User: Bertrand Medina (Probiotech International)
Avian coccidiosis causes significant global financial losses. This disease, caused by a parasite, affects the digestive health and growth of chickens, sometimes leading to increased mortality. Since the 1970s, drugs against coccidiosis have been used, but antimicrobial resistance has become a problem in poultry farms, making disease control more difficult. Therefore, reducing their use and finding alternatives are necessary. This study will evaluate natural products as options to treat coccidiosis in broiler chickens, examining their effects on intestinal microflora and pathogens using omics research techniques.
This project could have significant economic, environmental, and social impacts in Québec. In addition to helping farmers remain competitive, these products can prevent drug resistance and improve animal welfare. Improved efficiency and fewer losses would also have a positive environmental impact by reducing inputs and greenhouse gas emissions. Fewer synthetic drugs used in livestock meet consumer expectations while contributing to biodiversity preservation, resistance control, and reducing chemical pollution in effluents.