F. M. Hayajneh
Department of Animal Production, School of Agriculture, University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan
*Corresponding author: firashope@gmail.com
Coccidiosis caused by Eimeria spp. causes significant economic losses in poultry. This study evaluated the anticoccidial and antioxidant effects of dietary garlic in broilers challenged with coccidiosis, as well as its impacts on gut health, performance, blood parameters, and immunity. A total of 375 Ross 308 broilers were divided into five groups: two received garlic treatments Tg1 (liquid garlic with 7% allicin) and Tg2 (garlic powder); one received a synthetic anticoccidial (T+ve: sulphonamide + diaveridine HCl); and two served as controls (T-ve1: infected, T-ve2: non-infected). Birds were infected on day 14; treatments began on day 12, garlic supplementation significantly reduced fecal oocyst shedding (P<0.05), lesion scores, and oocyst index compared to infected controls, with effects comparable to synthetic anticoccidials. Garlic-treated groups showed an improved feed conversion ratio (FCR) and higher total antioxidant capacity (P<0.05), along with lower malondialdehyde levels, indicating reduced oxidative stress. Blood levels of total protein, albumin, phosphorus, cholesterol, glucose, and uric acid did not differ significantly (P>0.05). Histopathology revealed improved gut integrity with longer villi and less epithelial necrosis in the garlic groups. Antibody titers against Newcastle disease and infectious bronchitis viruses were unchanged. These results indicate that garlic, especially in liquid form, is a promising natural alternative to synthetic anticoccidials, enhancing gut health, antioxidant defense, and metabolic status in broilers challenged with coccidiosis without fostering drug resistance.