Effect of Vaccination Against Coccidiosis in Combination with an Antibacterial Oregano (Origanum vulgare) Compound in Organic Broiler Production
Title:
Effect of Vaccination Against Coccidiosis in Combination with an Antibacterial Oregano (Origanum vulgare) Compound in Organic Broiler Production
Author:
Waldenstedt, L.
Appeared in:
Acta agriculturae Scandinavica. Section A, Animal science
Paging:
Volume 53 (2003) nr. 2 pages 101-109
Year:
2003-05
Contents:
Effects on production and health in broilers vaccinated against coccidiosis (Paracox®, Schering-Plough Animal Health) in combination with an antibacterial organic compound (Orego-Stim®, Meriden Animal Health Ltd.) were investigated. To obtain an environment and infection level similar to practical conditions, experimental floor pens were set up in a commercial broiler chicken house. Orego-Stim® supplement increased live weight and feed intake up to 48 days of age, whilst feed conversion ratio was not significantly affected. Vaccinated birds had a significantly higher live weight between 34 and 48 days, compared to non-vaccinated, but vaccination did not significantly affect feed intake or feed conversion ratio. Coccidial numbers in the litter were low, and only minor intestinal lesions were found. There were no significant differences in lesion scores between the different treatments. Orego-Stim® supplement decreased caecal numbers of Clostridium perfringens at 31 days, but not at 52 days, and numbers were not affected at all by anticoccidial vaccination. Bird health was overall good. The results indicate that vaccination against coccidiosis in combination with an in-feed antibacterial compound may be an alternative control method for intestinal health in organically produced chickens.
Journal description