The effects of a quillaja and yucca combination on performance and carcass traits of coccidia-vaccinated broilers exposed to an enteric disease challenge

Abstract

A series of 6 floor pen trials was conducted to determine the effects of a quillaja and yucca combination product on the performance and carcass traits of growing broiler chickens vaccinated for coccidiosis at the hatchery. In each of the trials graded levels (0, 250, and 500 ppm) of a quillaja and yucca combination ( QY ) were fed to Ross 708 broilers for the duration of each 42 d test. Trials were arranged in completely randomized block designs involving a minimum of 11 blocks per trial. At the start of each trial, pens contained 55 broilers. In order to provide each bird with an enteric disease challenge, 5 kg commercial broiler litter containing 10 4 CFU Clostridium perfringens per gram was placed in each pen. In addition, the sporulated oocysts of Eimeria acervulina and E. maxima were added to each pen at the outset of each test. At d 21 of the trials, coccidial lesion scores, mortality and performance were determined; final performance and total mortality were assessed at 42 d. At the completion of each test, 10 birds of average body weight per pen were selected for carcass evaluations; whole and chilled carcass yield were determined, and pre- and post-chill breast measurements were made. A combined analysis of the results of the 6 trials (75 replications per treatment) was used to determine treatment effects and each variable was assessed by linear regression analysis. Results indicated that QY significantly reduced mortality and coccidial lesions scores at d 21 ( P < 0.05). Performance was significantly improved by both levels of QY at 21 and 42 d, and significant linear effects were observed for these variables ( P < 0.05). All carcass characteristics were significantly improved by QY administration and significant linear responses were observed for each carcass variable ( P < 0.05). These results indicate that by reducing intestinal disease challenge, QY provided linear improvements in performance. In addition, QY positively affected carcass parameters as each variable responded linearly to QY feeding ( P < 0.05).

Focused review: The role of drug combinations for the control of coccidiosis in commercially reared chickens

“…An example is a combination of quillaja and yucca that contain saponins and are often used to promote intestinal health and immunity in poultry ( Bafundo et al, 2020 ). In a series of studies they were shown, in addition to improving gut health, to have beneficial effects against infections with Eimeria species, necrotic enteritis, and improve the effectiveness of live coccidiosis vaccines ( Bafundo et al, 2021a , b ). Synergism has been claimed for a 1:1 mixture of the natural alkaloid berberine and amprolium ( Malik et al, 2016 ).…”

Antimicrobial and Digestive Effects of Yucca schidigera Extracts Related to Production and Environment Implications of Ruminant and Non-Ruminant Animals: A Review

“…; however, Enterococcus faecalis growth was inhibited by the antibiotics and by Yucca schidigera. Bafundo et al [55] observed reductions in mortality of broiler chickens, reduced numbers of fecal Clostridia, and decreased percentages of broiler chickens with Salmonella when treated with a product obtained from Quillaja saponaria trees and Yucca schidigera plants. In another study, Yucca schidigera additions to the litter of broiler chickens did not influence total colony counts of Enterobacteriaceae, yeast, mold, pH, moisture, or ammonia-N [56].…”

“…Bafundo et al [55] examined disease response in broiler chickens given a product of Quillaja saponaria trees and Yucca schidigera plants. They observed reductions in mortality of birds and reductions in numbers of fecal Clostridia and Salmonella colonization.…”

Potential Immunoregulatory Mechanism of Plant Saponins: A Review

“…According to the number of sugar residues, aglycones are divided into monodesmosidic (one sugar residue), bidesmosidic (two sugar residues), and polydesmosidic saponins (three or more sugar residues) [17]. Plant saponins have a variety of biological activities, including immune regulation, anti-inflammatory, and hypoglycemic effects [18]. The potential immunomodulatory effects of saponins have attracted great attention since their discovery in 1925 as enhancers of the body's immune response to diphtheria or tetanus [19].…”