The efficacy of pomegranate peel extract on Eimeria shedding and growth indices in experimental coccidiosis in broiler chickens

Abstract Background Coccidiosis is the most common enteric parasitic disease in poultry that is caused by different species of Eimeria. Some chemical drugs were utilized for the control of this infection but drug residue and resistance‐induced concerns in chicken consumers. Objective The present study was performed to evaluate the effect of pomegranate peel extract (PPEx) on the control of coccidiosis in chickens. Methods Totally, 300 broiler chicks were divided into 10 groups and 5 groups challenged with a mixture of common Eimeria of 21 days old in Iran. Five days after the challenge, as soon as clinical signs appeared, the oocyte per gram (OPG) of faeces was measured, and chickens were treated with 100, 200 and 400 ppm PPEx (for 7 days) and toltrazuril (for 2 days) in separate groups. Another five groups were only treated with these compounds without challenge. All challenged and non‐challenged have a control group. The OPG was measured in the final treatment in chickens. At 35 days of age, all chickens were euthanized and the intestinal and liver samples were collected in 10% formalin for histopathological examination. The growth indices were recorded and analysed all over the growing period, weekly. Results The results revealed that the addition of PPEx especially in 400 ppm can reduce the intestinal lesions and OPG but in this dose, the growth indices can influence negatively, while the administration of toltrazuril with the best effect on OPG and intestinal lesions, no effect on growth indices in challenged chickens. Also, supplementation of 400 ppm PPEx can induce injuries in the liver while the lower dose has no effect on liver tissue. Conclusion It is necessary for finding effective ingredients in PPEx and preparation of serial dilution for access to optimal dose with best anti‐coccidial effect and lowest negative effect on growth indices in chickens.