Anticoccidial efficacy of diclazuril in broilers under simulated natural conditions in floor pens

Abstract

Anticoccidial efficacy of diclazuril given for 42 to 49 days of age was evaluated in broiler chickens. Mortality from coccidiosis in unmedicated controls averaged 12.90% for six experiments. Treatment with diclazuril at 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 ppm reduced coccidiosis mortality to 1.41%, 0.85%, or 0.63%, respectively, and reduced average total lesion scores by 78%, 81% or 82%, respectively. The final live weight and feed conversion at 49 days of age was significantly improved by treatment with diclazuril at all levels. Comparisons in some trials suggested that 1.0 ppm of diclazuril was equal or superior to the other anticoccidial drugs. There was no evidence that diclazuril harmed performance, even when given at 1.5 ppm.