English

Abstract

Essential oils are potent medicinal substances which can control multiple diseases by their antioxidant actions. In current research, anticoccidial potential of the Amomum subulatum essential oil was estimated in broiler chicks. 270 broiler chicks were divided equally into 6 groups, each having 3 replicates. All the groups, except infected nonmedicated control group, were given sporulated oocysts of mixed Eimeria spp. First three groups received essential oil of A. subulatum @ 1%, 2% and 3% (v/w) in the feed and their activities was evaluated in comparison to the Symocox® (Toltrazuril) treated groups and infected nonmedicated groups. Feed conversion ratio, feed intake, weight gain, rates of mortality, organ weight ratios, fecal scores, lesion scores and oocyst per gram of feces were taken as the parameters of the study. Blood parameters and serum metabolites were also evaluated. A. subulatum essential oil @ 3% concentration had the best FCR, survival rates, and feed intakes. A. subulatum essential oils also significantly reduced lesion lowered oocyst counts and improved the fecal scores. Hematological and serum profiles were also improved by the 3% essential oil of A. subulatum in the feed. This research concluded that the A. subulatum essential oil @ 3% concentration can be used for the treatment of avian coccidiosis however formulation of dose requires further studies on broiler chicks.