Phytogenics: na alternative approach to control avian coccidiosis.

Eimeria spp. is the parasite that causes coccidiosis, a cosmopolitan disease thatgenerates billions losses for poultry worldwide. Although high mortality is not common,in most cases a subclinical infection occurs, which makes it difficult to diagnose thedisease in a timely manner before starting loss of performance occurs. During infectionthere is a decrease in digestion and absorption of nutrients due to lesions in thegastrointestinal tract and, consequently, a decrease in performance. Antibiotics arecommonly used to prevent or control the disease. However, in recent years, therational use of antibiotics has been sought, including its prohibition as a growthpromoter. Some phytogenics can act as antimicrobial agents with effects similar to thedrugs used in animal production, as they are compounds formed by a complex mixtureof volatile substances. In this context, the present study was designed to evaluate theblend of herbs compared to Monensin in performance, intestinal microbiota andimmune system of broilers challenged by Eimeria spp. oocysts.