EFFECT OF MANNAN-OLIGOSACCHARIDES AS AN ALTERNATIVE TO ANTIBIOTIC GROWTH PROMOTERS IN BROILERS CHALLENGED WITH Eimeria acervulina

Abstract

The use of mannan-oligosaccharides (MOS) was evaluated for coccidian control in broilers. Treatments: 1) Control: Nicarbazine (120 g t-1) and Salinomycin (66 g t-1); Bacitracin (55 g t-1); 2) Control + challenge; 3) MOS 1 kg t-1. Treatments 2 and 3 included oocysts (E. acervulina). Oocyst count was higher (p < 0.05) for broilers in T2 and T3. No lesions due to E. acervulina were recorded (p > 0.05). MOS may be used as an alternative to antibiotic growth promoters.