Effects of Two Isolates of <em>E. Maxima</em> on the Pigmentation and the Fecal Scores of Broiler Chickens

Abstract

Mild infections with two isolates of E. maxima showed significant (p<0.05) shank depigmentation and fecal dropping scores. The fecal scores of the uninfected controls were normal, whereas those of the infected groups were watery and/or bloody mucoidal. The first sign of depigmentation due to coccidial infection with E. maxima was at D+5 for chickens inoculated at 2 or 6 weeks of age and D+7 and D+14 for chickens infected at 4 weeks or at 4 days, respectively. By the 35^th day pi, the infected birds had not regained pigmentation comparable to those of uninfected birds. The effect of infections with the two isolates of E. maxima on four different ages of broiler chickens revealed that feces of the older infected broiler chickens were more watery and contained more blood than those of the younger infected broiler chickens (4 days old). Death resulting from coccidiosis was greatest at D+6 and D+7 among birds infected at 2 weeks or 4 weeks of age and ranged from 10 to 15%. Other mortalities in birds inoculated at 4 or 6 weeks of age were as a result of complications with Air sacculitis and Infectious Bursal Disease (Gumboro).

Keywords:  E. maxima, fecal scores, pigmentation, chickens, pigmentation