Effect of including lasalocid or monensin singly or in combination with furazolidone on the growth and feed consumption of turkey poults

Abstract

Lasalocid and monensin are widely used to control coccidiosis in broilers, but not in turkey poults. Four feeding trials were conducted to determine the performance of turkey poults when these compounds were used singly or in combination with 100 ppm of furazolidone. Bodyweights and feed consumption were significantly depressed for five weeks after hatching by 150 ppm of lasalocid. Combining furazolidone with lasalocid ameliorated the toxic effect of lasalocid. Bodyweights were significantly depressed by 150 ppm of monensin in the fifth week after hatching, but there was no significant depression in feed consumption. Furazolidone exacerbated any toxic effects of monensin. Data indicate that monensin may be used safely at dosages greater than the recommended level of 60 to 99 ppm, but should not be used in combination with furazolidone.