Coccidiostat

Coccidiostat is a type of antibiotic that is used to control coccidiosis, a parasitic disease in animals. Coccidiostats are commonly used in poultry production, but can also be used in other livestock animals.

Overview

Coccidiosis is a disease caused by the parasite Eimeria. This parasite infects the intestinal tracts of animals, causing damage and potentially leading to death. Coccidiostats are used to control the spread of this disease by inhibiting the growth and reproduction of the parasite.

Types of Coccidiostats

There are several types of coccidiostats, including ionophores, chemical coccidiostats, and natural coccidiostats. Each type works in a slightly different way to control the Eimeria parasite.

Ionophores

Ionophores are a type of coccidiostat that work by disrupting the balance of ions within the parasite's cells. This causes the cells to swell and eventually burst, killing the parasite.

Chemical Coccidiostats

Chemical coccidiostats work by interfering with the parasite's ability to reproduce. They do this by inhibiting the synthesis of DNA and RNA, which are necessary for the parasite to reproduce.

Natural Coccidiostats

Natural coccidiostats are derived from plants and other natural sources. They work in a variety of ways to control the Eimeria parasite, including by boosting the animal's immune system and by directly killing the parasite.

Use in Poultry Production

Coccidiostats are commonly used in poultry production to control coccidiosis. They are typically added to the birds' feed or water. The use of coccidiostats in poultry production has been controversial, however, due to concerns about the development of antibiotic resistance and the potential for residues to remain in the meat.

See Also

• Antibiotic
• Coccidiosis
• Eimeria
• Ionophores
• Chemical coccidiostats
• Natural coccidiostats
• Poultry production
• Antibiotic resistance

Coccidiostat Resources
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