Using new or used litter appears to make little difference in the acquisition of immunity to Eimeria maxima among newly hatched chicks, according to a University of Arkansas study.

Investigators conducted two experiments with chickens that were infected with 100 oocysts of E. maxima 18 hours after hatching. The chickens were reared in floor pens, where they were in contact with their droppings.

In the first experiment, birds were placed on new litter. In the second experiment, they were placed on new litter or on used litter obtained from the first experiment. In both studies, the birds were challenged periodically with E. maxima oocysts, then immunity was assessed based on weight gain and oocyst production, said the investigators, Drs. S. Rayavarapu and H. David Chapman.

"Judged by weight gain following challenge, no significant difference in the acquisition of immunity was observed whether birds were reared on new or reused litter," the investigators concluded.

*From the Poultry Science Association annual meeting held last July in San Antonio.

Spring 2008

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