Impact of new, used litter on Eimeria maxima immunity studied*
Using new or used litter appears to make little difference in the acquisition of
immunity to
Eimeria maxima among newly hatched chicks,
according to a University of Arkansas study.
Investigators conducted two experiments with
chickens that were infected with
100 oocysts of E. maxima 18 hours after hatching.
The chickens were reared in floor pens,
where they were in contact with
their droppings.
In the first experiment, birds were placed
on new litter. In the second experiment,
they were placed on new litter or on used
litter obtained from the first experiment.
In both studies, the birds were challenged
periodically with E. maxima oocysts, then
immunity was assessed based on weight
gain and oocyst production, said the
investigators, Drs. S. Rayavarapu and
H. David Chapman.
"Judged by weight gain following challenge, no significant difference in the acquisition of immunity was observed whether birds were reared on new or reused litter," the investigators concluded.
*From the Poultry Science Association annual meeting held last July in San Antonio.
Spring 2008
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