INTRODUCTION
The ability of intestinal optimizer pronutrients to prevent coccidiosis was evaluated in males of the Castellana negra breed, a laying breed, in comparison with chemical coccidiostats and a vaccine against coccidia. The study was carried out in two parts: first, animals were naturally infested and, secondly, animals were artificially infested with coccidia. 

1.    Natural infestation

MATERIAL AND METHODS
The trial was carried out in farms located in Soria, Spain, using males of the Castellana negra breed that were distributed in three batches in the following way:

• A.    Batch 1: Chemical coccidiostat
• B.    Batch 2: Intestinal optimizer pronutrients
• C.    Batch 3: Vaccine against coccidiosis

Feed was administered "ad libitum" using the same feed for all animals. Live weight was controlled from week 4 to week 13.

RESULTS
Average live weight (g)

CONCLUSIONS OF THE TRIAL WITH NATURAL INFESTATION

• Batch 1 (chemical coccidiostat: monensin) had the lowest weight, except in the last two weeks (12-13), when the weight slightly exceeded that of the vaccine group.
• The most significant differences appeared from week 12.
• Batch 2, corresponding to intestinal optimizer pronutrients, showed weights substantially higher than in the other groups.

2.    Artificial infestation

MATERIAL AND METHODS
The trial was carried out in farms in Soria, Spain, using males of the Castellana negra breed, that were distributed in three batches in the following way:

A.    Batch 1: Chemical coccidiostat
B.    Batch 2: Intestinal optimizer pronutrients
C.    Batch 3: Vaccine against coccidiosis

When the animals were 9 weeks old, an experimental infection with Eimeria oocysts was induced, composed of the following proportions:

–    100.000 Eimeria tenella oocysts
–    100.000 Eimeria acervulina oocysts
–    150.000 Eimeria maxima oocysts

EVALUATED PARAMETERS
The severity of intestinal lesions caused by coccidia was assessed on a scale from 0 to 4. 0 for the mildest lesions, 4 for the most severe ones.

RESULTS

CONCLUSIONS OF THE TRIAL WITH ARTIFICIAL INFESTATION

• Animals treated with intestinal optimizer pronutrients of batch 2 and those vaccinated of batch 3, showed significantly lower lesions scorew compared to batch 1, corresponding to the monensin chemical coccidiostat.
• Therefore, it is logical to propose a substitution of chemical coccidiostats for intestinal optimizers pronutrients, natural substances, because:
  • Reduce the number of intestinal lesions and their severity.
  • Help to achieve better weight.
  • Prevent the appearance of residues in meat and does not interact with other products such as antibiotics or antioxidants.

This product based on intestinal optimizer pronutrients, manufactured by Biovet S.A., is commercially available under the name Alquernat Zycox.