Plasma biochemical indices at various stages of infection with a field isolate of Eimeria tenella in broiler chicken

Abstract

Coccidiosis has a major impact on poultry industry as it affects broiler and layer birds of all age groups. Caecal coccidiosis, caused by Eimeria tenella is a very devastating enteric disease in broiler, which involves huge economic loss In present study, experimental infective dose of Eimeria tenella isolated from field was determined in broiler chicken and subsequent alterations in different plasma biochemical constituents were evaluated at interval of 5th, 7th and 9th day of post inoculation (PI) with the selected dose of 20000-25000 sporulated oocyst per bird. The dose was selected based on titration. A significant increase in plasma glucose, total cholesterol level and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activity were observed where as a significant decrease in the level of total plasma protein, albumin, globulin, triglyceride and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activity were evident during infection. Highest degree of infection was found on 7th day PI. Onward 9th day of PI onward clinical recovery was confirmed on the basis of pathognomonic caecal lesion score, clinical signs and symptoms.