Impact of anticoccidial treatment with Solo papaya seed powder on haematological parameters in Sasso broilers

Coccidiosis is a highly contagious and damaging poultry disease. Despite its effectiveness against coccidiosis, chemotherapy has not been able to overcome certain difficulties, in particular the phenomenon of bioresistance acquired by the parasites, the rising price of anticoccidials, and the contamination of poultry products by toxic residues that are dangerous for consumers. As an alternative solution, Carica papaya is emerging as an interesting and less costly natural substance for eradicating coccidiosis. Our study aimed to evaluate the anticoccidial efficacy of the seed of Solo papaya and its effects on haematological parameters in Sasso broilers. Six-hundred-day-old chicks of Sasso breed, broiler type, were divided into four batches with five replicates per batch: untreated batch (T-), batch treated with amprolium 20% (T+), and two batches treated with papaya seed powder (5%), incorporated into the feed for one and two consecutive days per month, noted P1 and P2 respectively. Determination of number of eggs per gram (EPG) was based on Mc Master technique. Haematological parameters were determined from blood collected in tubes containing EDTA using Mindray BC-3000/China automated haematological analyser. Papaya seed powder Treatment showed anticoccidial efficacy, expressed by a significant drop in EPG in the treated batches. In addition, haematological parameters improved, notably an increase in haematocrit and a decrease in the rate of various leucocytes. Anticoccidial treatment with papaya seed powder (5%) resulted in an appreciable reduction in parasite load and an improvement in the haematological profile. The result application could serve as a sustainable alternative to synthetic chemical anticoccidial drugs.