Evaluation of the Anticoccidial Efficacy of Amprolium and Sulfaquinoxaline, Commonly Used Anticoccidial Drugs in Kashmir: Assessment Based on Oocyst Output and Lesion Score

Abstract

Coccidiosis, caused by protozoan parasites of the genus Eimeria, is a major concern in livestock management. Control of coccidiosis has relied primarily on the chemotherapy. This experimental study evaluates the comparative efficacy of amprolium and sulphaquinoxaline, commonly used anticoccidial drugs, in controlling coccidiosis. Broiler birds (Cobb-strain) were infected with 105 mixed sporulated oocysts at 2 weeks of age and therapeutic medication commenced after the development of infection and continued for 5 days. Efficacy was assessed based on lesion scoring and by comparing the oocyst output per gram of faeces (OPG) before and after the treatment. Both the drugs exhibited limited efficacy in controlling the infection; however, sulphaquinoxaline demonstrated significantly greater efficacy than amprolium in reducing oocyst output and lesion severity. The OPG count was comparatively higher in amprolium-treated group (6880 ± 14.9) than sulphaquinoxaline-treated group (5040 ± 17.3), and average lesion score was also higher in amprolium-treated group (2.25) as compared to sulphaquinoxaline-treated group (1.25). The findings highlight the potential benefits of using sulphaquinoxaline over amprolium in coccidiosis treatment regimens. However, considerations such as potential resistance development should also be investigated.