In a Chiang Mai University experiment involving 74 broilers challenged with Eimeria tenella, solid-dispersion turmeric and long-pepper formulations damaged oocyst structure and reduced lesions and oocyst shedding in selected groups. Long pepper at 6 g/kg feed showed favourable growth in this experiment, but small groups and unreplicated pen-level feed data prevent claims that the products can replace farm anticoccidials.
Key findings
- The infected control shed 5.74±2.22 million oocysts/g versus 1.01±0.69 in the positive control and 3.21±0.06, 2.36±0.49, 1.39±0.16, and 2.90±0.48 million in T1-T4 (p
Why this matters globally
Coccidiosis burdens poultry production, and resistance drives interest in phytogenic alternatives. Solid dispersion may address poor curcumin and piperine solubility, but consistency, safety, residues, and field effectiveness require validation.
Thai researcher contribution
Researchers at Chiang Mai University's Faculty of Veterinary Medicine conducted formulation, oocyst, and chicken-challenge work with support from the university's 2026 Fundamental Fund.
Limitations to consider
Seventy-four birds across seven groups produced small group sizes. Feed intake and FCR were descriptive because pen-level replication was absent. This single-site short-term experiment did not establish formulation stability, pharmacokinetics, long-term safety, residues, or field effectiveness.