Coccidiosis is present in at least 80% of sheep, goat, and cattle farms in France. How can we deal with this ever-present threat?
Coccidiosis persists in livestock farms, with a survival rate of up to one year in the environment. Although it does not always manifest itself in clinical episodes, its zootechnical impact is considerable, especially in young animals. The prepatent period for the two most common strains in calves varies from 15 to 22 days. Infection occurs at birth.
Coccidia, unwanted tenants in livestock farming who don't pay rent
An ingested infectious oocyst can produce millions of new oocysts that are released into the environment. The excreted oocyst can become infectious in just a few days, depending on environmental conditions (humidity, temperature, ventilation, animal density). This is why rigorous and regular management of the environment is crucial (cleaning, disinfection), although this can be complicated by the spread or, conversely, the concentration of births.
Mitigate stress factors that promote the spread of coccidia
On the animal side, it is essential to reduce stress related to colostrum quality and intake, weaning, dietary transitions, feed quality, ruminal and intestinal dysbiosis, allotment, immunity, and all sources of stress in general that facilitate the spread of coccidia. Any measures taken to mitigate these stresses will help control the spread of coccidia.
Building lasting balance to develop immunity
The development of lasting immunity requiring early but limited contact with coccidia is crucial. Monitoring the situation through coproscopy is also essential.
Constraints related to veterinary treatments
Five veterinary molecules are indicated for coccidiosis and require a prescription: sulfadimethoxine, sulfadimetrazine, diclazuril, toltrazuril, and decoquinate.
It is important to note that their use has limitations, probably impacts the development of immunity in animals, and is not desirable in organic farming. Sulfamides are antibiotics, toltrazuril has an environmental impact, and the use of decoquinate requires medicated feed, which involves regulatory constraints affecting all stakeholders (veterinarians, feed manufacturers, transporters, and farmers).
GEMEO helps manage stress and build the necessary long-term balance.
Biodevas Laboratoires GEMEO, a complementary feed suitable for both young pre-ruminants and weaned animals in growth, such as young bulls.
GEMEO supports the preparation of the digestive tract and ensures better growth and homogeneity of animals thanks to a synergy of three actions:
- Oxidative stress management: via the NRF2 pathway, maintaining homeostasis in intestinal mucosal cells (particularly important for the development and resilience of the digestive tract during stress).
- Stabilization of ruminal and intestinal microbiota.
- Local stimulation of the immune system.
These non-biocidal actions strengthen the animals' natural defenses without causing resistance. GEMEO, available in various forms (solid, top feeding, lacto-dispersible, liquid), is residue-free, has no withdrawal period, and can be used in organic farming.
GEMEO can also be concentrated to offer relevant forms in B2B.
Suitable for use in conventional and organic farming
Biodevas Laboratoires plant extraction in-house using its own process, utilizing more than a hundred plants, 94% of which are sourced in France. This local supply chain ensures a controlled carbon footprint.
GEMEO is a solution that helps control coccidiosis when used in conjunction with good farming practices.
GEMEO, by promoting reduced use of chemical molecules, is part of our One Health approach.
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