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ARS Home » Northeast Area » Beltsville, Maryland (BARC) » Beltsville Agricultural Research Center » Animal Biosciences & Biotechnology Laboratory » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #279447
Title: The effects of simple and disposable chicken cages for experimental Eimeria infections

Author
item YOO, JEONGMI - Gyeongsang National University
item KANG, SUNG - Gyeongsang National University
item JEONG, JIPSEOL - Gyeongsang National University
item KIM, WOO - Gyeongsang National University
item KIM, SUK - Gyeongsang National University
item Lillehoj, Hyun
item MIN, WONGI - Gyeongsang National University

Submitted to: Korean Journal of Poultry Science
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 3/25/2012
Publication Date: 6/6/2012
Citation: Yoo, J., Kang, S.H., Jeong, J., Kim, W.H., Kim, S., Lillehoj, H.S., Min, W. 2012. The effects of simple and disposable chicken cages for experimental Eimeria infections. Korean Journal of Poultry Science. 49:299-302.

Interpretive Summary: Research studies to assess parasite fecundity is often complicated by environmental contamination. In this paper, ARS scientist collaborated with scientists at the Gyeongsang National University in South Korea to develop simple cardboard boxes to collect single bird samples for oocysts evaluation. This method uses single cardboard boxes which are inexpensive and reduce environmental contamination for accurate assessment of parasite fecundity in each birds. The results of disease challenge trials showed that this method works effectively to reduce environmental contaminants and is cost-effective. This new information will help other scientists working with field pathogens.

Technical Abstract: During experimental Eimeria infection in chickens, facilities are contaminated by fecal oocysts which are known to be highly resistance to both chemical and enzymatic treatments. Thus, studies on experimental Eimeria infection have been limited by requirement of complete elimination of residual oocysts in cages and facilities. To overcome this limitation, a simple, inexpensive and disposable cage was made of a cardboard box and monitored experimentally to Eimeria infection. The cage has been used in animal rooms without evidence of cross-contamination with coccidia between adjacent cages. No significant differences in fecal oocyst output and body weight gain were noted between in disposable cage and in wire cage used as a control. The cage proved to be a useful means of preventing contamination of oocysts in experimental tools, indicating that the disposable cage can be used for other infectious diseases in avians.