Effects of Eimeria mitis on Egg Production of Single-Comb White Leghorn Hens

Abstract

Single-comb white leghorn hens infected with either B4 or C2 strain of Eimeria mitis produced watery droppings as early as day 5 PI. E. mitis infection did not affect egg weight. However, specific gravities of the eggs produced by the hens infected with E. mitis were lower than those produced by the controls. Egg production was significantly reduced temporarily, but most birds returned to production within 14 days. Many of the birds that ceased to lay went through a complete-body molt (56% of the C2-infected hens and 20% of the B4-infected hens). Hens that ceased to lay regained considerable amounts of pigment in their skin, beaks, and shanks.