Effects of Coccidiosis on the Welfare, Growth Performance, Carcass and Meat Quality of Broiler

Abstract

Avian coccidiosis compromises welfare and production performance, increases susceptibility to bacterial infections and leads to substantial economic and production losses upon the poultry industry. The objective of this study was to determine the impact of a mixed coccidiosis (Eimeria acervulina, Eimeria maxima, Eimeria tenella and Eimeria necatrix) challenge on oxidative stress biomarkers, performance indices, carcass and meat quality of broilers. Broilers challenged with coccidiosis had higher concentrations of catalase, glutathione-S-transferase and malondialdehyde and lower concentration of superoxide dismutases at all sampling days. The same group of broilers had a lower feed intake on day 21 and 35, and a lower daily weight gain and body weight on day 35. Healthy broilers had higher hot and cold carcass weights and breast weight, but a lower back and pelvis weight. Also, healthy broilers produced better meat quality in terms of higher water-holding capacity (lower drip and thawing loss in breast and thigh muscle) and less yellow colour (lower b* value in breast and thigh muscle). Chemical composition of healthy broiler meat was better in terms of higher content of dry matter, ash and protein in breast muscle. In conclusion, the presence of coccidiosis in broilers resulted in impaired welfare, poor performance indices and lower carcass and meat quality.