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Performance and anticoccidial effects of nicarbazin-fed broilers reared at standard or reduced environmental temperatures

Published: June 15, 2017
By: M.J. da Costa 1, K.W. Bafundo 2, G. M. Pesti 1, E. A. Kimminau 1 and H. M. Cervantes 2. / 1 Department of Poultry Science, The University of Georgia, Athens 30602; 2 Phibro Animal Health Corporation, Teaneck, NJ 07666.
Summary

ABSTRACT

A series of 4 floor pen studies was conducted to evaluate the effects of environmental temperature modification on nicarbazin (NIC) responses in broiler chickens raised to 28 d of age. Birds were reared at either standard temperatures (recommended by the primary breeder for ages zero to 28 d) or at 3°C below this level. From placement to 28 d, birds were provided feeds containing zero, 100, or 125 ppm NIC, comprising a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement in each test. Two of the trials were conducted in the presence of an imposed coccidial challenge and 2 were conducted in healthy animals. At 18 and 28 d of age, performance was recorded; cloacal temperatures were measured at 7, 14, 21, and 26 days. Mortality data were collected daily and coccidial lesions were scored at 6 d post challenge. Results of these studies revealed that NIC improved coccidial lesion scores regardless of environmental temperature. In the absence of coccidial challenge, NIC depressed performance, but reductions in environmental temperature diminished the magnitude of these responses. Under conditions of coccidial challenge, NIC significantly improved body weight gains in both temperature environments. Compared to standard temperature conditions, lower environmental temperatures exerted a positive effect on feed conversion rates of NIC-fed broilers. Birds reared in the low temperature environment exhibited lower cloacal temperatures than standard environment groups throughout the test period. Irrespective of coccidial challenge, lower environmental temperatures significantly reduced nicarbazin mortality compared to standard temperature groups, resulting in a significant nicarbazin x temperature interaction. This finding indicates that temperature modification is a practical method for minimizing mortality over the course of 28-day nicarbazin usage.

Key words: nicarbazin, environmental temperature, anticoccidial effects, coccidiosis.

 

Published in Poultry Science (2017) 96:1615–1622 http://dx.doi.org/10.3382/ps/pew475.

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Authors:
Manuel Da Costa
Cargill
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Ken Bafundo
Phibro Animal Health
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Gene Pesti
University of Georgia
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Emily Kimminau
University of Georgia
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Daniel Venne
Couvoir Scott
20 de junio de 2017
Nicarbazin causes a more severe respiratory alkalosis at high temperature. Low chloride in the diet, high electrolyte balance of the diet, high potassium in all vegetable corn-soya diets and fever from infection will all increase the effect of this condition. Lowering the temperature to favor higher pCO2 levers and blood pH between 7.35 and 7.45 will all help in reducing mortality and geeting the bird to be more efficient in its energy usage (better feed conversion). Great work! Daniel Venne
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