Evaluation of the efficacy of the protopine total alkaloids of Macleaya cordata (Willd.) R. Br. in controlling E. coli infection in broiler chickens

ObjectiveThis study was carried out to investigate the preliminary evaluation of the effectiveness of protopine total alkaloids of Macleaya cordata (Willd.) R. Br. (MPTA) extract in the control of artificially infected avian pathogenic E. coli in the peritoneal cavity of chickens. MethodsIn this test, Lingnan yellow hybrid chickens (male, 10 days old) were attacked with E. coli O78 and then treated orally with different concentrations (25 - 1600 mg/kg) of MPTA Pulvis (MPTA-P) and 0.5% Siweichuanxinlian Powder (SWCXL-P). ResultsThe results showed that different concentrations of MPTA-P and SWCXL-P were effective in reducing the mortality of E. coli and promoting the recovery of the affected organs, with the best intervention being the supplementation of 400-1600 mg/kg of MPTA-P for 7 consecutive days. It has been concluded that the addition of 400 mg/kg MPTA-P for 7 days reduces the severity and mortality and accelerates the recovery process of E. coli disease in chickens and has a protective effect against organ lesions caused by E. coli infection. LimitationsThe study lacked comparisons of carrier populations and characterization of inflammatory markers. ConclusionsMPTA may be a potential alternative drug for the prevention or treatment of avian E. coli disease.