Saponin-rich plants mixture supports coccidiosis vaccination program in broiler chickens

Vaccination against coccidiosis is on the rise. It is supported by a growing societal demand for antibiotic-free meat products. However, vaccination may be accompanied by some adverse effects, such as a negative impact on growth and/or the development of necrotic enteritis. Moreover, during the time of the establishment of immunity, the birds are only moderately protected. In this study, we investigated different strategies of associating cocci vaccination and a mixture of saponin plants (Norponin XO2) in managing coccidiosis. 200 day-old male Cobb 500 broiler chickens were distributed in 20 experimental units, each experimental unit of 10 chickens. Chickens were randomly divided into 5 groups: UUC: Uninfested Untreated control, IUC: infested untreated control, VACC: infested and vaccinated group at d1, VACC/NPXO: infested, vaccinated, and supplemented with Norponin XO from d1 to d42, NPXO: infested, non vaccinated and supplemented with Norponin XO from d1 to d42. The birds were orally inoculated on day 14 of age by live strain vaccine at 15 times the dose. Growth performances (live weight, feed intake, and FCR) were monitored at d42, 5 birds from each group were randomly selected, and intestinal samples were collected (jejunum) for morphometric. Statistical analyses were performed by analysis of variance (ANOVA) using GraphPad software. The experimental infestation model was successful. It was evidenced by the significant reduction in live weight and increase of FCR of chickens in the IUC group compared to the UUC group. All treatments compensated this loss. Villi length and area were both degraded by Eimeria spp. infestation. Whereas all treatments, except vaccination, compensated for the loss of villi length, only VACC/NPXO and NPXO treatments were able to compensate villi area significantly. This study evidenced that NPXO2 supplementation is a valuable tool to support vaccination programs. Moreover, the obtained results demonstrate that Norponin XO2 supplementation is a “stand-alone” solution to manage coccidiosis.

Key Words: Coccidiosis, vaccination, Saponins, Gut health, Broiler chickens.