The effectiveness of phytobiotic additives on performance and intestinal health of broilers after challenging with Eimeria spp

Coccidiosis, caused by Eimeria spp., poses a major challenge to poultry production, leading to poor growth, feed inefficiency, and mortality in broilers. This study evaluates the efficacy of a phytogenic additive combination (PBC) in mitigating Eimeria spp. infection. The PBC formulation comprises free and fiber-coated essential oils (oregano, cinnamon bark, and clove), inulin, beta-glucans, and ascorbic acid. A total of 288 Ross-308 chicks were assigned to four groups: uninfected control (CN), infected control (CC), infected group treated with phytobiotic complex (PBC), and infected group treated with Salinomycin (SLC). Performance metrics (body weight (BW), body weight gain (BWG), average daily feed intake (ADFI), and feed conversion ratio (FCR), malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were measured in breast tissue, intestinal histomorphometry indicators (villus length (VL), crypt depth (CD), and VL: CD ratio) and morphometric parameters of intestinal architecture were assessed, along with immunohistochemical analysis of Claudin-3. Eimeria spp. infection significantly impaired growth and feed efficiency (p ≤ 0.05), with the CC group most affected. The PBC group demonstrated notable improvements in BWG and ADFI one week post challenge, surpassing the SLC group. MDA levels were significantly higher in the CC group compared to the other groups, indicating increased oxidative stress. Histomorphometric analysis showed enhanced VL and VL: CD ratio in the PBC group, suggesting improved intestinal morphology, and claudin-3 expression was increased in the CC group, indicating a compensatory response to epithelial barrier disruption. These results highlight PBC as a promising alternative to salinomycin, offering improved gut health and performance under Eimeria spp. challenge.