The anticoccidial effects of amprolium, dinitolmide and monensin against Eimeria maxima, E. brunetti and E. acervulina with particular reference to oocyst sporulation

Chicks infected with the Weybridge strains of Eimeria maxima and E. acervulina were not protected by the normal levels of amprolium, but the sporulation of the oocysts was inhibited. With higher drug concentrations, fewer oocysts were produced. E brunetti was not so markedly affected, although oocyst sporulation was reduced by the higher dosage levels. The effects were not enhanced by the inclusion of ethopabate. With dinitolmide the phenomenon was not so marked, although oocysts of E. maxima and E. acervulina were reduced in numbers by the normal drug concentration and sporulation was reduced when this level was increased. Much higher drug levels were required to obtain these effects with E. brunetti. Monensin at 120 ppm affected neither oocyst numbers nor their sporulation in any of the species tested. The significance of the effects of anticoccidial drugs on gametogony and sporogony is discussed.