Antioxidant parameters in Eimeria acervulina infected chicks after treatment with a new zinc compound

The effect of 2Gly.ZnCl2.2H2O compound on the antioxidant status in chicks infected experimentally with Eimeria acervulina was studied. Antioxidant status was measured via determination of blood plasma malonyl dialdehyde (MDA) reactive products, activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) as well as blood concentrations of carotene, vitamins A, C, and E, and zinc. The results showed increased MDA and CAT-activity, decreased SOD activity, hypovitaminosis C, A and E, and reduced Znlevel in the infected chicks. An antioxidant imbalance was developed due to the E. acervulina infection. The 2Gly.ZnCl2.2H2O oral administration restored vitamin E and zinc losses, and reduced CAT-activity. However, SOD activity, vitamins C and A, carotene and MDA levels in the infected chicks were not statistically changed. The observed changes in the small intestine, lesion and oocyst index, and economical parameters (body weight gain and feed conversion ratio) were indicative for a severe E. acervulina infection. They were correlated with the oxidative stress. Administration of 2Gly.ZnCl2.2H2O increased body weight gain of the infected chicks. The oocyst and lesion indices as well as the feed conversion ratio did not respond to the treatment. 2Gly.ZnCl2.2H2O enhanced the antioxidant balance and performance of chicks with eimeriosis.