Illinois Study Proposes Nutritional Support for Broiler Chickens Facing Coccidiosis

By Andi Anderson

The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign conducted a study aimed at supporting disease-challenged broiler chickens, particularly those facing the parasitic infection coccidiosis. Coccidiosis can hinder nutrient absorption and impede growth in broiler chickens. Given the growing concern over antimicrobials and other drugs, the study explored the potential of dietary changes to assist in optimal growth during disease outbreaks.

Senior study author Ryan Dilger, a professor in the Department of Animal Sciences, emphasized the role of nutrition as a supportive measure, acknowledging that while it cannot replace pharmaceuticals entirely, it can contribute to care. The research focused on holistically optimizing diets for disease-challenged broilers, a departure from the traditional approach of examining individual nutrients.

In two studies published in Poultry Science, the research team induced coccidiosis and manipulated the diet to understand the impact of various ingredients. The first study involved adjusting the starch, oil, and amino acid content of the standard broiler diet. The optimal diet mix for disease-challenged birds included 35.8% starch, 8.9% oil (well above practical industry levels), and 101.3% of recommended amino acids relative to the control diet. The high oil content was attributed to the reduced lipid absorption caused by the parasite.

The second study focused on methionine levels, the first limiting amino acid, essential for overall bird growth. Testing diets with methionine levels ranging from 15% below to 15% above the standard for healthy birds, the researchers found evidence suggesting an increased methionine requirement during coccidiosis infection. While more research is needed to determine the exact level, the results recommended increasing methionine levels for disease-challenged birds.

Coccidiosis is considered a common challenge in broiler production, with birds naturally exposed to the parasites while walking on the ground. The research aims to provide practical insights for producers to use nutrition as a tool to help broilers combat infection and continue growing despite the challenges posed by coccidiosis.

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