Effect of Clopidol and Amprolium/Ethopabate on Performance and Intestinal Morphology of Chickens with Experimental Coccidiosis

To investigate effects of two anticoccidial drugs on growth performance and intestinal mucosa in experimental coccidiosis, broiler chicks challenged/medicated by oocytes of Eimeria/Clopidol and Amprolium + Ethopabate. There were negative effects on growth performance in chickens infected/medicated by these drugs. Most morphometric parameters of intestine were decreased in infected or medicated groups compared to negative control (P<0.05). Duodenal villus height in infected/unmedicated group and villus surface area in all infected groups were lowest between infected or medicated groups (P<0.05). Duodenal villus width was also decreased in all medicated groups compared to negative control, but this decreasing was only significant in infected/medicated groups. Jejunal villus height, width and surface area in infected/unmedicated group were lowest as compared to other uninfected/medicated groups (P<0.05). Ileal villus height in infected/unmedicated group were lowest as compared to all medicated groups. In infected/medicated groups, ileal villus surface area was significantly lower than uninfected/medicated groups. There were no significant differences between Clopidoland Amprolium + Ethopabate-medicated groups in intestinal morphometric assessment. It is concluded that Clopidol and Amprolium + Ethopabate have adverse effects on chicken performance and intestinal morphology especially villus dimensions and absorptive surface during control or prevention of coccidiosis.