aSchool of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, NSW, 2351, AustraliaFind articles by
aSchool of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, NSW, 2351, AustraliaFind articles by
aSchool of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, NSW, 2351, AustraliaFind articles by
aSchool of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, NSW, 2351, AustraliaFind articles by
aSchool of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, NSW, 2351, AustraliaFind articles by
Plant extracts (PE) are getting more attention as possible alternatives to in-feed antibiotics (AM) because they are known to kill bacteria. This study looked at whether PE, a microencapsulated product made up of eugenol and garlic tincture, could be used instead of AM-agent to improve the performance and intestinal health of broilers that were challenged with necrotic enteritis (NE). A total of 960 Cobb 500 chicks of different sexes were randomly put into 48-floor pens. Each pen had 6 treatments that were repeated 8 times with 20 birds in each. UC stood for “unchallenged control,” CC for “challenged control,” PE for “challenged group plus PE,” AM for “challenged group plus AM,” FAP for “challenged group plus a full dose of AM with PE,” and HAP for “challenged group plus a half dose of AM with PE” in the starter, grower, and finisher phases. Birds in the challenged groups were inoculated with Eimeria spp. on d 9 and Clostridium perfringens on d 14. The birds’ body weight gain (BWG), feed intake (FI), feed conversion ratio (FCR), and ability to live were all harmed. Intestinal lesions and deaths also went up (P). 05) by NE challenge, illustrating a successful clinical NE challenge. When compared to the CC group, the birds that were fed AM had higher BWG and FI and lower FCR, mortality, and intestinal lesions (P <.001). 05). Birds fed PE had improved FCR (P < 0. 05) and livability (5. 8%) in an overall period compared to the CC group. On d 16, PE supplementation reduced ileal lesion scores in only male birds (P < 0. 05). Birds fed PE had decreased Eimeria maxima and Eimeria acervulina oocyst counts in caecal content (P < 0. 05). Birds fed PE had decreased Eimeria brunetti and total oocyst counts in caecal content, and E. acervulina oocyst counts in ileal content in only female birds (P < 0. 05). On day 35, adding PE decreased changes in body weight (BW) in both male and female birds and increased yellowness (b∗ value, 14). 4%) in the thigh. These results show that adding PE to birds' diets might help their performance and intestinal health during clinical NE, as shown by better FCR, livability, uniformity, fewer ileal lesions, oocyst counts, and more yellowing of the skin. However, the protective effect of PE may not be apparent in the presence of AM in the feed.
Necrotic enteritis (NE) is an economically important and devastating enteric bacterial disease widespread in the fast-growing broiler flocks. It is mostly caused by strains of Clostridium perfringens that make NetB. Clostridium perfringens is a Gram-positive, spore-forming, anaerobic, ubiquitous bacterium that can cause subclinical or clinical disease. It can also be caused by one or more predisposing factors, such as Eimeria spp. and fish meal, etc. (Keyburn et al. , 2008; Moore, 2016). In mild cases, the sub-clinical form of NE can lower body weight gain (BWG), feed intake (FI), digestibility, increase feed conversion ratio (FCR), intestinal lesions, and diarrhea. On the other hand, the clinical form can cause sudden flock mortality ranging from 2% to 2010% in mild cases and up to 2050% in severe cases (Kaldhusdal et al. , 2001; Immerseel et al. , 2004). It is thought that NE costs the global poultry industry more than US$6 billion a year because it lowers BWG, lowers FCR, causes more deaths, and costs a lot to control and manage the disease (Wade and Keyburn, 2015). Traditionally, antimicrobials (AM) have been applied to control NE. Because bacteria have become resistant to AM and there are health concerns about using AM in feed, the poultry feed industry in many parts of the world has banned or limited the use of AM, which has led to a rise in NE (Kocher and Choct, 2008; Kaldhusdal et al. , 2016). So, there is more and more interest in finding good alternatives to in-feed AM to fight enteric diseases like NE now that AM is no longer used.
People thought that giving birds PE, a microencapsulated product made of eugenol and garlic tincture, in their food might help them do better and keep their guts healthy when they were very sick. The goal of this study was to find out how well PE worked on performance, death, intestinal lesions, Eimeria oocyst counts, skin pigmentation, and uniformity in broilers that had been exposed to clinical NE. An AM-agent was used to compare PE’s ability to lessen the effects of clinical NE on performance and intestinal health. It was also thought that PE and AM might work together to protect birds from NE. So, this study also looked at what happened when broilers were given PE along with full and half doses of AM. It also compared their effectiveness to an AM-agent that didn’t have PE added to it.
As a poultry farmer, keeping your flock healthy is one of your top priorities One of the most common and challenging poultry diseases is CRD or Chronic Respiratory Disease. CRD is caused by the Mycoplasma gallisepticum bacteria and can lead to major respiratory issues in chickens. This disease often strikes flocks when they are under stress, leading to symptoms like wheezing, swollen eyes and heads, and lethargy
Understandably, poultry farmers are eager to find solutions to protect their flock from CRD. Many farmers have turned to natural remedies like garlic to help prevent and treat this stubborn poultry disease. But can garlic really cure CRD in chickens? Let’s take a closer look at the evidence.
What is CRD and How Does it Impact Chickens?
CRD is an upper-respiratory infection caused by Mycoplasma gallisepticum. The bacteria can be spread through the air, on equipment or workers’ clothing and shoes, and even by other infected poultry. Once a flock is infected, CRD can be very difficult to fully eradicate.
In chickens, CRD often strikes in times of stress like temperature changes or overcrowding. Laying hens between 20-40 weeks of age are most susceptible. Younger chickens may only experience mild symptoms, while older birds can suffer more severe illness.
The symptoms of CRD include:
- Wheezing or difficulty breathing
- Swollen or shut eyes
- Nasal discharge
- Swollen sinuses
- Coughing and sneezing
- Shaking of the head
- Overall lethargy and poor appetite
Without treatment CRD can impact egg production and lead to secondary infections. In severe cases, the disease can be fatal.
Could Garlic Offer a Natural CRD Remedy?
Garlic has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for all kinds of health conditions. In recent years, some poultry farmers have begun using garlic to try to prevent and treat CRD.
Garlic contains compounds like allicin, diallyl disulfide, and s-allyl cysteine. These are thought to have natural antibacterial and immune-boosting properties. But so far, there is limited scientific research specifically on garlic as a cure for CRD in chickens.
Some farmers and backyard chicken keepers report success using garlic to help control CRD. They recommend adding raw, crushed garlic to your chickens’ drinking water or feed. Many find garlic is most effective when used preventatively or at the first signs of CRD in a flock.
Using garlic certainly won’t hurt your flock. At appropriate dosages, garlic is safe for chickens. And even if the CRD-fighting effects are overstated, garlic still offers some other health benefits:
- May boost appetite
- Can act as a dewormer
- Provides antioxidants
- Supports immune health
So while the jury is still out on garlic as a cure, it does show promise as a supportive supplement for overall chicken health and resistance to disease.
Other Natural Tools for CRD Prevention
If you want to maximize flock health and prevent CRD outbreaks, garlic isn’t your only natural option. Here are some other remedies and organic practices to consider:
Herbs and Spices
Certain herbs contain oils that may help control Mycoplasma bacteria. Oregano, thyme, eucalyptus and peppermint are most commonly recommended. You can add small amounts to feed or water, or allow chickens access to the fresh herbs.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is antimicrobial and supports healthy gut bacteria. Add a tablespoon per gallon of water 2-3 times a week.
Probiotics
Supplementing feed with probiotic powders or yogurt with live cultures helps populate chickens’ guts with beneficial bacteria to crowd out disease-causing microbes.
Dust Bathing
Let chickens dust bathe regularly in diatomaceous earth or wood ash to discourage mites and other external parasites that tax the immune system.
Organic Practices
Organic feeds, access to fresh air and sunlight, low stocking density and good sanitation all help strengthen chickens’ natural defenses against CRD.
Stress Reduction
Reduce potential stressors to avoid triggering CRD outbreaks. Make any adjustments like integrating new chickens gradually.
Is Garlic a Cure for CRD?
At this time, there is no scientific consensus on garlic as a cure for CRD in poultry. However, farmers do report success using garlic to help control outbreaks of this challenging respiratory disease.
Based on the available evidence, garlic may be most effective as part of a multifaceted approach to CRD prevention and management. Garlic certainly shows promise for supporting overall flock health and immunity. Along with other natural remedies, organic practices and stress reduction, garlic can play a role in keeping your chickens healthy and productive.
While research continues into garlic as a CRD treatment, this inexpensive and readily available supplement poses little risk to your flock. If you are battling CRD, garlic may be worth exploring. But for the best results, be sure to use it alongside other evidence-based prevention, biosecurity and medical protocols recommended by your poultry veterinarian.
A combination of natural supplements, organic management, stress reduction and veterinary treatment (when needed) offers the most comprehensive plan of attack against this complex poultry disease. An integrative approach maximizes the chances of keeping CRD under control and your chickens healthy.
3. Performance and uniformity
The effects of NE challenge and PE on growth performance are shown in . One-way ANOVA analysis showed that the following measurements were significantly different: BWG from day 9 to day 21 (P 001), 21 to 35 (P < 0. 001) and 0 to 35 (P < 0. 001), FI on d 9 to 21 (P < 0. 001), 21 to 35 (P < 0. 001) and 0 to 35 (P < 0. 001), FCR from d 9 to 21 (P < 0. 001), 21 to 35 (P = 0. 026) and 0 to 35 (P < 0. 001), and livability from d 9 to 21 (P < 0. 001) and 0 to 35 (P < 0. 001).
| Item | UC | NE challenged2 | SEM | P-value | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CC | PE | AM | FAP | HAP | ||||
| Starter phase (d 0 to 9) | ||||||||
| BWG, g | 220 | 212 | 213 | 215 | 211 | 213 | 2 | 0.139 |
| FI, g | 256 | 255 | 256 | 254 | 256 | 254 | 2 | 0.913 |
| FCR | 1.180 | 1.190 | 1.204 | 1.189 | 1.204 | 1.207 | 0.008 | 0.126 |
| Livability, % | 98.8 | 98.8 | 100 | 98.8 | 97.5 | 99.4 | 1 | 0.289 |
| Grower phase (d 9 to 21) | ||||||||
| BWG, g | 736a | 497d | 501d | 671b | 670b | 569c | 8 | <0.001 |
| FI, g | 1,021a | 870bc | 835c | 994a | 978a | 896b | 13 | <0.001 |
| FCR | 1.388e | 1.734a | 1.688b | 1.472d | 1.458d | 1.575c | 0.010 | <0.001 |
| Livability, % | 100a | 81.8c | 85.7bc | 100a | 98.5a | 91.6ab | 2 | <0.001 |
| Finisher phase (d 21 to 35) | ||||||||
| BWG, g | 1,293c | 1,299c | 1,312bc | 1,386a | 1,384a | 1,359ab | 13 | <0.001 |
| FI, g | 2,299b | 2,319b | 2,220c | 2,413a | 2,392a | 2,344ab | 24 | <0.001 |
| FCR | 1.760a | 1.747ab | 1.712c | 1.741ab | 1.728bc | 1.726bc | 0.010 | 0.026 |
| Livability, % | 99.1 | 100 | 97.8 | 100 | 99.0 | 98.8 | 1 | 0.640 |
| Overall period (d 0 to 35) | ||||||||
| BWG, g | 2,262a | 2,008c | 2,015c | 2,270a | 2,261a | 2,136b | 18 | <0.001 |
| FI, g | 3,575ab | 3,439c | 3,320d | 3,661a | 3,622a | 3,494bc | 33 | <0.001 |
| FCR | 1.581e | 1.681a | 1.645b | 1.613cd | 1.602de | 1.636bc | 0.007 | <0.001 |
| Livability, % | 98.1a | 83.1c | 88.8bc | 98.8a | 95.6a | 93.8ab | 2 | <0.001 |
The treatment groups did not differ in BWG, FI, FCR, or livability during the starter phase (d 0 to 9). 05).
During the grower phase (d 9–21), the NE challenge made FI, BWG, and livability much lower and FCR much higher in the CC group compared to the UC group. This shows that the birds were able to successfully complete the NE challenge. The supplementation of PE significantly improved FCR compared to the CC group. Birds in the PE group showed a numeric improvement of livability by 3. 9% compared to the CC group. Compared to the AM group, PE fed birds had higher FCR and lower FI, BWG, and livability. Also, birds fed FAP had similar BWG, FI, FCR, and livability to birds fed AM. Birds fed HAP, on the other hand, had lower FI, BWG, and higher FCR. Livability was not different between these treatment groups.
In the last phase (d 21 to 35), the NE challenge did not have any more impact on FI, BWG, FCR, or livability. The supplementation of PE significantly reduced FCR compared to the CC group. Compared to the AM group, birds fed PE had lower FCR, FI, and BWG, but similar livability. Birds fed FAP and HAP had similar BWG, FI, FCR, and livability compared to the AM group.
From day 0 to day 35 of the study, the NE challenge had a negative effect on FI, BWG, FCR, and livability. However, the supplementation of PE significantly reduced FCR compared to the CC group. Birds in the PE group showed a numeric improvement of livability and improved livability by 5. 8% compared to the CC group. When birds were fed PE instead of AM, those fed PE had higher FCR and lower FI, BWG, and livability. On the other hand, birds fed FAP had similar BWG, FI, FCR, and livability. Birds fed HAP had similar FCR and livability but lower FI and BWG compared to the AM group.
The effects of NE challenge and PE on flock uniformity on d 35 are shown in . Based on the treatment groups, the order of CV of BW was AM In male birds, AM group had the lowest CV (10. 1%) and in female birds, the PE group had the lowest CV (9. 9%) whereas the CC group had the highest CV in both male and female birds (respectively 13. 5% and 11. 0%).
Materials and methods
The Animal Ethics Committee of the University of New England, Armidale, NSW 2351, Australia gave their approval for the experiments that were done in this study (AEC18-116) The experiment was done according to the rules set by the Australian Bureau of Animal Health for the proper care and use of laboratory animals for scientific purposes (NHMRC, 2013).
How to Treat Cough in Chickens Chronic Respiratory Disease in Poultry
FAQ
How to use garlic for poultry diseases?
Is garlic good for sick chickens?
Is garlic good for chicken mites?
What is the best medicine for CRD in poultry?
Is garlic good for chickens?
Because garlic seems to target ‘bad’, rather than ‘good’, bacteria, it can help a chicken recovering from illness to return to full health. Garlic is great for helping baby chicks develop a healthy immune system. Helps hens’ egg production. It’s known to help produce larger, better quality eggs with a lower level of ‘bad’ cholesterol.
Do chickens eat raw garlic?
Absolutely. Chicken keepers have used raw garlic for years to help ward off a whole list of poultry ailments including respiratory problems, infection, and as a general support to the immune system. Every rural Italian family grows enough garlic to last one year.
Do chickens have CRD?
If you have reason to believe that one or more chickens in your flock may have CRD, or if you observe symptoms of the disease, it’s important to take prompt action. Begin by administering “First Aid” treatment to provide immediate relief and supportive care for your birds.
Is garlic a good supplement for poultry?
Take a look at this quote from a Veterinary study talking about garlic as a supplement in the poultry diet: “Garlic is the king of the medicinal plants It has antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal and antiprotozoal properties.