The financial cost of coccidiosis in Algerian chicken production: A major challenge for the poultry sector

In this study, we conducted a comprehensive analysis to evaluate the financial losses associated with Eimeria infection in chickens in Algeria, relying on data provided by key stakeholders in the Algerian poultry industry to assess sub-clinical as well as clinical impact. The updated 2020 version of a model established to estimate the cost of coccidiosis in chickens was employed, taking into consideration specific cultural and technical aspects of poultry farming in Algeria.The findings predict economic losses due to coccidiosis in chickens of approximately UK £86.7 million in Algeria for the year 2022, representing UK £0.30 per chicken raised. The majority of the cost was attributed to morbidity (74.9%), emphasising the substantial economic impact of reduced productivity including decreased body weight gain (BWG) and increased feed conversion ratio (FCR). Costs associated with control measures made up 20.5% of the total calculated cost, with 4.6% of the cost related to mortality.These figures provide a clear indication of the scope and economic impact of Eimeria infection of chickens in Algeria, illustrating the impact of practices common across North Africa. They underscore the ongoing requirement for effective preventive and control measures to reduce these financial losses while improving productivity and welfare, ensuring the economic sustainability of the Algerian poultry industry.PMID:38529824 | DOI:10.1080/03079457.2024.2336091
Source: Avian Pathology - Category: Pathology Authors: Source Type: research