Effects of Artemisia absinthium on coccidia infections in chickens

Abstract

This report was designed to compare the efficacy of Artemisia absinthium L. powder and amprolium on the basis of weight gain feed conversion ratio, oocyst count and mortality rate. A total of 90, day-old broiler chicks of both sexes were randomly divided into six groups (A to F). From first day onward, ration was supplemented with 1; 2 and 3% Artemisia absinthium L. powder in groups B and D, respectively, group A received amprolium: 60 ppm in drinking water, while groups E and F kept as infected un-medicated controls. First five groups were infected with Eimeria tenella sporulated ooccysts: 30.000/chick at the age of 20th. Maximum coccidiostatic effect was observed with Artemisia absinthium L. (3%) showing mild bloody diarrhea as compared to other infected groups receiving A. absinthium L. containing rations. Anticoccidial effect of used herb and coccidiostatic-amprolium, suggests that further studies should be carried out to determine the possible maximum safe levels with least toxic effects to be used as coccidiostat.