Anticoccidial Effect of Iberogol and Sulfaclozine on Broilers Experimentally Infected with Eimeria tenella

Background: Coccidiosis is a common infection among birds that is caused by Eimeria spp. (Protozoa, Phylum Apicomplexa). Eimeria is transmitted fecal-orally and replicated in the intestines. Coccidiosis causes economic losses and increases birds’ susceptibility to other diseases. Methods: In this study, the broilers were experimentally infected by Eimeria tenella and then treated with Sulfaclozine and Iberogol. Birds were randomly divided into 5 groups (21 birds each); I: negative control, II: positive control, III: treated by Iberogol, IV: treated by Sulfaclozine, and V: treated by Iberogol+Sulfaclozine. Twenty-one-day-old chickens were infected by 10000 oocysts/ ml/chicken of E. tenella. Treatments were started 1 day after oocyst observation in thirtyday- old chickens. Treatments continued for 3 days, stopped for 2 days, and again continued for the next 2 days. Results: The results were compared for OPG (oocyst per gram), AW (average weight), FCR (feed conversion ratio), and mortality rate among different groups. According to statistical analysis, the worst results were observed in the Iberogol group (III) among other treatment groups (IV and V), and the most effective treatment was reported in the Iberogol+Sulfaclozine group (V). Conclusion: Complex herbal medications, such as Iberogol, can have different activities, but in coccidiosis, its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects are more than the anticoccidial effect. Therefore, Iberogol can be used with Sulfaclozine to increase its efficiency.