Response to dietary methionine and organic zinc in broilers against coccidia under Eimeria tenella-challenged condition

Abstract

The primary objective of this study is to explore whether organic zinc (OZn) and augmenting dietary methionine (Met) levels can enhance the anticoccidial effects in broilers when subjected to Eimeria tenella infection. Coccidiosis, induced by E. tenella. A total of 280 one-day-old Hubbard broilers in a coccidia-free environment were divided into seven groups. The first group served as the negative control and the second group E. tenella challenged. The third group was infected + amprolium treated. The fourth group was infected +50 mg/kg OZn. The fifth group was challenged and +0.56% Met. The sixth group was infected +OZn (50 mg/kg) + 0.56% Met. The seventh group was infected + OZn (25 mg/kg) + 0.28% Met. Growth performance was superior in combination of OZn (50 mg/kg) and 0.56% Met compared to positive control. Mortality, lesion score and oocyst count were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in positive control but significantly improved in OZn 50 mg/kg and 0.56% Met. Cecal morphological parameters were improved in OZn 50 mg/kg and 0.56% Met. We concluded that OZn 50 mg/kg and 0.56% Met improved growth performance of chickens under E. tenella challenge. From the results of the present study, it was concluded that OZn (50 mg/kg) in combination of methionine (0.56%) supplementation resulted in attenuation of negative effect of coccidial challenge and maintained the growth of broilers.