Effects of synbiotic probiotic and prebiotic supplementation on haematology and serum total proteins of broiler chickens challenged with Eimeria tenella

Effects of synbiotic, probiotic and prebiotic supplementation on alterations in haematological parameters of broiler chickens infected with Eimeria tenella was understudied. Ninety-day-old broiler chicks divided into 6 groups (I, II, III, IV, V, VI) containing 15 chicks each were used for the study. Group I served as negative control (non-supplemented, unchallenged). Group II served as positive control (non-supplemented but challenged). Group III was supplemented with prebiotic (sugarcane molasses). Group IV was supplemented probiotic (Antox®). Group V was supplemented synbiotic (Enflorax®) whilst Group VI was given Amprolium prophylactic treatment. Birds were challenged at 21 days with 2.0 × 104 sporulated E. tenella oocysts/chick. Blood samples were taken on days 0, 4, 7, 11 and 14 post-challenge for haematology and serum total protein evaluation according to standard laboratory procedures. Results showed haematological alterations even 4 days post-challenge (dpc) in infected groups. Total leucocyte count rose 4 dpc and was significantly (P < 0.05) high 7 dpc. Heterophil/lymphocyte ratio was significantly high in the infected groups compared with negative control by 7 dpc. Relative monocyte and oesinophil counts also increased significantly (P < 0.05). Packed cell volume, haemoglobin concentration and total erythrocyte counts were significantly lower in infected groups 7 dpc. MCHC and MCV were also low. Serum total protein equally decreased 4 dpc and was significantly (P < 0.05) lower in the infected groups compared with negative control 7 dpc. Supplementation with synbiotic, probiotic and prebiotic products amended haematological alterations associated with experimental Eimeria tenella infection more rapidly and lessened fatalities prompted by caecal coccidiosis. © 2021, The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag London Ltd., part of Springer Nature.