The Efficacy of Salinomycin Against Experimentally Infected Broiler Chickens with Field Isolates of Eimeria tenella in Khartoum State, Sudan

Administration of feed-based anticoccidials, as preventive measure, is one of the great successes in disease control for the ever-expanding poultry industry. The present study aimed at evaluating the efficacy of salinomycin medication against experimental infection with Eimeria tenella isolated from a local farm in Khartoum, Sudan. Forty-five one-day-old male broiler chicks (Ross 308) were randomized into 3 equal sets (control, infected, and medicated treatment groups). Infection was established by inoculating each of 36 birds with 1×105 sporulated oocysts when they were 24 days old. After 6 days, 9 birds of each group were bled for sera and sacrificed for post mortem examination. Birds of infected non-medicated group developed caecal lesions typical of E. tenella infection. Birds of salinomycin treatment at the concentration of 60 gm/ton of feed had highly diminished lesion scores (0.33) compared to infected non-medicated bird (3.00). Packed cell volume (PCV), triglycerides and cholesterol in birds medicated with salinomycin did not show marked difference as compared to broilers in negative control. There was no significant difference (P>0.05) in the levels of total protein and the concentration of calcium and phosphorus amongst experimental groups. It is concluded that salinomycin averted the negative impact of coccidiosis caused by E. tenella on broiler chicks; indicating that it could be recommended for establishing an efficient coccidian control programs under Sudan conditions.