Assessment of the Effect of Garlic Extract in Controlling Coccidiosis in Broilers

Background: Coccidiosis, caused by Eimeria species, is a major constraint on broiler production worldwide, and the emergence of drug-resistant strains necessitates the search for effective natural alternatives. Methods: This study evaluated the effectiveness of garlic (Allium sativum) extract in controlling coccidiosis and improving growth performance in naturally infected broiler chickens. A controlled experimental design was employed using 40 broilers naturally exposed to Eimeria infection under field conditions. Birds were allocated to three groups: untreated control (n=15), garlic extract-treated (50 mL/L in drinking water; n=15), and amprolium-treated (1 g/L in drinking water; n=10). Fecal oocyst counts were assessed weekly using the McMaster technique, while body weight was measured on days 21, 28, and 35. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA followed by the Games–Howell post hoc test. Results: Both garlic and amprolium treatments significantly reduced oocyst numbers compared with the control across all weeks (p < 0.001). Differences between garlic and amprolium were statistically significant but minimal in magnitude, indicating comparable anticoccidial effectiveness as infection progressed. Growth performance was significantly affected by treatment, with garlic-treated birds exhibiting higher body weights than controls at days 21, 28, and 35 (p < 0.05), while amprolium-treated birds showed the highest weight gains overall (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Garlic extract demonstrated significant anticoccidial activity and positively influenced growth performance in broiler chickens. These findings suggest that garlic extract can serve as an effective, cost-effective natural alternative for controlling coccidiosis and enhancing productivity in broiler production systems, particularly in resource-limited settings.