Orego-Stim® May Be The Answer
.jpg)
What is Blackhead?
Blackhead, also known as Histomoniasis, is caused by the protozoan parasite Histomonas meleagridis. This parasite invades the caecal mucosa and spreads, via the blood, to the birds’ liver and caecum where lesions occur. It is a serious disease for turkeys and can cause huge economic losses for producers as a result of poor performance and an incredibly high flock mortality.
What are the symptoms of Blackhead?
Although both chickens and turkeys are susceptible to the disease, the symptoms appear most severe in turkeys. There are both physical symptoms and behavioural signs which are indicative of blackhead disease, including; lethargy, reduced appetite, anorexia and drooping wings. However, the most definitive symptom of blackhead disease is the production of yellow-coloured exctrea.
What treatment is available for Blackhead?
There are currently no licenced medications for treatment of blackhead in the UK. Historically, dimetronidazole, an antimicrobial with anti-protozoal properties was used, however this has now been banned for use in the EU. Therefore finding a safe, natural alternative for turkey producers is massively important.
How can Oregano Essential Oil help?
Disruption to
the life-cycle of the blackhead parasite is the best way to reduce the
impact of the disease. Controlling the replication of oocysts and
reducing the population in the environment helps to reduce the challenge
on the bird whilst enabling natural immunity to develop. In addition,
increasing gut cell turnover supports healing and repair of the gut
lining to maintain optimal gut health.
Natural
oregano essential oil (OEO) has many properties, including
antimicrobial, antioxidant and immunomodulatory functions. It also
possess anti-protozoal properties as the active ingredients in OEO
results in the rapid replacement of epithelial cells lining the
intestinal wall.
Introducing Orego-Stim:
Orego-Stim, manufactured by Anpario, is a consistently high quality source of 100% natural OEO.
- Be effective at low inclusion.
Enable an immediate, positive impact to be made on both gut health and performance.
Have anti-protozoal properties, helping to reduce the impact of disease challenges, such as coccidiosis and blackhead.
- Help optimise feed efficiency.
Offer a profitable return on investment.
Orego-Stim in action:
A North Carolina based case study on a Heritage Black Turkey farm was
carried out after it was determined the flock had blackhead disease.
The birds were given Orego-Stim Liquid (OSL) from 38 days of age to
market through their drinking water, at an inclusion rate of 150-300ml
per 1000 litres.
- Blackhead challenge was identified at 4-5 weeks of age.
The beneficial effects of OSL supplementation (indicated by the green background on the graph) were shown within less than 2 weeks following introduction into the drinking water.
OSL reduced mortality by 33% and 60% at 7 and 8 weeks of age respectively.
Orego-Stim is available as both a powder and liquid for addition in both feed and drinking water.
Have questions? Get in touch with us at info@anpariodirect.co.uk