Butyric and valeric glycerides blend prevents adverse impacts of Eimeria challenge on performance and reduces oocyst loads in broiler chickens

Whilst organic acids are well known for their antibacterial and antifungal effects, but their potential effectiveness against coccidian parasites has not been extensively explored. The aim of the study was to evaluate the impacts of a butyric and valeric glyceride blend product (BVg) in mitigating the negative impacts of coccidiosis in broiler chickens. A total of 960 mixed-sex d-old Cobb 500 chicks were randomly allocated to 2×2 +1 design. Five treatments groups included: 1) unchallenged control (UC)- birds not challenged and fed with a standard diet; 2) challenged control (CC) – birds challenged with Eimeria and fed a standard diet; 3) BV- birds challenged with Eimeria and fed a standard diet supplemented with a blend of butyric and valeric glycerides; 4) AntS- birds challenged with Eimeria and fed a standard diet supplemented with salinomycin; and 5) ABV- birds challenged with Eimeria and fed a standard diet supplemented with both salinomycin and BVg. Coccidiosis was induced on d 9 via oral gavage with Eimeria spp. Performance parameters were determined on d 8, d 19, d 28 and d 35. Four birds/pen were euthanized on d 16 for ileal digesta collection, and excreta samples were collected on day 20 for oocyst enumeration. Results showed reduced WG and increased FCR in CC group compared to the UC group during challenge period (d8-19) indicating a successful induction of challenge. An interaction between BVg and salinomycin was observed for FCR in the challenge and entire experiment period, where BVg reduced FCR, only when administered alone (without antibiotic) and its effect was not evident when combined with antibiotics. Furthermore, BVg reduced oocyst counts in challenged birds compared to the CC group, demonstrating anticoccidial effects similar to those in the AntS and ABV groups. These findings suggest that BVg may be a promising nutritional strategy for mitigating the adverse effects of coccidiosis, with potential to support gut health and enhanceproduction efficiency in broilers.