Vaccinations and Functional Feed Supplements as Alternatives to Coccidiostats for the Control of Coccidiosis in Raising Broiler Chickens

It is estimated that global meat production will show an upward trend, with the most dynamic growth projected in the poultry sector (it is estimated that poultry meat consumption will be 2.3 times higher by 2050 than in 2010). The expected increase in consumption of poultry meat, mainly from intensively reared broiler chickens, is associated with an increasing prevalence of diseases, particularly those affecting the digestive system. One important parasitic disease is coccidiosis, a gastrointestinal disease caused by widespread protozoa of the genus Eimeria. The occurrence of coccidiosis in broiler chicken flocks results in a significant deterioration of production rates. Coccidiostats are most commonly used in the prevention of this disease, which are introduced in rotation into the feed ration. However, long-term use of coccidiostats is associated with the risk of parasite resistance development and the possibility of residues in animal products. Therefore, there is a need to search for safe and effective alternatives to pharmacological coccidiostatic agents. This review aims to analyze the available literature data on the efficacy of vaccines and functional feed supplements, such as plant substances, probiotics, prebiotics, and organic acids, in the prevention of coccidiosis.