Traditional anticoccidials such as chemical coccidiostats and ionophores have been used successfully to prevent coccidiosis for decades. However, Eimeria, the causative agent of coccidiosis, can develop resistance to these substances. Further, new regulations and consumer preferences on resistance concerns are changing coccidiosis management.  Many producers have implemented programs that rotate anticoccidials between flocks (rotation programs) or use different anticoccidials in starter, grower, and finisher rations (shuttle programs) to maintain and or improve Eimeria’s sensitivity to anticoccidials (Figure 1). 

Figure 1. Examples of rotation, shuttle, and bio-shuttle program examples used in commercial production. Programs and descriptors used may vary by country and product category regulation.

However, the resistance concerns are still limiting continuous usage of traditional anticoccidials; therefore, a strategic and comprehensive approach can help achieve efficient and sustainable coccidiosis management. Digestarom® PEP-Y is not an anticoccidial. It is an in-feed alternative that has a unique formulation incorporating carefully selected and diverse essential oils and yucca with specific biologically active properties and can be incorporated into rotation and shuttle programs to support a cost-effective coccidiosis management strategy.