Halofuginone: Laboratory Titration of Anticoccidial Activity in Young Turkeys

Halofuginone was tested at 0, 1.5, 3.0, or 6.0 ppm in the feed against single and mixed infections of recent field isolates of Eimeria adenoeides, E. meleagrimitis, and E. gallopavonis. Severe infections were produced in unmedicated, infected controls. Weight gains were significantly improved by 1.5 or 3 ppm of halofuginone, and intestinal lesion scores and fecal droppings scores were greatly reduced. Oocyst shedding was reduced 91 to 100% by halofuginone treatments. Treatment with 6 ppm of halofuginone gave good protection but appeared to depress weight gains slightly. Treatment with 3 ppm was optimal for the control of all species of coccidia and for optimum performance.