Journal: |
Frointers in veterinary science
Frointers Media S.A.
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Volume: |
2297-1769
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Abstract: |
Avian coccidiosis is one of the major parasitic diseases in the poultry industry.
The infection is caused by Eimeria species, and its treatment relies mainly on the
administration of anticoccidial drugs, which can result in drug resistance and side effects.
The recent trends in avian coccidiosis treatment is directed to the development of a
new therapy using herbal compounds. S-Methylcysteine (SMC) is considered one of
the organosulfur compounds in garlic that showed promising activity in the treatment of
different pathological conditions via a wide range of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant
mechanisms. In this study, the anticoccidial activity of SMC was investigated in Eimeria
tenella-infected chickens compared to diclazuril as a widely used anticoccidial drug. In
this regard, 14-day-old broilers were divided into six groups (n = 18). The first group
(G1) was the healthy control group, while the second group (G2) was the non-infected
SMC group treated at a dose of 50 mg/kg b.w. (high dose). Moreover, the third group
(G3) was the positive control group (infected and non-treated). The fourth group (G4)
was the infected group treated with SMC of 25 mg/kg b.w. (low dose), while the fifth
group (G5) was the infected group treated with SMC of 50 mg/kg b.w. (high dose).
Conversely, the sixth group (G6) was the diclazuril-treated group. The anticoccidial effects
of SMC and diclazuril were evaluated by counting oocysts and recording the body weight
gain, feed conversion ratio, clinical signs, lesions, and mortality rate. Interestingly, SMC
showed potent anticoccidial activity, which was exemplified by reduction of oocyst count.
Furthermore, the biochemical, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory parameters in the cecal
tissues were restored toward their control levels in G4, G5, and G6. Histopathological
observation of cecal tissues was consistent with the aforementioned results revealing
A the ameliorative effect of SMC against E. tenella infection. This study concluded novel
findings in relation to the anticoccidial role of SMC as a plant-based compound against
the E. tenella-induced coccidiosis in broiler chickens combined with its antioxidative and
anti-inflammatory properties. Further studies for exploring the mechanistic pathways
involved in this activity and the potential benefits from its use in association with
conventional anticoccidial drugs are warranted.
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