Effect of the Natural Extract of Juglans Mandshuria Epicarp on Broiler Coccidiosis Disease

Coccidiosis is a protozoal disease caused by Eimeria that significantly impacts the global poultry industry. In this study, in vitro and in vivo experiments were conducted to evaluate the anticoccidial effect of Juglans mandshurica epicarp aqueous extract as an alternative treatment against coccidiosis in broiler chickens. In the in vitro experiment, unsporulated Eimeria tenella oocysts were exposed to various concentrations of the aqueous extract. After 48 hours of incubation, the degree of inhibition of sporulation and morphed oocysts were examined. For the in vivo experiment, seven groups of two-week-old broiler chickens were divided into A1-A5, positive control (PC), and negative control (NC) groups. The A1-A4 groups received different doses of the aqueous extract calculated based on toxicity tests, while group A5 was fed diets mixed with salinomycin. Groups A1-A5 were infected with E. tenella, while PC was infected but unmedicated, and NC was uninfected and unmedicated. Results showed that the aqueous extract inhibited the sporulation of E. tenella oocysts in vitro in a concentration-dependent manner. All experimental groups fed with the extract exhibited significantly higher weight gain, particularly those receiving 5 mL/kg BW. Moreover, the groups receiving doses of 5 and 7 mL/kg BW showed significant differences in bloody Diarrhea and cecal lesion scores compared to the PC group. The anticoccidial index (ACI) value for these groups was above 160, indicating high efficacy similar to the group fed with mixed salinomycin. In conclusion, the study suggests that J. mandshurica epicarp aqueous extract could be a safe and effective alternative treatment for coccidiosis in broilers. This could provide a new approach to control coccidiosis in the global poultry industry.