Fish Oil Reduces Performance Loss Due to Coccidiosis in Broiler Chicks

Incorporation of omega-3 fatty acids in the diet of chicks challenged with coccidiosis (E. tenella) reduced the adverse effects on growth and reduced gut lesion scores. The optimum response with fish oil was seen with 5%. Lower levels of fish oil (2.5%) gave lower yet significant improvements. It was demonstrated that the main long chain omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil (EPA plus DHA) accounted for most of the fish oil’s activity. One suggested mode of action is that the omega-3 fatty acids infiltrate tissues of the parasite which become more susceptible to oxidative attack by phagocytic cells. It is believed that E. tenella may be particularly susceptible. In addition the effects of omega-3 fatty acids may be via the immune system, reducing the effect of inflammation.