Effect of Lemon (Citrus limon, L.) Peel Powder on Oocyst Shedding, Intestinal Health, and Performance of Broilers Exposed to E. tenella Challenge

SIMPLE SUMMARY: This study delved into the promising application of repurposed lemon peel powder as a supplement for augmenting the growth rate and bolstering the intestinal condition in broilers. Furthermore, it aimed to evaluate its potential as a natural alternative against experimental coccidiosis. The results revealed that incorporating 3 and 6 g/kg of lemon peel powder into the diet effectively countered the negative effect of coccidial oocysts on the birds’ growth rates. This intervention resulted in notable reductions in cecal lesion scores and a reduction in oocyst shedding. Furthermore, it played a pivotal role in revitalizing the cecal villi of the broilers. These findings underscore the considerable promise of lemon peel powder as a viable and natural means to alleviate the adverse effects of coccidiosis and to enhance the overall well-being and performance of broiler chickens. ABSTRACT: To date, no study has reported the anticoccidial effect of lemon peel powder in broilers. Coccidiosis, caused by Eimeria species, is the prevalent enteric parasitic disease in poultry. Although certain chemical drugs have been used for their control, concerns regarding drug residues and the development of resistance in chickens have arisen among consumers. In this study, a total of 300 Ross 308 broiler chicks were randomly allocated into five groups (five equal replicates of 12 animals). The first group served as the control and did not receive any specific treatment (NC). The second group, referred to as the positive control (PC) group, was deliberately exposed to Eimeria tenella. The third group was challenged with E. tenella and also received treatment with amprolium (1 g/kg) and was designated as AT. The fourth and fifth groups were challenged with E. tenella and simultaneously supplemented with lemon peel powder at a dosage of 3 g/kg (LPP3) and 6 g/kg (LPP6). Sporulated E. tenella oocysts (5 × 10(4)/mL bird) on day 22 of the experiment were administered to the infected broiler chickens. The results indicated that in comparison with the NC, all Eimeria-treated birds exhibited significantly (p < 0.05) lower growth performance. However, a notable improvement was observed when infected birds also received a supplement of LPP3 and LPP6 in their feed. Both LPP3 and LPP6 supplementation significantly (p < 0.05) reduced mortality, lesion scores, and oocyst per gram (OPG) of feces compared with the PC group. Additionally, the histological features of the cecum revealed that villus height, villus width, and crypt depth were partially restored under supplementation with LPP3 and LPP6 in the infected birds. Overall, the results demonstrate that Eimeria-infected birds supplemented with LPP3 and LPP6 exhibited improved growth performance, reduced OPG, lowered intestinal coccidiosis lesion scores, and enhanced intestinal histological features.