Effects of synbiotic probiotic and prebiotic supplementation on haematology and serum total proteins of broiler chickens challenged with Eimeria tenella

• Published in: Comparative clinical pathology Vol. 31; no. 1; pp. 53 - 66
• Main Authors: Matthew, Ogwiji, Danladi, Jatau Isa, Joseph, Natala Audu, Dahiru, Sani, Danlami, Andamin Aliyu, Stephen, Kyari, Isiaku, Abdulmajeed, Khadijat, Gasaliyu Abidemi
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London Springer London 01.02.2022; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Cell size; Coccidiosis; Dietary supplements; Eimeria tenella; Hematology; Hemoglobin; Juveniles; Lymphocytes; Medicine; Medicine & Public Health; Molasses; Monocytes; Oncology; Oocysts; Original Article; Pathology; Poultry; Prebiotics; Probiotics; Supplements; Probiotic; Haematology; Serum total protein; Synbiotic; Prebiotic
• ISSN: 1618-5641; 1618-565X
• DOI: 10.1007/s00580-021-03305-1

Effects of synbiotic, probiotic and prebiotic supplementation on alterations in haematological parameters of broiler chickens infected with Eimeria tenella was understudied. Ninety-day-old broiler chicks divided into 6 groups (I, II, III, IV, V, VI) containing 15 chicks each were used for the study. Group I served as negative control (non-supplemented, unchallenged). Group II served as positive control (non-supplemented but challenged). Group III was supplemented with prebiotic (sugarcane molasses). Group IV was supplemented probiotic (Antox®). Group V was supplemented synbiotic (Enflorax®) whilst Group VI was given Amprolium prophylactic treatment. Birds were challenged at 21 days with 2.0 × 10 4 sporulated E. tenella oocysts/chick. Blood samples were taken on days 0, 4, 7, 11 and 14 post-challenge for haematology and serum total protein evaluation according to standard laboratory procedures. Results showed haematological alterations even 4 days post-challenge (dpc) in infected groups. Total leucocyte count rose 4 dpc and was significantly ( P  < 0.05) high 7 dpc. Heterophil/lymphocyte ratio was significantly high in the infected groups compared with negative control by 7 dpc. Relative monocyte and oesinophil counts also increased significantly ( P  < 0.05). Packed cell volume, haemoglobin concentration and total erythrocyte counts were significantly lower in infected groups 7 dpc. MCHC and MCV were also low. Serum total protein equally decreased 4 dpc and was significantly ( P  < 0.05) lower in the infected groups compared with negative control 7 dpc. Supplementation with synbiotic, probiotic and prebiotic products amended haematological alterations associated with experimental Eimeria tenella infection more rapidly and lessened fatalities prompted by caecal coccidiosis.