Anticoccidial activity of alborixin.

Alborixin, a polyether antibiotic with ionophore properties, was evaluated to determine the effect of the drug on weight gain of chickens and to define the anticoccidial spectrum of activity. The 50-ppm concentration in the diet was identified as the maximum level that did not significantly reduce weight gain beyond that of monensin (standard drug); consequently, the drug was evaluated for anticoccidial activity at this dilution. At the 50-ppm level, alborixin demonstrated broad-spectrum anticoccidial activity; however, the drug lacked Eimeria necatrix efficacy. Monensin and maduramycin were significantly more efficacious than alborixin as a treatment for several species of Eimeria. Higher concentrations of alborixin (greater than 50 ppm) appear essential to achieve broad-spectrum and comparable anticoccidial activity, however, these levels substantially depressed weight gains. Alborixin is similar to many other polyethers in that weight gains are adversely affected at drug levels essential for solid broad-spectrum anticoccidial activity.