Dietary supplementation of functional oils for broiler undergoing an intestinal challenge

Poultry coccidiosis is a costly intestinal disease that leads to considerable tissue damage, inefficient nutrient absorption, increased mortality and predisposition to secondary infections. Among the alternative nutritional strategies to control coccidiosis, the phytogenic feed additives comprise one of the scientific areas of great interest, since these products have beneficial bioactive compounds that can protect animals against bacteria and parasite infections. Therefore, the present study evaluated the single effect of salinomycin sodium and the impact of its combination with functional oils on the microbiota of broiler chickens infected with mixed Eimeria species.