Relation between the protein supply of chicks and disposition to Eimeria tenella infections
Richter, G.; Wiesner, J.
Archiv für Experimentelle Veterinarmedizin 42(1): 147-153
1988
ISSN/ISBN: 0003-9055 PMID: 3369908 Document Number: 317732
One laboratory strain and one field strain of Eimeria tenella were inoculated in five experiments to young White Leghorn chickens in an attempt to elucidate the correlations between protein supply and immunity to infection. Infection caused reduction in body weight increase. A positive correlation existed, before and after infection, between crude protein supply (11.3 to 21.6%) and body weight increase. Infection-related mortality was 8% in the control groups, increased to 16% when the crude protein level in rations was reduced to 12.4%, and deteriorated further to 32% in response to 11.3% protein. No significant relationship existed between caecum weight with content and crude protein supply. Caecal oocyte counts increased by 70% with grain ration feeding. Mortality, caecum weight, and oocyst production were not additionally reduced by further increase of crude protein levels in commercially certified chicken feed to levels above 17.5%.