Volume 15, Issue 2: 2025 - Article 199

Abstract
This study investigated the effects of Saccharomyces cerevisiae (SC) supplementation on growth performance and pathological changes associated with mixed Eimeria infection in broiler chickens. Seventy-two day-old chicks were randomly assigned to two primary groups: Group 1 (unsupplemented) and Group 2 (supplemented with 1% SC in feed). At three weeks post-hatch, each primary group was subdivided into two: Group 1 was subdivided into Unsupplemented–unchallenged (Group A) and Unsupplemented–challenged (Group C); and while Group 2 was subdivided into Supplemented–challenged (Group B) and Supplemented–unchallenged (Group D). Groups B and C were orally challenged with Eimeria oocysts at week 3 of age. Results showed that feed intake was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in unchallenged groups (A and D) than in challenged groups (B and C). Although group D had higher feed intake than group A, the difference was not statistically significant. Body weight followed a similar trend, with unchallenged groups (A and D) outperforming challenged groups (B and C); group D was significantly heavier (P < 0.05) than group A on days 5, 10, and 30 post-challenge (PC) with Eimeria oocysts. By day 35, group D exhibited the greatest body weight gain among all groups. Morbidity was recorded in all groups, peaking on day 15 PC in challenged groups, while group D showed minimal morbidity on day 20 PC. Gross intestinal lesions were more pronounced in challenged birds (B and C) compared to unchallenged birds (A and D). No mortality occurred. Histopathological evaluation revealed moderate intestinal damage, including villous necrosis and loss, in challenged groups, whereas unchallenged birds retained normal mucosal architecture. Mild to moderate mucosal inflammation and congestion were observed in all groups over time. The findings indicate that SC supplementation (1 g/kg feed) enhanced growth performance in unchallenged broilers and mitigated morbidity and severity of intestinal lesions in supplemented challenged birds, though it did not provide complete protection. Dietary inclusion of SC is recommended to improve productivity and as an aid in the management of Eimeria infections in broilers.


Keywords: Coccidiosis; Eimeria spp.; Saccharomyces cerevisiae; Dietary supplementation; Broiler chickens.

How to cite this article:
Odenigbo GI, Ezema AS and Ezema C (2025). Effects of dietary supplementation with Saccharomyces cerevisiae on the growth performance and pathology of broiler chickens infected with mixed Eimeria species. Journal of Veterinary and Applied Sciences, 15(2): 1153 – 1164.

*Correspondence: E-mail:  gabriel.odenigbo@uniben.edu.ng      Phone: +2348033797826

Effects of dietary supplementation with Saccharomyces cerevisiae on the growth performance and pathology of broiler chickens infected with mixed Eimeria species
Gabriel I. Odenigbo ^{1 *}, Arinze S. Ezema ² and Chuka Ezema <sup>3

1</sup> Department of Veterinary Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Benin, Edo State, Nigeria.
² Department of Veterinary Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria.
³ Department of Animal Health & Production, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria.

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