Can I use Clostridium perfringens type A toxoid to help protect broiler flocks that will be medicated with a full level of in-feed antibiotic growth promoters?
Yes. Antibiotic growth promoters are effective in preventing clostridial bacteria overgrowth and at the same time, promote bird growth and improve feed efficiency. As with ionophore drugs, however, clostridium and other bacteria may acquire resistance to in-feed antibiotic growth promoters, minimizing or eliminating their effectiveness. Clostridium perfringens type A toxoid can be used to complement NE protection in high-challenge situations, such as that of broilers vaccinated with coccidiosis vaccines that are raised on a wheat-based diet, which has been associated with an increased risk for NE. In an ongoing series of field trials conducted by a Canadian veterinarian, passive immunity against the C. perfringens type A alpha toxin appeared to successfully augment the effect of in-feed medication for preventing NE when a non-attenuated coccidiosis vaccine (Coccivac®-B) was used in concert with a wheat-based ration. The broiler flock achieved growth performance that met breed standard
Related Questions
- If I vaccinate my pullet flocks with Clostridium perfringens type A toxoid, do I still need to use water acidifiers, probiotics, enzymes and prebiotics to keep my antibiotic-free flocks free from NE?
- Can I use Clostridium perfringens type A toxoid to help protect broiler flocks that will be medicated with a full level of in-feed antibiotic growth promoters?
- Can I use Clostridium perfringens type A toxoid to help protect broiler flocks that will be medicated with ionophore anticoccidial drugs?
