Ken Bafundo

IntroductionSaponins are a broad group of plant-derived compounds composed of both water-soluble and fat-soluble moieties. These properties impart detergent-like qualities to these molecules that allow them to display many biological activities (Cheeke 2000). Studies of their function in plants have indicated that insect attack and invasion by pathogens are reduced in their presence (Sparg et al. ...

INTRODUCTIONCoccidiosis remains one of the most significant diseases affecting poultry production globally. It is well-recognized that infection with Eimeria parasites occurs in every location where chickens are raised and these infections influence growth, feed efficiency, mortality and the susceptibility to other diseases. As a result, the economic impact of coccidiosis is likely greater than an ...

DESCRIPTION OF PROBLEM Several studies [1–10] have shown that in addition to being effective for the prevention of necrotic enteritis [11, 12], the antibiotic feed additive virginiamycin (VM, Stafac) spares nutrients essential for optimal poultry flock performance. The nutrient-sparing effect of VM has been attributed to a reduction in nutrient breakdown by the intestinal microflor ...

This article was originally published in Poultry Science (2008) 87 (9): 1760-1767.INTRODUCTIONNicarbazin (NIC) remains one of the most widely recognized anticoccidial products used by the broiler industry worldwide. For over 50 yr, the product has been known for broad-spectrum anticoccidial activity and resilience in a wide variety of commercial conditions. In his detailed review of NIC, Chapman ( ...

Magni-Phi (Phibro Animal Health) is a triterpenoid saponin feed additive that has been shown to exert anticoccidial effects in broilers. A series of four floor pen studies was carried out to evaluate the efficacy and performance responses of Magni-Phi (MP) when used in combination with a standard coccidiosis vaccination program. Trials 1 and 2 were designed to assess the effects of MP (0 and 250 p ...

INTRODUCTION Spiking mortality syndrome is a disease of uncertain etiology characterized by mortality (>0.5%) for approximately 3 consecutive days during the first 3 wk of life. Affected young broilers may experience tremors, blindness, ataxia, and coma; most are hypoglycemic (Davis et al., 1995). Because none of these clinical signs can be considered a specific identifying characteristic of th ...