Responses of broiler chickens to Eimeria challenge when fed a nucleotide-rich yeast extract

Effect of orally administered B. subtilis-cNK-2 on growth performance, immunity, gut health, and gut microbiome in chickens infected with Eimeria acervulina and its potential as an alternative to antibiotics

This study investigated the best oral delivery strategy (gavage or feed) for the B. subtilis expressing the chicken anti-microbial peptide cNK-2 (B. subtilis-cNK-2) in comparison to monensin, in chickens challenged with Eimeria acervulina (E. acervulina). A total of 120 broiler chickens were randomly allocated into 5 treatment groups in a completely randomized design: 1) uninfected chickens fed with basal diet (NC), 2) E. acervulina-infected chickens fed a basal diet (PC), 3) E. acervulina-infected chickens fed a basal diet supplemented with 90 mg monensin/kg feed (MO), 4) E. acervulina-infected chickens fed a basal diet and orally gavaged with B. subtilis-cNK-2 at 1 × 1010 cfu/d (CNK-O), and 5) E. acervulina-infected chickens fed a basal diet mixed with B. subtilis-cNK-2 at 1 × 1010 cfu/kg feed (CNK-F). The challenge consisted of 5,000 sporulated E. acervulina oocysts through oral gavage on d 15. Body weights were measured on d 7, 14, 21, and 23. Duodenal tissue and digesta samples were collected at 6 d postinfection (dpi) to assess the gut integrity, oxidative stress, mucosal immunity, and the gut microbiome. Fecal samples were collected from 6 to 8 dpi to enumerate the oocyst shedding. Chickens in the CNK-O group showed improved (P < 0.05) growth performance, gut integrity, and mucosal immunity compared to PC, comparable to chickens in the MO group. Chickens in the MO, CNK-F, and CNK-O treatment groups all showed lower (P < 0.05) oocyst shedding compared to PC chickens. Moreover, distinct cytokine profile, oxidative stress measures, tight junction proteins, and shifts in the gut microbiome with associated functional changes were observed in all challenge groups. In conclusion, we showed that the oral administration of B. subtilis-cNK-2 improved growth performance, enhanced local protective immunity, and reduced fecal oocyst shedding in broiler chickens infected with E. acervulina, demonstrating potential use of B. subtilis-cNK-2 as an alternative to antibiotics to protect chickens against coccidiosis.

Transcriptome analysis reveals that gga-miR-2954 inhibits the inflammatory response against Eimeria tenella infection

Coccidiosis is an important parasitic protozoan disease in poultry farming, causing huge economic losses in the global poultry industry every year. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of RNA macromolecules that play important roles in the immune response to pathogens. However, the expression profiles and functions of miRNAs during Eimeria tenella (E. tenella) infection in chickens remain mostly uncharacterized. In this study, high-throughput sequencing of cecal tissues of control (JC), resistant (JR), and susceptible (JS) chickens led to the identification of 35 differentially expressed miRNAs among the three groups. Functional enrichment analysis showed that the differentially expressed miRNAs were mainly associated with the TGF-beta, NF-kB, and Jak-STAT signaling pathways. Notably, gga-miR-2954 was found to be significantly upregulated after coccidial infection. Functional analysis showed that gga-miR-2954 inhibited the production of the inflammatory cytokines IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-8 in sporozoite-stimulated DF-1 cells. Mechanistically, we found that gga-miR-2954 targeted the RORC gene and that RORC promoted the inflammatory response in sporozoite-stimulated DF-1 cells. In conclusion, our study was the first to identify differentially expressed miRNAs in chicken cecal tissue during E. tenella infection and found that gga-miR-2954 regulates the host immune response to coccidial infection in chickens by targeting the RORC gene.

Intestinal microbiome profiles in broiler chickens raised without antibiotics exhibit altered microbiome dynamics relative to conventionally raised chickens

The present study was undertaken to profile and compare the cecal microbial communities in conventionally (CONV) grown and raised without antibiotics (RWA) broiler chickens. Three hundred chickens were collected from five CONV and five RWA chicken farms on days 10, 24, and 35 of age. Microbial genomic DNA was extracted from cecal contents, and the V4-V5 hypervariable regions of the 16S rRNA gene were amplified and sequenced. Analysis of 16S rRNA sequence data indicated significant differences in the cecal microbial diversity and composition between CONV and RWA chickens on days 10, 24, and 35 days of age. On days 10 and 24, CONV chickens had higher richness and diversity of the cecal microbiome relative to RWA chickens. However, on day 35, this pattern reversed such that RWA chickens had higher richness and diversity of the cecal microbiome than the CONV groups. On days 10 and 24, the microbiomes of both CONV and RWA chickens were dominated by members of the phylum Firmicutes. On day 35, while Firmicutes remained dominant in the RWA chickens, the microbiome of CONV chickens exhibited am abundance of Bacteroidetes. The cecal microbiome of CONV chickens was enriched with the genus Faecalibacterium, Pseudoflavonifractor, unclassified Clostridium_IV, Bacteroides, Alistipes, and Butyricimonas, whereas the cecal microbiome of RWA chickens was enriched with genus Anaerofilum, Butyricicoccu, Clostridium_XlVb and unclassified Lachnospiraceae. Overall, the cecal microbiome richness, diversity, and composition were greatly influenced by the management program applied in these farms. These findings provide a foundation for further research on tailoring feed formulation or developing a consortium to modify the gut microbiome composition of RWA chickens.

Growth performance, organs weight, intestinal histomorphology, and oocyst shedding in broiler chickens offered novel single strain Bacillus subtilis isolated from camel dung and challenged with Eimeria

We evaluated a single strain Bacillus subtilis BS-9 direct-fed microbial (BSDFM) isolated from camel dung in Eimeria challenged broiler chickens. Seven-hundred d-old Ross 708 male chicks were placed in pens (25 birds/pen) and allocated to 2 treatments (n = 14). From d 0 to 13, control pens received untreated water (-BSDFM), and 2 treated pens received water and 2 mL x 108 colony forming unit/bird/d (+BSDFM); daily water intake (WI) was recorded. On d 9, birds in half (+Eimeria) of pens per treatment received of 1 mL of Eimeria maxima and Eimeria acervulina oocysts orally, and the other half (-Eimeria) sterile saline solution. Birds had ad libitum access to feed and a water line from d 14. Feed intake (FI), body weight (BW) and mortality were recorded for calculating BW gain (BWG) and feed conversion ratio (FCR). On d 14 and 35, samples of birds were necropsied for organ weight and intestinal measurements. Excreta samples were collected from d 14 to 19 for oocyst count. There was no treatment effect (P > 0.05) on growth performance or WI on d 0 to 9. There were interactions between BSDFM and Eimeria on d 19 (P = 0.014) and 29 (P = 0.036) BW with unchallenged +BSDFM birds being heavier than birds in the other treatments. The main effects (P < 0.05) on d 10 to 35 FI, BW, and BWG were such that +BSDFM increased and Eimeria decreased (P < 0.01) these parameters. There was interaction (P = 0.022) between BSDFM and Eimeria on d 10 to 35 FCR such that the FCR of challenged -BSDFM birds was poor than that of unchallenged counterparts, but none differed with +BSDFM birds. There was an interaction (P = 0.039) between BSDFM and Eimeria on d 14 bursa weight with challenged birds exhibiting heavier bursa than unchallenged +BSDFM birds. Eimeria reduced (P = 0.01) and BSDFM (P = 0.002) increased the villi height to crypt depth ratio. Results showed that BSDFM supplementation via water can support the growth performance of broiler chickens challenged with Eimeria and may be a strategy to reduce adverse effects of coccidiosis.

Coccidiosis in Egg-Laying Hens and Potential Nutritional Strategies to Modulate Performance, Gut Health, and Immune Response

Avian coccidiosis, despite advancements in management, nutrition, genetics, and immunology, still remains the most impactful disease, imposing substantial economic losses to the poultry industry. Coccidiosis may strike any avian species, and it may be mild to severe, depending on the pathogenicity of Eimeria spp. and the number of oocysts ingested by the bird. Unlike broilers, low emphasis has been given to laying hens. Coccidiosis in laying hens damages the gastrointestinal tract and causes physiological changes, including oxidative stress, immunosuppression, and inflammatory changes, leading to reduced feed intake and a drastic drop in egg production. Several countries around the world have large numbers of hens raised in cage-free/free-range facilities, and coccidiosis has already become one of the many problems that producers have to face in the future. However, limited research has been conducted on egg-laying hens, and our understanding of the physiological changes following coccidiosis in hens relies heavily on studies conducted on broilers. The aim of this review is to summarize the effect of coccidiosis in laying hens to an extent and correlate it with the physiological changes that occur in broilers following coccidiosis. Additionally, this review tries to explore the nutritional strategies successfully used in broilers to mitigate the negative effects of coccidiosis in improving the gut health and performance of broilers and if they can be used in laying hens.

Impact of dietary-nucleotides and Saccharomyces cerevisiae-derivatives on growth-performance, antioxidant-capacity, immune-response, small-intestine histomorphometry, caecal-Clostridia, and litter-hygiene of broiler-chickens treated with florfenicol

Stress in poultry production is energy-demanding. Nucleotides and yeast cell-wall products are essential nutrients for broiler performance, gut function, and immune response. Antibiotics, like florfenicol, negatively affect the immune system. A total of 600 one-d-old broiler chickens (Cobb-500) were weighed and randomly allotted into four groups with three replicates each. The control group (G1) received the basal diet, G2 received a diet supplemented with a combination of nucleotides and Saccharomyces cerevisiae derivatives (250 g/Ton), G3 received the basal diet and medicated with florfenicol (25 mg/Kg body weight) in drinking water for 5 days, while G4 received a combination of nucleotides and Saccharomyces cerevisiae-derivatives (250 g/Ton) and medicated with florfenicol in drinking water. Growth performance criteria were recorded weekly. Blood, intestinal contents, small-intestine sections, and litter samples were collected to measure birds' performance, carcass yields, leukocytic counts, antioxidant capacity, antibody titres, phagocytic index, caecal Clostridia, intestinal histomorphometry, and litter hygiene. Nucleotide-supplemented groups (G2 and G4) revealed significant (p ≤ 0.05) improvements in feed conversion, and body weight, but not for carcass yields in comparison to the control. Dietary nucleotides in G2 elevated blood total proteins, leucocytic count, antioxidant capacity, and phagocytic index, while they lowered blood lipids and litter moisture and nitrogen (p ≤ 0.05). Dietary nucleotides in G4 ameliorated the immunosuppressive effect of florfenicol (p ≤ 0.05) indicated in reducing caecal Clostridia, improving duodenal and ileal villi length, and increasing blood albumin and globulin levels, and phagocytosis%. Supplementing diets with nucleotides and yeast products has improved the immune system and provided a healthier gut for broilers.

Effects of Dietary Brown Rice and Sake Lees on the Growth Performance and Color of Meat in Broiler Chicks

In this study, we examined whether brown rice and sake lees (domestic feed ingredients) could replace corn and soybean meal (major imported feed ingredients) in broiler chick feed. In Experiment 1, 21-day-old broiler chicks were assigned to two groups and fed a corn-soybean- or a brown rice-soybean-based diet for three weeks (3 birds × 4 replicates/group). Dietary brown rice significantly improved body weight gain and feed conversion ratio. Brown rice feeding also significantly increased L* (lightness) in the thigh and significantly decreased a* (redness) and b* (yellowness) in the thigh and b* in the fat. In Experiment 2, 21-day-old broiler chicks were assigned to three groups and fed either a corn-soybean-based diet for 3 weeks, a corn-soybean-based diet for the first 2 weeks followed by a brown rice sake lees-based diet for the last week, or a brown rice sake lees-based diet for 3 weeks (3 birds × 4 replicates/group). Replacement of the imported feed ingredients significantly improved the feed conversion ratio. The a* values for the breast, thigh, and fat, and the b* values for the thigh and fat were significantly decreased by rice and sake lees feeding for 3 weeks. The a* values for the breasts and fat were significantly decreased by rice and sake lees feeding for 1 week. These results suggest that brown rice and sake lees can be used as replacements for imported feed ingredients such as corn and soybean meal in broiler chicks without detrimental effects on growth performance. These domestic feed ingredients may benefit local production and consumption of poultry in Japan.

A moderate anticoccidial effect of cedrol on Eimeria tenella in broiler chickens

As drug-resistant strains of Eimeria have emerged and concerns about drug residues in poultry have grown, there is renewed interest in identifying natural alternatives to control coccidiosis. Cedrol, a natural sesquiterpene alcohol, was used in this study to test anticoccidial efficacy in chicks. Both the control and treatment groups were orally challenged with 2 × 104 oocysts per chicken. Chicks administered with cedrol had reduced oocyst count, an increase in the relative weight gain rate of chicks, and a decrease in severe swelling of the cecum. Based on the above, ACI was calculated and the cedrol group reached moderate anti-coccidial activity (169.34). In chickens treated with cedrol, there were no changes in serum biochemical parameters, but oxidative stress biomarkers and cytokine levels associated with anticoccidial response were altered. These changes suggest that the administered concentration of cedrol did not have any adverse effects on the chickens while enhancing their antioxidant capacity and immunity, leading to an improved anticoccidial ability. In conclusion, this study shows that the addition of cedrol in poultry production has an anticoccidial effect and successfully improves growth performance during the growth period.

Impact of a direct-fed microbial supplementation on intestinal permeability and immune response in broiler chickens during a coccidia challenge

Maintaining intestinal health supports optimal gut function and influences overall performance of broilers. Microlife® Prime (MLP) contains a unique combination of four strains of Bacillus spp. selected to support a healthy gut which may improve performance. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of MLP supplementation on intestinal health and immunity of broilers challenged with a mixed coccidia infection during peak [0 to 6-day post-infection (dpi)] and recovery phases (6 to 13 dpi). A total of 120 male, 4 days-old Ross 708, broiler chicks were allotted to 3 treatment groups (8 replicate cages; 5 birds/cage) in a randomized complete block design. Treatments included a non-challenge (NEG), a coccidia challenge (POS), and coccidia challenge fed MLP (5 × 105 CFU/g of diet). Diets were corn-soybean meal-based. At 11 days of age, all birds, except for NEG, were orally gavaged with 15 doses (3 × the recommended commercial dose). On 6, 9, and 13 dpi, birds were orally gavaged with fluorescein isothiocyanate conjugate dextran (FITC-d). Plasma and mid-jejunum tissues were collected 2 h later. On 6 dpi, duodenal lesions from 2 birds/cage were scored and droppings were collected for oocyst enumeration. Body weight gain (BWG) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were calculated over the experimental period. Data were analyzed with GLIMMIX procedure of SAS. During the peak phase, POS birds had reduced BWG (23%) and FCR (15%) compared to NEG birds (P < 0.05), while birds fed MLP had similar BWG (209 and 208 g) and FCR (1.17 and 1.21) compared to NEG (P > 0.05). On 6 dpi, POS birds had higher lesion scores and oocyst shedding, 2 × increase in serum FITC-d, and higher jejunum IL-10, and IFN-γ mRNA compared to NEG (P < 0.05). Birds fed MLP had reduced plasma FITC-d compared to POS birds (P < 0.05) and similar IL-10 and IFN-γ mRNA. On 13 dpi, birds fed MLP had lower plasma FITC-d, jejunum IL-10 and IFN-γ mRNA compared to POS birds (P < 0.05), but similar IL-10 to NEG birds (P > 0.05). This study confirms MLP improves intestinal health and positively modulates mucosal immune response post-coccidia challenge.

Growth and response to Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide challenge in Lohmann LSL-Lite pullets when fed a source of omega-3 fatty acids and yeast bioactives from hatch through to 16 wk of age

Growth and response to Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge in Lohmann LSL-Lite pullets when fed a source of omega-3 fatty acids (n-3 FA) and yeast bioactives (YB) from hatch through to 16 wk of age (woa) were investigated. Co-extruded full fat flaxseed and pulse mixture (FFF; 1:1 wt/wt) supplied n-3 FA and YB were yeast cell walls processed with β-1,3-glucan hydrolase. A total of 1,064-day-old pullets were placed in cages (19 birds/cage) and allocated to 7 diets (n = 8). The iso-caloric and iso-nitrogenous diets were control, control + 1, 3, or 5% FFF and + 0.025, 0.05, or 0.1% YB. The birds had ad libitum access to feed and water. Body weight (BW), feed intake, and lymphoid organs weight were recorded. At 15 woa, 2 pairs of pullets/cage received intravenous injection of either 1 mL of sterile saline without or with 8 mg LPS/kg BW. Injected pullets were bled, monitored for BW and cloaca temperature at time points within 168 h. Birds fed 1% FFF were heavier (P < 0.04) than birds fed other diets at 16 woa with FFF and YB exhibiting non-linear responses. Control birds had heavier (P = 0.02) thymus at 4 woa. Spleen weight increased quadratically (P < 0.05) in response to FFF at 8 and YB at 16 woa. The LPS increased cloaca temperature and altered concentration of several plasma metabolites (P < 0.05). The interaction (P < 0.05) between LPS and diet was such that control birds exhibited lower creatine kinase (CK) upon challenge with LPS relative to birds fed other diets. The LPS birds fed 1% FFF and 0.05% YB showed higher plasma albumin than non-LPS cohorts. Non-LPS birds fed control, 1 and 3% FFF had higher plasma K than LPS cohorts. In general, FFF and YB exhibited linear and quadratic effects (P < 0.05) on select plasma metabolites. In conclusion, dietary provision of n-3 FA and YB influenced pullet BW at sexual maturity, development of lymphoid organs and modulated some plasma metabolites in response to LPS.

Persistent Dysbiosis, Parasite Rise and Growth Impairment in Aquacultured European Seabass after Oxytetracycline Treatment

The use of antibiotics in open-water aquaculture is often unavoidable when faced with pathogens with high mortality rates. In addition, seasonal pathogen surges have become more common and more intense over the years. Apart from the apparent cost of antibiotic treatment, it has been observed that, in aquaculture practice, the surviving fish often display measurable growth impairment. To understand the role of gut microbiota on the observed growth impairment, in this study, we follow the incidence of Photobacterium damselae subsp. piscicida in a seabass commercial open-water aquaculture setting in Galaxidi (Greece). Fish around 10 months of age were fed with feed containing oxytetracycline (120 mg/kg/day) for twelve days, followed by a twelve-day withdrawal period, and another eighteen days of treatment. The fish were sampled 19 days before the start of the first treatment and one month after the end of the second treatment cycle. Sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene was used to measure changes in the gut microbiome. Overall, the gut microbiota community, even a month after treatment, was highly dysbiotic and characterized by very low alpha diversity. High abundances of alkalophilic bacteria in the post-antibiotic-treated fish indicated a rise in pH that was coupled with a significant increase in gut parasites. This study's results indicate that oxytetracycline (OTC) treatment causes persistent dysbiosis even one month after withdrawal and provides a more suitable environment for an increase in parasites. These findings highlight the need for interventions to restore a healthy and protective gut microbiome.

Protective effects of yeast extract against alcohol-induced liver injury in rats

Oxidative stress, inflammatory response, and gut-liver axis dysbiosis have been suggested as the primarily involved in the pathogenesis of alcoholic liver injury. Previous research established that yeast extract (YE) has antioxidant, immune-boosting or microbiota-regulating properties. However, there is currently lack of information regarding the efficacy of YE on alcoholic liver injury. This study seeks to obtain data that will help to address this research gap using a Wistar male rat experimental model. Histologic and biochemical analysis results showed that the groups treated with both low-dose yeast extract (YEL) and high-dose yeast extract (YEH) had lower degrees of alcohol-induced liver injury. The abundance of Peptococcus and Ruminococcus reduced in the low-dose yeast extract (YEL) group, while that of Peptococcus, Romboutsia, Parasutterella, and Faecalibaculum reduced in the high-dose (YEH) group. Furthermore, Spearman analysis showed that the gut microbes were significantly associated with several liver-related indicators. For the analysis of differential metabolites and enriched pathways in the YEL group, the abundance of lysophosphatidylcholine (16:0/0:0) significantly increased, and then the levels of histamine, adenosine and 5' -adenine nucleotide were remarkedly elevated in the YEH group. These findings suggest that both high and low doses of YE can have different protective effects on liver injury in alcoholic liver disease (ALD) rats, in addition to improving gut microbiota disorder. Besides, high-dose YE has been found to be more effective than low-dose YE in metabolic regulation, as well as in dealing with oxidative stress and inflammatory responses.

Orally delivered Bacillus subtilis expressing chicken NK-2 peptide stabilizes gut microbiota and enhances intestinal health and local immunity in coccidiosis-infected broiler chickens

We recently reported a stable Bacillus subtilis-carrying chicken NK-lysin peptide (B. subtilis-cNK-2) as an effective oral delivery system of an antimicrobial peptide to the gut with therapeutic effect against Eimeria parasites in broiler chickens. To further investigate the effects of a higher dose of an oral B. subtilis-cNK-2 treatment on coccidiosis, intestinal health, and gut microbiota composition, 100 (14-day-old) broiler chickens were allocated into 4 treatment groups in a randomized design: 1) uninfected control (CON), 2) infected control without B. subtilis (NC), 3) B. subtilis with empty vector (EV), and 4) B. subtilis with cNK-2 (NK). All chickens, except the CON group, were infected with 5,000 sporulated Eimeria acervulina (E. acervulina) oocysts on d 15. Chickens given B. subtilis (EV and NK) were orally gavaged (1 × 10¹² cfu/mL) daily from d 14 to 18. Growth performances were measured on d 6, 9, and 13 postinfection (dpi). Spleen and duodenal samples were collected on 6 dpi to assess the gut microbiota, and gene expressions of gut integrity and local inflammation makers. Fecal samples were collected from 6 to 9 dpi to enumerate oocyst shedding. Blood samples were collected on 13 dpi to measure the serum 3-1E antibody levels. Chickens in the NK group showed significantly improved (P < 0.05) growth performance, gut integrity, reduced fecal oocyst shedding and mucosal immunity compared to NC. Interestingly, there was a distinct shift in the gut microbiota profile in the NK group compared to that of NC and EV chickens. Upon challenge with E. acervulina, the percentage of Firmicutes was reduced and that of Cyanobacteria increased. In NK chickens, however, the ratio between Firmicutes and Cyanobacteria was not affected and was similar to that of CON chickens. Taken together, NK treatment restored dysbiosis incurred by E. acervulina infection and showed the general protective effects of orally delivered B. subtilis-cNK-2 on coccidiosis infection. This includes reduction of fecal oocyst shedding, enhancement of local protective immunity, and maintenance of gut microbiota homeostasis in broiler chickens.

Research Note: Impact of Eimeria on apparent retention of components and metabolizable energy in broiler chickens fed single or mixture of feed ingredients-based diets

The effect of Eimeria on apparent retention (AR) of components and metabolizable energy corrected for nitrogen (AMEn) content in corn, wheat, soybean meal (SBM), and pork meal (PM) was investigated in broiler chickens. A total of 840 male d-old Ross 708 chicks were placed in 84 cages (10 birds/cage) and allocated either a nitrogen-free diet (NFD), or 1 of 6 test cornstarch-based semipurified diets: 1) corn, 2) wheat, 3) SBM, 4) PM, 5) corn, SBM, and PM (CSP) mixture, and 6) wheat, SBM, and PM (WSP) mixture (n = 12). Diets contained 0.3% titanium dioxide and nutrient digestibility was determined by difference method using NFD. On d 10, birds in half of replicates per diet were orally challenge with 1 mL of E. acervulina and E. maxima culture and the other half equal volume of saline. Excreta samples were collected from d 12 to 14. With exception of AR of Ca and P, there was no interaction (P > 0.05) between Eimeria and diet on AR of dry matter, crude fat (CF), crude protein and gross energy and AMEn of ingredients. Eimeria reduced AR of CF (P = 0.01) and had a tendency to reduce AR of DM (P = 0.09) and AMEn (P = 0.063) of ingredients. The data demonstrated exposure to Eimeria impacted nutrient retention and energy utilization irrespective to diet composition.

Yeast derivatives as a source of bioactive components in animal nutrition: A brief review

With a long history of inclusion within livestock feeding programs, yeast and their respective derivatives are well-understood from a nutritional perspective. Originally used as sources of highly digestible protein in young animal rations in order to offset the use of conventional protein sources such as soybean and fish meal, application strategies have expanded in recent years into non-nutritional uses for all animal categories. For the case of yeast derivatives, product streams coming from the downstream processing of nutritional yeast, the expansion in use cases across species groups has been driven by a greater understanding of the composition of each derivative along with deeper knowledge of mechanistic action of key functional components. From improving feed efficiency, to serving as alternatives to antibiotic growth promoters and supporting intestinal health and immunity while mitigating pathogen shedding, new use cases are driven by a recognition that yeast derivatives contain specific bioactive compounds that possess functional properties. This review will attempt to highlight key bioactive categories within industrially applicable yeast derivatives and provide context regarding identification and characterization and mechanisms of action related to efficacy within a range of experimental models.

Short Communication: effect of sodium butyrate, monensin, and butyric acid on the viability of Eimeria bovis sporozoites and their degree of damage to a bovine epithelial cell line

This study aimed to determine the viability of sporozoites from Eimeria bovis when exposed to sodium butyrate (SB), monensin (MON), or butyric acid (BA), and to determine the effects of SB on sporozoite invasion of cells in comparison to MON as measured by the damage to a bovine epithelial cell line. To determine viability, isolated sporozoites were suspended in one of four treatments: control (CON) of cell culture medium alone, SB = 0.028 mg/mL suspended in control medium, MON = 0.01 mg/mL suspended in CON, and BA = 0.18 mg/mL suspended in CON. The number of live sporozoites was less for the MON and BA treatments compared to the CON and SB treatments. The number of dead sporozoites was similar regardless of treatment. There was a trend for treatment to affect the percent sporozoite viability. Control, SB and BA treatments were similar, while MON compared to control and SB had decreased percent viability. Results for MON, when compared to BA, were similar for percent viability. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release was used to determine cellular damage to Madin Darby Bovine Kidney (MDBK) cells when exposed to E. bovis sporozoites in vitro. Cells were exposed to similar numbers of sporozoites and treated with: CON, SB = 0.028 mg/mL in control medium, MON = 0.01 mg/mL in control medium. Control LDH result (with sporozoites) was greater than both the SB and MON treatments while the LDH for SB and Mon and cells not exposed to sporozoites were similar. SB and MON were both shown to decrease cellular damage to MDBK cells as determined by decreased LDH release. SB has the potential to act as an anticoccidial alternative to MON.

Quality control procedure for Coccidial vaccines versus different routes of immunization

Background and Aim:

Coccidiosis is an enteric infection caused by a protozoon (Eimeriatenella). Coccidiosis is known to have a negative impact on the economy. Coccidiosis is controlled using anticoccidial drugs, antibiotics, and vaccines. Various coccidial vaccines differ in application technique, attenuation method, and the species used. Coccidial vaccines can be spray or gel-based (Form). This study aimed to compare the effect of application and approaches between spray and gel vaccines for coccidiosis.

Materials and Methods:

Specific pathogen-free chicks were vaccinated with different vaccines. Fecal samples were taken on 21 days post-vaccination for vaccine take, and then a challenge test was done on day 21.

Results:

Post-vaccination oocyst counts in gel vaccinated groups were more than the spray vaccinated ones as it recorded (1400 and 2200) oocyst/g, but the gel vaccines resulted in lower post vaccinal titer which was (10000 and 12500) oocyst/g. Results of quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction test post-vaccination were (23.72, 20.29) cycle threshold (CT) for spray vaccines and (18.75, 17.62) CT for gel vaccinated group. By challenging all the experimental groups, the microscopic and macroscopic lesion of gel vaccines resulted in score 1, while spray vaccines groups recorded score 2 and the control non-vaccinated challenged chickens showed score 4. The non-vaccinated/non-challenged group recorded a score of zero.

Conclusion:

These results can help poultry producers to decide which delivery system will provide the best results for their production system. The gel vaccines showed a better protection rate and lower shedding, which means more protection of birds and public health.

Impact of Dietary Supplementation with Sodium Butyrate Protected by Medium-Chain Fatty Acid Salts on Gut Health of Broiler Chickens

Simple Summary

Nutritional strategies to improve gut health are under research to reduce antibiotic use in poultry production. This study investigated the effect of dietary supplementation with sodium butyrate protected by sodium salts of medium-chain fatty acids as a feed additive on broiler gut health. A first trial was conducted to assess the effectiveness of this feed additive supplemented at a dose range of 0.5, 1, and 2 kg/t to promote a good health status on broilers raised under optimal conditions. Supplementation at 0.5 and 1 kg/t maintained the number of mucin-secretory cells contained in the gut barrier of young chickens, and the use of 1 kg/t improved the intestinal immune system of aged broilers. However, the beneficial effects of some feed additives are not detected under non-challenged conditions. Therefore, the second experiment was performed to evaluate the effect of the feed additive at 1 kg/t in coccidiosis-challenged broilers. In this context, sodium butyrate protected by sodium salts of medium-chain fatty acids restored the number of mucin-secretory cells as well as impacted on the intestinal morphometry and microbiota. The results of the present study suggest that this feed additive could be a useful strategy to reinforce the gut barrier, especially for birds with coccidiosis.

Abstract

Nutritional strategies to improve gut health of broilers are under research. This study investigated the effect of dietary supplementation with sodium butyrate protected by sodium salts of medium-chain fatty acids as a feed additive on broiler gut health. The first experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of supplementing at 0.5, 1, and 2 kg/t in broilers housed under optimal conditions. Supplementation at 0.5 and 1 kg/t maintained goblet cell counts at 10 days of age (p ≤ 0.05), and supplementation at 1 kg/t decreased intraepithelial lymphocyte counts compared to 2 kg/t at 39 days (p ≤ 0.10). Abdominal fat pad levels of lauric and myristic acids were gradually increased by supplement dose (p ≤ 0.05). In the second experiment, the feed additive at 1 kg/t was evaluated in coccidiosis-challenged broilers. Experimental treatments were as follows: non-challenged, control-challenged, and supplemented-challenged treatments. Coccidiosis negatively impact performance and modify histomorphometry and microbiota (p ≤ 0.05). The feed additive increased crypt depth at 7 days post-inoculation and goblet cell count at 14 days post-inoculation (p ≤ 0.05). Further, supplementation interacted with the microbiota modification led by the coccidiosis (p ≤ 0.05). These results suggest that this feed additive could be a useful strategy to reinforce the gut barrier, especially for birds under coccidiosis-challenge treatments.

Bioactive compounds, antibiotics and heavy metals: effects on the intestinal structure and microbiome of monogastric animals – a non-systematic review

The intestinal structure and gut microbiota are essential for the animals‘ health. Chemical components taken with food provide the right environment for a specific microbiome which, together with its metabolites and the products of digestion, create an environment, which in turn is affects the population size of specific bacteria. Disturbances in the composition of the gut microbiota can be a reason for the malformation of guts, which has a decisive impact on the animal‘ health. This review aimed to analyse scientific literature, published over the past 20 years, concerning the effect of nutritional factors on gut health, determined by the intestinal structure and microbiota of monogastric animals. Several topics have been investigated: bioactive compounds (probiotics, prebiotics, organic acids, and herbal active substances), antibiotics and heavy metals (essentaial minerals and toxic heavy metals).

Standardized ileal digestibility of amino acids in broiler chickens fed single or mixture of feed ingredients-based diets with or without Eimeria challenge

The effect of Eimeria challenge on standardized ileal digestibility (SID) of amino acids (AA) in major poultry feed ingredients fed to broiler chickens was determined. A total of 840 male 9-day-old Ross 708 chicks were placed in 84 cages (10 birds/cage) and allocated to either a nitrogen-free diet (NFD) or one of the 6 test diets based on a single or mixture of feed ingredients as the sole source of AA (n = 12). Test diets were: 1) corn, 2) wheat, 3) soybean meal (SBM), 4) pork meal (PM), 5) corn, SBM, and PM (CSP), and 6) wheat, SBM, and PM (WSP). On d 10, birds in 6 cages/diet were orally gavaged with 1 mL of E. acervulina and E. maxima mixture and the other 6 cages with sham. On d 15, birds were bled for plasma AA and necropsied for intestinal lesion scores and ileal digesta samples. Challenge decreased (P < 0.05) plasma concentration of Arg, His, Thr, Asp, Gln, and Tyr and increased concentration of Lys, Ile, Leu, and Val. There was a diet by challenge interaction (P < 0.05) on intestinal lesion scores with birds fed mixed diets exhibiting more severe lesions than birds fed single ingredient diets. Diet by challenge interacted (P < 0.05) on ileal total endogenous flow (ITEF) of AA except for Arg, Met, Ala, Asp, and Cys, such that challenged birds fed the mixed, particularly WSP, had higher ITEF of AA compared to single ingredients birds. Diet and challenge interaction (P < 0.05) was observed for SID of Arg, Thr, Val, Glu, and Gly. Challenge decreased (P < 0.05) SID of most AA except for Met, Asp, and Cys with the largest impact seen on Lys, His, Ser, and Thr. With exception of Arg, Thr, Asp, and Cys, birds fed mixed diets had higher (P < 0.05) SID values compared to birds fed single ingredients. In conclusion, Eimeria reduced plasma availability and ileal digestibility of most AA. However, challenge interaction with diet composition on SID of some AA warrants further investigations.

Effects of early feeding of enzymatically treated yeast on growth performance, organ weights, intestinal histomorphology and ceca microbial metabolites in broiler chickens subjected to Eimeria challenge

The study evaluated effects of early feeding of enzymatically treated yeast on growth performance and selected physiological responses in broiler chickens. A total of 480-day-old (male) Ross × Ross 708 broiler chicks were placed in 24 floor pens (20 birds per pen) and allocated to 2 diets (control vs. yeast) in a completely randomized block design (n = 12). Diets were formulated for a 5-phase feeding program: Pre-starter; d 0 to 6 Starter; d 7 to 15, Grower: d 16 to 28, Finisher 1; d 28 to 42 and Finisher 2; d 43 to 56. The yeast was applied in pre-starter and starter diets at 0.6 and 0.2%, respectively. Birds received a common diet from d 16 to 56. Feed intake (FI) and body weight (BW) were recorded by phase for calculation of BW gain (BWG) and FCR. On d 10, all birds received an oral dose of 25,000 E. acervullina and 5,000 E. maxima sporulated oocysts in 1 mL of sterile saline. On d 15 post-hatch, one bird per pen was sacrificed for organ weights (gizzard, small intestine, ceca, liver, spleen, liver, and bursa), jejunal tissues for histomorphology and ceca digesta for microbial activity. On d 56, one bird per pen was sacrificed for organs and breast weight. In pre-starter phase, yeast fed birds showed improved (P < 0.05) BWG and FCR than control fed birds. Combining pre-starter and starter phases, the FCR of yeast fed birds showed improved FCR (1.115 vs. 1.135; P < 0.05) than control. The overall BWG (d 0–56) was 3.920 and 3.962 kg/ bird and corresponding values for FCR were, 1.808 and 1.755, for the control and yeast, respectively. Diets had no (P > 0.05) effects on physiological responses evaluated on necropsied birds except that yeast birds had (P < 0.05) lighter bursa than control birds on d 15. The current data indicated that yeast could support growth in early life of broiler chickens, but these effects were not sustained after the transitioning birds to common grower and finisher diets.

Coccidiosis: Recent Progress in Host Immunity and Alternatives to Antibiotic Strategies

Coccidiosis is an avian intestinal disease caused by several distinct species of Eimeria parasites that damage the host’s intestinal system, resulting in poor nutrition absorption, reduced growth, and often death. Increasing evidence from recent studies indicates that immune-based strategies such as the use of recombinant vaccines and various dietary immunomodulating feed additives can improve host defense against intracellular parasitism and reduce intestinal damage due to inflammatory responses induced by parasites. Therefore, a comprehensive understanding of the complex interactions between the host immune system, gut microbiota, enteroendocrine system, and parasites that contribute to the outcome of coccidiosis is necessary to develop logical strategies to control coccidiosis in the post-antibiotic era. Most important for vaccine development is the need to understand the protective role of the local intestinal immune response and the identification of various effector molecules which mediate anti-coccidial activity against intracellular parasites. This review summarizes the current understanding of the host immune response to coccidiosis in poultry and discusses various non-antibiotic strategies which are being developed for coccidiosis control. A better understanding of the basic immunobiology of pertinent host–parasite interactions in avian coccidiosis will facilitate the development of effective anti-Eimeria strategies to mitigate the negative effects of coccidiosis.

Coccidia-Microbiota Interactions and Their Effects on the Host

As a common parasitic disease in animals, coccidiosis substantially affects the health of the host, even in the absence of clinical symptoms and intestinal tract colonization. Gut microbiota is an important part of organisms and is closely related to the parasite and host. Parasitic infections often have adverse effects on the host, and their pathogenic effects are related to the parasite species, parasitic site and host-parasite interactions. Coccidia-microbiota-host interactions represent a complex network in which changes in one link may affect the other two factors. Furthermore, coccidia-microbiota interactions are not well understood and require further research. Here, we discuss the mechanisms by which coccidia interact directly or indirectly with the gut microbiota and the effects on the host. Understanding the mechanisms underlying coccidia-microbiota-host interactions is important to identify new probiotic strategies for the prevention and control of coccidiosis.

The in vitro and in vivo anti-virulent effect of organic acid mixtures against Eimeria tenella and Eimeria bovis

Eimeria tenella and Eimeria bovis are complex parasites responsible for the condition of coccidiosis, that invade the animal gastrointestinal intestinal mucosa causing severe diarrhoea, loss of appetite or abortions, with devastating impacts on the farming industry. The negative impacts of these parasitic infections are enhanced by their role in promoting the colonisation of the gut by common foodborne pathogens. The aim of this study was to test the anti-Eimeria efficacy of maltodextrin, sodium chloride, citric acid, sodium citrate, silica, malic acid, citrus extract, and olive extract individually, in vitro and in combination, in vivo. Firstly, in vitro infection models demonstrated that antimicrobials reduced (p < 0.05), both singly and in combination (AG), the ability of E. tenella and E. bovis to infect MDBK and CLEC-213 epithelial cells, and the virulence reduction was similar to that of the anti-coccidial drug Robenidine. Secondly, using an in vivo broiler infection model, we demonstrated that AG reduced (p = 0.001) E. tenella levels in the caeca and excreted faeces, reduced inflammatory oxidative stress, improved the immune response through reduced ROS, increased Mn-SOD and SCFA levels. Levels of IgA and IgM were significantly increased in caecal tissues of broilers that received 0.5% AG and were associated with improved (p < 0.0001) tissue lesion scores. A prophylactic approach increased the anti-parasitic effect in vivo, and results indicated that administration from day 0, 5 and 10 post-hatch reduced tissue lesion scores (p < 0.0001) and parasite excretion levels (p = 0.002). Conclusively, our in vitro and in vivo results demonstrate that the natural antimicrobial mixture (AG) reduced parasitic infections through mechanisms that reduced pathogen virulence and attenuated host inflammatory events.

Drivers of change and stability in the gut microbiota of an omnivorous avian migrant exposed to artificial food supplementation

Human activities shape resources available to wild animals, impacting diet and probably altering their microbiota and overall health. We examined drivers shaping microbiota profiles of common cranes (Grus grus) in agricultural habitats by comparing gut microbiota and crane movement patterns (GPS-tracking) over three periods of their migratory cycle, and by analysing the effect of artificially supplemented food provided as part of a crane-agriculture management programme. We sampled faecal droppings in Russia (nonsupplemented, premigration) and in Israel in late autumn (nonsupplemented, postmigration) and winter (supplemented and nonsupplemented, wintering). As supplemented food is typically homogenous, we predicted lower microbiota diversity and different composition in birds relying on supplementary feeding. We did not observe changes in microbial diversity with food supplementation, as diversity differed only in samples from nonsupplemented wintering sites. However, both food supplementation and season affected bacterial community composition and led to increased abundance of specific genera (mostly Firmicutes). Cranes from the nonsupplemented groups spent most of their time in agricultural fields, probably feeding on residual grain when available, while food-supplemented cranes spent most of their time at the feeding station. Thus, nonsupplemented and food-supplemented diets probably diverge only in winter, when crop rotation and depletion of anthropogenic resources may lead to a more variable diet in nonsupplemented sites. Our results support the role of diet in structuring bacterial communities and show that they undergo both seasonal and human-induced shifts. Movement analyses provide important clues regarding host diet and behaviour towards understanding how human-induced changes shape the gut microbiota in wild animals.

Understanding the interactions between Eimeria infection and gut microbiota, towards the control of chicken coccidiosis: a review

The gastrointestinal tract in poultry harbours a diverse microbial community that serves a crucial role in digestion and protection. Disruption of the gut environment due to Eimeria spp. parasite infection causes an imbalance in intestinal homeostasis, driving the increment of pathogens such as Clostridium species. Coccidiosis infection affects the composition and integrity of gut microbiota, resulting in elevated susceptibility to diseases that pose a serious threat to the overall health and productivity of chickens. Anticoccidial drugs have proven effective in curbing coccidiosis but with concerning drawbacks like drug resistance and drug residues in meat. The exploration of natural alternative strategies such as probiotics and phytochemicals is significant in controlling coccidiosis through modification and restoration of gut microbiota, without inducing drug resistance. Understanding the interaction between Eimeria parasites and gut microbiota is crucial for the control and prevention of coccidiosis, and the development of novel alternative treatments.

Mandated restrictions on the use of medically important antibiotics in broiler chicken production in Canada: implications, emerging challenges, and opportunities for bolstering gastrointestinal function and health– A review

Chicken Farmers of Canada has been progressively phasing out prophylactic use of antibiotics in broiler chicken production. Consequently, hatcheries, veterinarians, and nutritionists have been mandated to contend with less reliance on use of preventive antibiotics. A topical concern is the increased risk of proliferation of enteric pathogens leading to poor performance, increased mortality and compromised welfare. Moreover, the gut harbors several taxa such as Campylobacter and Salmonella capable of causing significant illnesses in humans via contaminated poultry products. This has created opportunity for research and development of dietary strategies designed to modulate gastrointestinal environment for enhanced performance and food safety. Albeit with inconsistent responses, literature data suggests that dietary strategies such as feed enzymes, probiotics/prebiotics and phytogenic feed additives can bolster gut health and function in broiler chickens. However, much of the efficacy data was generated at controlled research settings that vary significantly with the complex commercial broiler production operations due to variation in dietary, health and environmental conditions. This review will summarize implications of mandated restrictions on the preventative use of antibiotics and emerging Canadian broiler production programs to meet processor specifications. Challenges and opportunities for integrating alternative dietary strategies in commercial broiler production settings will be highlighted.

Effects of exogenous β-glucanase on ileal digesta soluble β-glucan molecular weight, digestive tract characteristics, and performance of coccidiosis vaccinated broiler chickens fed hulless barley-based diets with and without medication

Introduction

Limited use of medication in poultry feed led to the investigation of exogenous enzymes as antibiotic alternatives for controlling enteric disease. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of diet β-glucanase (BGase) and medication on β-glucan depolymerization, digestive tract characteristics, and growth performance of broilers.

Materials and methods

Broilers were fed hulless barley (HB) based diets with BGase (Econase GT 200P from AB Vista; 0 and 0.1%) and medication (Bacitracin and Salinomycin Na; with and without) arranged as a 2 × 2 factorial. In Experiment 1, 160 broilers were housed in cages from d 0 to 28. Each treatment was assigned to 10 cages. In Experiment 2, broilers (2376) were housed in floor pens and vaccinated for coccidiosis on d 5. Each treatment was assigned to one floor pen in each of nine rooms.

Results

In Experiment 1, the soluble β-glucan weighted average molecular weight (Mw) in the ileal digesta was lower with medication in the 0% BGase treatments. Peak molecular weight (Mp) and Mw were lower with BGase regardless of medication. The maximum molecular weight for the smallest 10% β-glucan (MW-10%) was lower with BGase addition. In Experiment 2, Mp was lower with medication in 0% BGase treatments. Beta-glucanase resulted in lower Mp regardless of medication, and the degree of response was lower with medication. The MW-10% was lower with BGase despite antibiotic addition. Body weight gain and feed efficiency were higher with medication regardless of BGase use through-out the trial (except d 11–22 feed efficiency). Beta-glucanase resulted in higher body weight gain after d 11 and worsened and improved feed efficiency before and after d 11, respectively, in unmedicated treatments.

Conclusion

BGase and medication caused the depolymerization of soluble ileal β-glucan. Beta-glucanase acted as a partial replacement for diet medication by increasing growth performance in coccidiosis vaccinated broilers.

Role of oregano and Citrus species-based essential oil preparation for the control of coccidiosis in broiler chickens

BACKGROUND

Due to presence of drug-resistant Eimeria strains and raised public health safety concerns about drug residues in the meat, there is renewed interest in the search for natural alternatives to the coccidiosis control agents. This study was conducted to test the anticoccidial efficacy of oregano and Citrus spp.-based essential oils for broilers.

METHODS

A total of 280 7-day-old broiler chicks were fed a control diet or diets with salinomycin or essential oils for up to 35 d of age. On d 14, half of the control groups and the treated groups were orally challenged with a coccidiosis vaccine at 25 times higher than the recommended vaccine dose. Control diet-fed chickens that were gavaged with phosphate-buffered saline were considered non-challenged control group.

RESULTS

Eimeria challenge or dietary additives failed to affect growth performance during the 7 to 20 d growth period although essential oil-fed chickens exhibited the lowest body wight gain (P = 0.332) and the highest feed conversion ratio (P = 0.062). Oocysts in the litter were detected in the challenged control diet group and the challenged/essential oil-fed groups at 21 and 35 d, respectively. Superoxide dismutase activity in the serum was elevated (P = 0.059) in the salinomycin-fed chickens compared to the challenged controls. Alpha-1-acid glycoprotein was decreased by 28.7% in the salinomycin-fed chickens but increased by 38.1% in the essential oil group compared with the challenged control group. Challenged control group exhibited a significantly higher cooking loss of the thigh meat, compared to the non-challenged control diet group, which was marginally mitigated by dietary supplementation with essential oils. Chickens fed essential oil-added diet had the highest branched-chain fatty acids contents in the cecum.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, this study shows that oregano and Citrus-based essential oil preparation did not affect growth performance in broiler chickens challenged with the coccidiosis vaccine nor did Eimeria-specific duodenal lesion. However, dietary essential oil preparation lowered oocysts present in litter materials and altered branched-chain fatty acids in cecal digesta. Beneficial findings of the essential oil preparation on volatile fatty acids and oocysts output may warrant further research into assessing its effectiveness and its efficacy in pathogenic field-isolate Eimeria spp.-induced coccidiosis disease model.

Impact of feeding modified soy protein concentrate in the starter phase on growth performance and gastrointestinal responses in broiler chickens through to day 42 of age

Growth performance and physiological responses of feeding modified soy protein concentrate (MSPC, 72% CP) in the starter phase were investigated. A total of 1,216 d old male Ross x Ross 708 broiler chicks were placed in 32 floor pens based on BW, fed one of 4 (n = 8) corn-soybean meal-based diets formulated with 0, 7.7, 10.0 or 12.5% MSPC for 10 d and transitioned to common diets to d 42. Feed intake, BW, and mortality were measured. Samples of birds were bled on d 10 for plasma uric acid (PUA) and subsequently necropsied for organs weight and samples of pancreatic tissues for enzyme activity, jejunal tissues for enzyme activity and histomorphology and ceca digesta for microbial activity. Litter moisture was determined on d 36 and 42 and sample of birds were necropsied on d 42 for breast yield and ceca digesta sample for microbial activity. Feeding MSPC linearly (P < 0.001) increased starter growth performance. Overall (d 0-42), MSPC linearly (P = 0.05)improved FCR; The FCR was 1.566, 1.535, 1.488 and 1.527 for 0.0, 7.7, 10.0, and 12.5% MSPC, respectively. Feeding MSPC linearly (P ≤ 0.04) increased breast yield and decreased small intestine length, gizzard digesta pH, and PUA. Breast yield was 230, 238, 246, and 252 g/kg BW for 0.0, 7.7, 10.0, and 12.5% MSPC, respectively. Pancreatic and jejunal chymotrypsin and trypsin activities and histomorphology were not (P > 0.10) influenced by the diets. On d 10, MSPC linearly (P < 0.05) reduced ceca digesta abundance of Ruminococcaceae, E. Coli, and Clostridium but increased abundance of Bifidobacterium and the ratio of Lactobacilli and E. Coli. Birds fed MSPC showed linear (P = 0.01) increase in abundance of Bifidobacterium on d 42. Feeding MSPC linearly increased ceca digesta acetic (P = 0.01) and reduced propionic (P = 0.048), and iso butyric (P = 0.003) in 10 d old broiler chicken. In conclusion, up to 12.5% MSPC inclusion in the starter phase increased growth performance through to d 42 linked to enhanced gut health through reduction of enteric pathogens.

Coccidia Vaccine Challenge and Exogenous Enzyme Supplementation in Broiler Chicken 1. Effect on Digesta Viscosity, Diet Energy Utilization, and Apparent Metabolizable Energy Value of Wheat

This study examined the effect of exogenous mixed-enzyme supplementation (xylanase, β-glucanase, and pectinase) to a corn-SBM (CS) and a wheat-CS-based (WCS) diet in birds challenged with coccidia vaccine (Coccivac B-52™). The WCS-based diet was produced by replacing 30% of the energy-yielding portions of the CS-based diet with wheat. On day 14, 448 (n = 7) Cobb by-product breeder male broilers were assigned to a 2 (diet types) × 2 (with or without enzyme supplementation) × 2 (0 or 20 × coccidia vaccine challenge; CVC) factorial arrangement of treatments in a completely randomized design for the determination of the apparent metabolizable energy (AME) value of wheat. Treatment effects on jejunum digesta viscosity and AME corrected for nitrogen (AMEn) of the diets were evaluated within each diet type as a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments, 7- and 14-day post-challenge. Seven-day post-challenge (day 21), dry matter (DM) and energy utilization, AME, and AMEn of the CS- and WCS-based diets decreased (p < 0.05) with CVC. Both AME and AMEn of wheat decreased (p < 0.05) by about a 20% in CVC-birds 7-day post-challenge. Enzyme and CVC resulted in a decrease (p < 0.05) in jejunal digesta viscosity in birds fed the CS-based diets, while there was an interaction (p < 0.05) between CVC and enzyme, with enzyme lowering (p < 0.05) the viscosity of digesta 7-day post-challenge. Results from this study showed that CVC resulted in a 20% decrease in AMEn 7-day post-challenge, while the interaction between exogenous enzyme supplementation and CVC resulted in an improvement in nitrogen utilization (~6%) in CVC birds fed the corn-SBM-based diet 7-days post challenge.

The effects of tributyrin supplementation on weight gain and intestinal gene expression in broiler chickens during Eimeria maxima-induced coccidiosis

Butyrate is a feed additive that has been shown to have antibacterial properties and improve gut health in broilers. Here, we examined the performance and gene expression changes in the ileum of tributyrin–supplemented broilers infected with coccidia. Ninety-six, Ross 708 broilers were fed either a control corn–soybean–based diet (−BE) or a diet supplemented with 0.25% (w/w) tributyrin (+BE). Birds were further divided into groups that were inoculated with Eimeria maxima oocysts (EM) or sham-inoculated (C) on day 21 posthatch. At 7 d postinfection (7 d PI), the peak of pathology in E. maxima infection, tributyrin-supplemented birds had significantly improved feed conversion ratios (FCR, P < 0.05) and body weight gain (BWG, P < 0.05) compared with -BE-infected birds, despite both groups having similar feed intake (FI, P > 0.05). However, at 10 d post-infection (10 d PI) no significant effects of feed type or infection were observed. Gene expression in the ileum was examined for insights into possible effects of infection and tributyrin supplementation on genes encoding proteins related to immunity, digestion, and gut barrier integrity. Among immune-related genes examined, IL-1B and LEAP2 were only significantly affected at 7 d PI. Transcription of genes related to digestion (APN, MCT1, FABP2, and MUC2) were primarily influenced by infection at 7 d PI and tributyrin supplementation (FABP2 and MUC2) at 10 d PI. With exception of ZO1, tight junction genes were affected by either infection or feed type at 7 d PI. At 10 d PI, only CLDN1 was not affected by either infection or feed type. Overall tributyrin shows promise as a supplement to improve performance during coccidiosis in broiler chickens; however, its effect on gene expression and mode of action requires further research.

The Modulating Effect of Dietary Beta-Glucan Supplementation on Expression of Immune Response Genes of Broilers during a Coccidiosis Challenge

Simple Summary

Avian coccidiosis is the leading parasitic disease in the poultry industry and means to control its damages continue to be explored. This study evaluated the feeding effects of a yeast-derived β-glucan on expression of immune response genes in the spleen, thymus, and bursa of commercial broiler chickens during an Eimeria challenge. The study consisted of two dietary treatments (0% or 0.1% β-glucan) each with or without a coccidiosis challenge. There were significant effects from dietary β-glucan, Eimeria challenge, and their interaction for several gene targets in the spleen, thymus, and bursa on days 10 and 14 of age. Based on the current results, supplementation of dietary β-glucan in Eimeria-challenged birds enhanced and modulated the expression of immune response genes during coccidiosis.

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of a yeast-derived β-glucan (Auxoferm YGT) supplementation on mRNA expression of immune response genes in the spleen, thymus, and bursa of broiler chickens during a mixed Eimeria infection. Day (d)-old chicks (n = 1440) were fed diets containing 0% or 0.1% YGT. On d 8 post-hatch, half the replicate pens (n = 8) were challenged with a mixed inoculum of E. acervulina, E. maxima, and E. tenella. On d 10 and d 14 post-hatch, the spleen, thymus, and bursa were collected to evaluate mRNA abundance by quantitative real-time PCR. Data were analyzed using PROC GLIMMIX model (2-way interaction) and differences were established by LS-MEANS with significance reported at p ≤ 0.05. In spleen tissues at d 10, expression of interleukin (IL)-10 and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) were elevated in both 0.1% YGT-fed challenged and non-challenged birds. In thymus tissues at d 14, expression of IL-10, IL-17F, interferon (IFN)-γ, iNOS, and macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) were elevated in challenged birds fed 0.1% YGT. In bursal tissues at d 10 and d 14, expression of IL-10, IFN-γ, iNOS (d 10 only), and MIF were elevated in 0.1% YGT-fed challenged and non-challenged birds. Dietary β-glucan supplementation to chicken diets modulated their immune response to the Eimeria challenge.

Over-processed meat and bone meal and phytase effects on broilers challenged with subclinical necrotic enteritis: Part 2. Inositol phosphate esters hydrolysis, intestinal permeability, hematology, jejunal gene expression and intestinal morphology

This study investigated the hypothesis that feeding broilers over-processed meat and bone meal (MBM) would impair gut health in the absence of phytase and in turn, affect inositol phosphate (inositol x-phosphate, IPx: IP3, IP4, IP5 and IP6) ester hydrolysis, intestinal permeability, hematology, jejunal gene expression and intestinal morphology during necrotic enteritis (NE). Ross 308 male broilers (n = 768) were assigned to one of 8 dietary treatments in a 2 × 2 × 2 factorial arrangement, with 6 replicate pens per diet and 16 birds per pen in a completely randomized design. Factors were: NE challenge (no or yes), phytase level (500 or 5,000 FTU/kg) and MBM processing (as-received or over-processed). For the NE challenge, half of the birds were challenged with field strains of Eimeria spp. on d 9 and 10⁸ CFU/mL of Clostridium perfringens strain EHE-NE18 on d 14 and 15. A 3-way challenge, phytase and MBM processing interaction was detected for IP5 (P < 0.05) and IP6 (P < 0.05) levels in the ileum. Birds fed low phytase had increased IP5 and IP6 in unchallenged birds only when diets contained over-processed MBM. Challenge with NE increased intestinal permeability as measured by serum fluorescein isothiocyanate dextran (FITC-d; P < 0.001), increased white blood cells (WBC; P < 0.001), decreased mean corpuscular volume (MCV; P < 0.001) and mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH; P < 0.05), and decreased crypt-to-villi ratio (P < 0.05). The over-processed MBM reduced the villi-to-crypt ratio (P < 0.05). A 3-way challenge × phytase × MBM processing interaction was detected for mucin 2 (MUC-2) expression (P < 0.05) where only in unchallenged birds fed over-processed MBM did high phytase reduce MUC-2 expression. A lower expression of aminopeptidase N (APN; P < 0.001) and vitamin D receptor (VDR; P < 0.001) were recorded in NE challenged birds. In conclusion, NE has a negative impact on the gut and hematology of broilers, but its effect on phytate hydrolysis is minimal.

Response of broiler chickens fed diets supplemented with a bioactive olive pomace extract from Olea europaea to an experimental coccidial vaccine challenge

This study aimed to investigate an experimental procedure of coccidial challenge in battery cages and the anticoccidial effect of a bioactive olive pomace extract from Olea europaea (OE) in broiler chickens. To this end, four hundred 1-day-old male chicks were randomly assigned to 5 experimental treatments (10 cages/treatment; 8 birds/cage). One group was fed the control diet without any additives and not challenged (NCU). The other 4 groups were challenged and fed the control diet with no additives (NCC) or supplemented with 500 ppm of coccidiostat or with 500 or 1,500 ppm of OE. At 0, 7, and 14 d, all challenged birds, except the NCC group, were orally gavaged with a live Eimeria spp. oocyst vaccine at 1x, 4x, and 16x of the manufacturer's recommended dose, respectively. Feed intake (FI), body weight gain (BWG), and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were determined at 7, 14, 20, and 28 d. At 20 d of age, 1 bird per cage was euthanized to analyze duodenum and jejunum morphology, ileal mucosa gene expression, and plasma cytokine, alpha-1-acid glycoprotein, and carotenoid (CAR) concentrations. Coccidial vaccine challenge lowered BW (P < 0.05) throughout the trial, and reduced FI and BWG, except from 20 to 28d, and increased FCR from 0 to 7, 0 to 14, and 0 to 20 d. Birds in the NCC group had higher (P < 0.05) oocyst counts and lower (P < 0.05) CAR and villus height to crypt depth ratios compared with NCU birds. Overall, coccidia challenge caused the expected reductions in growth performance and gut integrity. While the coccidiostat reduced oocysts excretion, dietary OE or coccidiostat had no effects on performance or gut integrity. The attenuated inflammatory response observed for all the treatments following the third infection can be attributed to the adaptation or immunization to the repetitive exposure to Eimeria spp.

Growth performance, breast yield, gastrointestinal ecology and plasma biochemical profile in broiler chickens fed multiple doses of a blend of red, brown and green seaweeds

1. A total of 864 d old (male) Ross × Ross 708 broiler chicks were allocated to 48 floor pens (12 pens/treatment and 18 birds/pen) to investigate dose-response of a blend of seaweeds (SB) on growth performance, breast yield, jejunal histomorphology, microbial metabolites and community and plasma biochemical profile. 2. A maize-soybean meal diet was formulated with 0, 5, 10 or 20 g/kg of SB. Diets were formulated for a three-phase feeding programme (starter: d 0-10, grower: d 11-24, and finisher: d 25-42) and met or exceeded Aviagen nutrient specifications. Diets were allocated to pens (n = 12) balanced for body weight (BW). Birds had free access to feed and water, BW and feed intake (FI) were monitored by phase. One bird per pen was randomly selected on d 42, bled for plasma, and samples for intestinal tissue and caecal digesta were taken. Microbial DNA was extracted and submitted for microbial community profile using the Illumina Miseq® platform. 3. In the starter phase, SB linearly (P ≤ 0.01) improved BW, body weight gain (BWG), and FCR. However, the improvement was quadratic, such that there was no further improvement beyond 5 g/kg SB inclusion. Growth performance response to SB in the grower phase was similar to the starter phase, with the exception of FCR (P > 0.05). Overall, from d 0-42, a linear and quadratic (P < 0.01) response was observed for final BW (d 42), whereby birds fed 5, 10 and 20 g/kg SB were heavier than control by 166, 183 and 180 g, respectively. A quadratic (P = 0.03) effect was observed for breast yield in response to SB. There was a quadratic reduction (P < 0.05) in gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) and a linear increase in glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) in response to SB. Supplemental SB linearly reduced (P ≤ 0.04) the relative abundance of phylum Bacteroidetes and Proteobacteria, and increased the abundance of phylum Firmicutes (linearly; P = 0.02) and Actinobacteria (quadratically; P = 0.03). 4. The data indicated that the optimal inclusion for SB was between 5 and 10 g/kg for improved growth performance and breast yield. However, increased abundance of Firmicutes and actinobacteria in the caecal digesta suggested that the higher doses enhanced prebiotic effects of seaweed components.

Research Note: Effect of butyric acid glycerol esters on ileal and cecal mucosal and luminal microbiota in chickens challenged with Eimeria maxima

Coccidiosis is one of the most prevalent diseases seen in the poultry industry leading to excessive economic losses. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of butyric acid glycerol esters (BE) on the ileal and cecal microbiota in birds challenged with Eimeria maxima (EM). Ross 708 male broilers were fed a diet supplemented with 0 (control) or 0.25% BE from day 1. On day 21, half of the birds were infected with 10³ EM oocysts. For determing microbiota, ileal and cecal contents and epithelial scrapings were collected at 7 and 10 D postinfection (PI). Alpha diversity of bacterial communities was mostly affected (P < 0.05) by time PI and EM infection. The richness of luminal bacterial populations in the ileum and ceca was affected (P < 0.05) by addition of BE and by time PI × EM × BE interaction, respectively. In the ileal and cecal luminal and mucosal bacterial communities, permutational multivariate analysis of variance (PERMANOVA, unweighted UniFrac) showed significant (P < 0.05) differences because of time PI and interaction between time PI, EM, and BE. Significant (P < 0.05) differences in taxonomic composition at the family level were observed in microbiota of luminal and mucosal populations of the ileum and ceca owing to time PI, EM, BE, and their interactions. The bacterial community present in the cecal lumen was characterized by the lowest number of differential bacteria, whereas the cecal mucosal community was characterized by the highest number of differentially abundant bacteria. In conclusion, our results show that EM infection and time PI has the biggest impact on microbial diversity in the chicken gut. The presence of BE in the diet had a limited effect on gut microbiota.

The effects of feeding yeast bioactives to broiler breeders and/or their offspring on growth performance, gut development, and immune function in broiler chickens challenged with Eimeria

Yeast bioactives (YB) may stimulate broiler breeders (BB) to increase deposition of immunoglobulins (Ig) in eggs. We investigated the effects of feeding YB (mixture of derivatives from whole yeast subjected to enzymatic hydrolysis) to BB and/or their offspring on growth performance, gut development, and immune function in broiler chickens challenged with Eimeria. The BB (Ross 708 ♀ and Ross ♂) were assigned to 2 groups (60 ♀ and 10 ♂) and fed basal or basal diet supplemented with 500 g of YB/Mt. A total of 250 fertile eggs per treatment were collected, incubated, hatched, and sexed. Additional egg samples were analyzed for IgA and IgY contents. A total of 160 broiler chicks (80 ♀ and 80 ♂) from each breeder experimental group were placed in cages based on sex and BW resulting in 32 cages for each BB treatment group. Cages (16 per BB treatment group) were allocated to basal broiler chick diet or basal diet supplemented with 500 g of YB/Mt. On day 9, half of each BB by broiler chick dietary treatments was challenged with 1 mL of Eimeria culture (100,000 oocysts of Eimeria acervulina and 25,000 oocysts of Eimeria maxima). On day 14, all birds were necropsied for intestinal lesion scores and samples. Feeding YB to BB increased (P < 0.05) IgA concentration in egg yolk. Eimeria challenge decreased (P < 0.05) pancreas weight, jejunal villus height (VH), and growth performance but increased spleen weight, intestinal mass and jejunal mucosa IgA concentration. Independent of Eimeria challenge, feeding YB to BB and/or to chicks resulted in higher (P < 0.001) jejunal VH compared with feeding it to BB only or not at all. In conclusion, Eimeria challenge reduced growth performance and had negative effects on indices of intestinal function and health. Feeding YB to BB increased deposition of IgA in hatching eggs and improved jejunal VH independent of Eimeria challenge when fed to BB and/or to broiler chicks.

Dietary Encapsulated Essential Oils Improve Production Performance of Coccidiosis-Vaccine-Challenged Broiler Chickens

Simple Summary

The in-feed antibiotics have been banned worldwide, and anticoccidial drugs are also expected to be removed from the formulated, complete feeds. Thus, looking for alternatives to anticoccidials has been on the increase. Essential oils are naturally derived substances containing the aromatic components of herbs and spices and exhibit antibacterial/anticoccidial, antioxidant, and immune modulating-effects, the properties in poultry. These beneficial biological properties of essential oils make them be considered potential anticoccidial agents. Forthermore, encapsulating essential oils is known to be an effective and efficient strategy to slowly release their active components upon passing the gastrointestinal tract. This study was conducted to examine the effects of encapsulated thymol- and carvacrol-based essential oils on productivity and gut health of chickens challenged with high dose of coccidiosis vaccine.

Abstract

The present study was conducted to evaluate the encapsulated essential oils (EEO) as an alternative to anticoccidials using a coccidiosis vaccine challenged model in broiler chickens. A total of 600 one-day-old male broiler chicks were provided with no added corn/soybean-meal-based control diet or diets that contained either salinomycin (SAL) or thymol- and carvacrol-based EEO at 60 and 120 mg per kg of diet. Before challenge at 21 days, each treatment had 10 replicates except for the no-added control group, which had 20 replicates. On day 21, half of the control groups were orally challenged with a coccidiosis vaccine at 25 times higher than the recommended vaccine dose. During 22 to 28 days (i.e., one-week post coccidiosis vaccine challenge), the challenged chickens had a decrease (P < 0.05) in body weight gain and feed intake but an increase in feed conversion ratio compared with the non-challenged, naïve control chickens. However, dietary EEO significantly counteracted (P < 0.05) coccidiosis-vaccine-induced depression in body weight gain and feed intake. Inclusion of dietary EEO linearly decreased (P < 0.05) the concentrations of the volatile fatty acids. Dietary SAL and EEO affected gut morphology in chickens at 20 days post-hatch. Dietary EEO linearly (P = 0.073) increased serum catalase activity as the inclusion level increased. Collectively, our study shows that dietary EEO increased coccidiosis-vaccine-induced growth depression and altered gut physiology in broiler chickens. Our study adds to the accumulating evidence that dietary EEO is proven to be an effective alternative to anticoccidials for broiler chickens.

Utility of Feed Enzymes and Yeast Derivatives in Ameliorating Deleterious Effects of Coccidiosis on Intestinal Health and Function in Broiler Chickens

Coccidiosis induced necrotic lesions impair digestive capacity and barrier function in concurrence with increased risks for secondary bacterial infections. The industry has been successful in controlling coccidiosis with anticoccidials and vaccination. However, concerns over Eimeria species resistant to anticoccidials, gaps in vaccination and restriction on antibiotics is stimulating research and application of alternative and/or complimentary strategies for coccidiosis control. The aim of this paper is to appraise literature on the utility of feed enzymes and yeast derivatives in modulating coccidiosis. Feed enzymes can complement endogenous enzymes (protease, amylase, and lipase) that may become insufficient in coccidiosis afflicted birds. Coccidiosis in the upper small intestine creates conditions that enhances efficacy of phytase and there are reports indicating supplemental phytase can mitigate the negative impact of coccidiosis on bone quality. Increase in intestinal short chain fatty acids due supplemental fiber degrading enzymes has been linked with reduced survivability of Eimeria. There is evidence whole yeast (live or dead) and derivatives can modulate coccidiosis. Immunomudulation properties of the yeast derivatives have been shown to enhance cellular and humoral immunity in Eimeria challenge models which is critical for effectiveness of coccidial vaccination. Moreover, yeast nucleotides have been shown to be beneficial in stimulating healing of intestinal mucosal surface. Other novel work has shown that certain yeast cells can produce derivatives with anticoccidial compounds effective in attenuating oocysts shedding. Yeast cell surface has also been shown to be an effective oral Eimeria vaccine delivery vehicle. Overall, while further refinement research is warranted to address inconsistencies in responses and commercial application, there is evidence feed enzymes and yeast derivatives could complement strategies for maintaining intestinal function to bolster growth performance in broilers compromised with coccidiosis. However, broilers receive diets containing several feed additives with distinct mode of actions and yet there is dearth of empirical data on the expected responses.Future evaluations should consider combinations of additives to document animal responses and potential synergies.

Nucleotide-rich yeast extract fed to broiler chickens challenged with Eimeria: impact on growth performance, jejunal histomorphology, immune system, and apparent retention of dietary components and caloric efficiency1

Nucleotide-rich yeast extract (YN) was investigated for its effects on growth performance, jejunal histomorphology and mucosal immunoglobulin A (IgA), immune organs weight and apparent retention (AR) of components in broiler chickens challenged with Eimeria. A total of 336 day-old male chicks (Ross x Ross 708) were placed in floor pens and provided a corn-soybean meal-based diet without or with YN (500 g/mt) (n = 14). On day 10, 7 replicates per diet were orally administered with 1 mL of sporulated E. acervulina and E. maxima oocysts and the rest (non-challenged control) administered equivalent distilled water creating a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement for the post-challenge period (day 11 to 35). Feed intake (FI), BWG, and FCR responses were measured in pre- and post-challenge periods. Excreta samples were collected on day 14 to 17 and 31 to 34 for oocyst count and AR of components, respectively. On day 15 and 35, 5 birds/pen were necropsied for intestinal samples. Spleen, bursa, and thymus weights were also recorded at both time points and breast yield on day 35. Diet had no effect (P > 0.05) on pre-challenge growth performance. Interaction (P = 0.046) between Eimeria and YN on FI was such that Eimeria challenge increased FI (day 11 to 35) in non-YN birds. There was no interaction (P > 0.05) between Eimeria and YN on other post-challenge responses. Eimeria reduced (P < 0.05) BWG, FCR, caloric efficiency, day 15 jejunal villi height and IgA concentration, and increased (P < 0.01) day 15 spleen weight. On day 35, YN increased bursa weight (1.57 vs. 1.78 mg/g BW, P = 0.04). There was a tendency for an interaction effect (P = 0.09) on day 35 thymus weight, such that in challenged birds, YN fed birds tended to have a lighter thymus relative to non-YN fed birds. In conclusions, independent of Eimeria challenge, supplemental YN had no effect on growth performance, caloric efficiency, and intestinal function but increased immune organ weights.

Growth performance and gastrointestinal responses in heavy Tom turkeys fed antibiotic free corn-soybean meal diets supplemented with multiple doses of a single strain Bacillus subtilis probiotic (DSM29784)1

Growth performance and gastrointestinal (GIT) responses to a single-strain of Bacillus subtilis (SSB) were investigated using 960 Hybrid Converter Toms. A total of 4 iso-caloric and iso-nitrogenous corn-soybean meal-based diets were allocated to 12 replicate cages/pens and fed (ad libitum) in a four-phase feeding program (starter; days 0 to 28, grower-1; days 29 to 56, grower-2; days 57 to 84, and finisher; days 85 to 126). The diets had either 0 (control), 1E+08 (low), 2E+08 (mid) or 1E+09 (high) cfu B. subtilis/kg. Feed intake (FI) and BW were recorded by phase. Excreta samples were collected towards the end of starter and grower-1 phases for apparent retention (AR) of components by marker method and litter moisture, respectively. Selected birds were necropsied on days 28 and 56 for GIT weight and samples for jejunal histomorphology and ceca digesta short chain fatty acids (SCFA). Supplemental SSB had linear and non-linear (P < 0.05) response on BW gain (BWG). Specifically, relative to the control, birds fed low SSB had higher BWG in starter and grower-1 phases whereas bird fed mid and high SSB had lower BWG in grower-2 and birds fed low and mid SSB had higher BWG in finisher phase. Consequently, birds fed low and mid SSB doses were heavier (P < 0.05) than control fed birds at the end of trial. The FCR response to SSB was linear and non-linear (P < 0.05) with birds fed low SSB showing lower FCR than control fed birds in starter, grower-1 and finisher phases. Supplemental SSB had linear and non-linear (P < 0.05) effects on AR of components (DM, ash, crude protein, crude fat, neutral detergent fiber, and gross energy), litter moisture, GIT weight, jejunal histomorphology, and SCFA. Relative to control, birds fed high SSB showed higher AR of components, villi height, day 56 ceca digesta total SCFA concentration, and lower litter moisture. In conclusions, under condition of the current study, growth performance was optimized by low to mid SSB. Improved nutrient retention and indices of gut health suggested higher SSB doses may optimize growth performance under challenging farm conditions.

Eimeria challenge adversely affected long bone attributes linked to increased resorption in 14-day-old broiler chickens

There is limited information on the effects of enteric pathogen on bone quality in rapidly growing broiler chicks. We examined tibia and femur attributes (length, diameter, relative weight of ash content [AC] to the BW, ash concentration [AP]) and serum bone-turnover markers including receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL) for resorption, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) for mineralization, and selected serum metabolites in 14-day-old broilers challenged with Eimeria. A total of 160 (80 males and 80 females) 1-day-old Ross × Ross 708 chicks were used. Based on BW, birds were placed within sex in cages (5 birds per cage) and fed chick starter diets to day 9 of age. On day 9, half of the cages were orally gavaged with 1 mL of Eimeria culture (100,000 oocysts of E. acervulina and 25,000 oocysts of E. maxima) and the other half (unchallenged control) received 1 mL 0.9% saline in distilled water. On day 14, 2 birds were randomly selected and necropsied for intestinal lesion score, blood, tibia, and femur samples. Data were analyzed in a 2 (challenged vs. unchallenged) × 2 (males vs. females) factorial arrangement. There was no interaction (P > 0.05) between Eimeria and sex on any measurement. Whereas there were no intestinal lesions in unchallenged birds, Eimeria resulted in lesion score (0 to 4) of 3.35, 2.59 and 0.11 in duodenum, jejunum and ileum, respectively. Eimeria challenge decreased (P < 0.05) tibia AC and AP by 10 and 8.2%, respectively but had no (P > 0.10) effect on femur attributes. Generally, males showed (P < 0.05) longer and wider bones with more AC compared with the female. Circulating serum RANKL concentration increased (P = 0.017) in response to Eimeria challenge and was negatively correlated with tibia AC (-0.731; P = 0.021). Our findings showed that Eimeria damage to the intestinal physiology had adverse effects on long bone attributes linked to increased resorption.