Abstract:
In search of new natural strategies, Artemisia herba-alba Asso, was tested for its anticoccidial effects in broilers. The incorporation of the plant in the diet (5%) has prevented mortality, reduced shedding oocysts, reduced severity of Eimeria tenella lesions and prevented collapse of haematological and biochemical parameters (haematocrit, haemoglobin rate) during experimental infection with Eimeria tenella.
A direct result of the infestation is the appearance of severe diarrhea, bleeding in the case of Eimeria tenella, causing marked homeostatic and nutritional disturbances. Rice water, widely used for its antidiarrheal properties, has been used as adjuvant therapy in this coccidial infection. In combination with anticoccidials it improved growth performance in the treated animals, improve lesion score and also prevented collapse of haematological and biochemical parameters. Artemisia herba alba Asso, with its anticoccidial effects, and rice water with its antidiarrheal and moisturazing effects deserve to
be the subject of further studies to better exploit their properties.
