantly impacting bird health and performance. At Olus, we research and develop innovative solutions to mitigate these effects. By carefully selecting natural ingredients and leveraging extensive research and practical experience, we create products that not only support animal welfare but also help boost the growth of your business. This article delves into how phytogenics can help control coccidiosis by boosting immunity, reducing secondary bacterial infections, and improving nutrient digestibility. We also highlight our phytogenic feed additives, Elan®Biotic and Elan®Cox, which leverage the power of essential oils to support gut health and overall poultry performance.
HOW TO MITIGATE COCCIDIOSIS IN POULTRY
The effects of a coccidiosis infection in poultry can be attenuated in several ways: 1) stimulating the bird’s immunocompetence, 2) reducing the severity of secondary bacterial infections to usually follow a coccidiosis challenge, by antibacterial effects, and by limiting the inflammatory response. 3) Moreover, coccidiosis generally results in a reduced digestibility of dietary fat and energy utilization. Nutrient digestibility can be stimulated by phytogenics, especially by pungent ones. Phytogens are bioactive compounds derived from plants, known for their antimicrobial, antioxidant and immune-boosting properties.
PHYTOGENICS AND THEIR ANTICOCCIDIAL PROPERTIES
Phytogenics, such as essential oils and herbs, offer promising anticoccidial benefits. They can inhibit the growth of Eimeria species in the sporogony and merogony stages, which cause coccidiosis. According to Muthamilselvan et al. (2016), higher doses of these compounds are needed for significant anticoccidial effects. For example, Allicin (EO from garlic) reduced sporulation of E. tenella in vitro by approx. 50% when adding 1.8 mg allicin/L water, whereas a 100 x higher dose reduced sporulation by 72% (Alnassan et al., 2015). Such a reduction could prevent a necrotic enteritis infection, when keeping oocyst output under control.
PHYTOGENIC FEED ADDITIVES ELAN®BIOTIC AND ELAN®COX
Elan®Biotic and Elan®Cox are Olus essential solutions for improving gut health and give intestinal support. Elan®Biotic is formulated as a powerful phytogenic antibacterial feed additive, based on garlic, cinnamon and oregano oil, whereas Elan®Cox contains oregano, garlic, anise, cinnamon and lemon oil, together with some minerals to improve intestinal osmolarity. The ingredients are mentioned in order of descending concentration.
ANTI-INFLAMATORY AND ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITIES
A recent review was focused on the anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant activities of phytogenic substances (Basiouni et al., 2023). Oxidation and inflammation processes interact, partly via intracellular Nrf2/Keap1 pathways. Nrf2 and Keap1 are intracellular transcription factors, that are inactive when complexed, whereas after being cleaved in the cytoplasm, Nrf2 stimulates the production of anti-oxidant enzymes (via the antioxidant response element in the DNA), whereas Keap1 inhibits NF. Basiouni et al. (2023) highlighted the mode of action of some well-known phytogenics:
- Cinnamaldehyde (cinnamon extract): Decreases the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as and TNF- , IL-1 , and IL-6 as well as iNOS and COX-2. Cinnamaldehyde improved body weight gain of chickens infected with various Eimeria spp.
- Thymol and carvacrol (thyme oil): Thyme oil has been studied extensively for its anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Inclusion of 5 g/kg thyme oil reduced the pro-inflammatory mediators and improved the immune system of poultry.
IN VITRO TRIALS
Our products Elan®Biotic and Elan®Cox contain carefully selected phytogens with strong antioxidant and antibacterial properties. Antibacterial effects of Elan®Biotic and Elan®Cox were tested in an in vitro experiment to show their minimum inhibitory concentration against Clostridium perfringens (Figure 1). Both products have a clear MIC for Clostridium perfringens, which implies that they can control secondary Clostridium perfringens infections at their recommended dose levels of 250 and 500 mL/1000 L of drinking water.
CONCLUSION
By incorporating phytogenics like those in Elan®Biotic and Elan®Cox, poultry producers can effectively limit the severity of a secondary bacterial infection following a coccidiosis challenge. These phytogenic solutions also reduce its negative impact on production performance by controlling the inflammatory effects, thereby stimulating feed intake.
Interested in learning more about Elan®Biotic or Elan®Cox? Contact us today and take the first step towards optimising your animals’ welfare and boost the growth of your business.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Nick Slagman – Sales Manager Poultry
Nick Slagman has been part of the Olus team since 2014 and brings his expertise and passion for the poultry industry. With years of practical experience and in-depth knowledge of the intricacies of poultry farming, Nick is well versed in the daily challenges farmers face. At Olus, he is involved in developing new feed additives and investigating nutritional strategies for improved gut health and performance in a sustainable manner.
