Phytobiotic preparations for the prevention of eimeriosis in birds as an alternative to coccidiostatics

Abstract

Avian eimeriosis is a widespread disease caused by various types of coccidia, to which almost all young poultry are susceptible. The disease is characterized by damage to the mucous membrane of the gastrointestinal tract, impaired parietal digestion and, as a result, a decrease in the absorption of nutrients from the feed. Aimeriosis is a significant problem in poultry farms, as it can cause massive losses among livestock and significantly reduce the productivity of birds. The main means of preventing and treating coccidiosis in broilers are coccidiostatics, but scientists note that with prolonged courses of treatment, coccidia adapt to the negative factors of chemoprophylaxis and acquire resistance to coccidiostatics, which leads to a decrease in the effectiveness of this treatment.
Today, the issue of the need to use biologically active substances of plant origin, known as phytobiotics, as a preventive measure for avian eimeriosis is becoming increasingly relevant. The attention of many researchers is attracted by plants of the genus Thymus, whose representatives are sources of medicinal raw materials of natural origin, which have a fairly wide range of effects. Thyme-based phytobiotics can become an alternative to coccidiostatics due to their anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antiparasitic properties. The use of thyme extract, in addition to its antiparasitic effect, helps to increase the productivity of poultry: it improves physiological parameters, normalizes metabolism and increases feed conversion rate.