Anyway, my point is that it appears that a good practice for the flock's health is the ACV and the garlic which help with cocci, and with compromised immnune systems, maybe doubly important.
Now I need to figure out what sort of vitamins I should be providing when the flock finishes its 5 day corid treatment.
One word about ACV (Apple Cider Vinegar for those not familiar with the acronym). And, as a disclaimer, I am just a layperson and not an expert.
I think ACV is great. I make it at home and use it in meals, for salad dressing, and when cleaning as a mild cleaner (not sanitizing just cleaning). I also use a little bit in my chicken waterers in summer to help control algae, as it can grow quickly even with scrubbing the waterers daily. I think it is great stuff. It tastes good, is easy and cheap to make, and has a lot going for it. I like it.
BUT....
I am saying this not because I think you are doing something wrong, but because a
lot of people lurk and find answers on this forum via google search (like, a LOT!) and so might want to know the whole story...
If a bird is having a problem with cocci, treat with the appropriate medication (such as Corid, etc). ACV is very acidic (which is one of the great things about it... in
some situations) and not only may cause additional harm and irritation to the digestive tract linings (which are already under assault by the coccidia) but it may adversely affect any medication given.
For those that give ACV, especially in the long term, to prevent cocci...
It is important to know that studies have shown that long term ingestion of ACV
might cause low potassium over the long term. The studies have been done in human trials, not in chickens. Why low potassium in laying hens is a problem is because they are already prone to potassium and calcium uptake problems (osteoporosis and egg binding, reproductive issues with shell gland, etc). I am not trying to scare anyone, but my thought is: Why compound the problem? What benefits does ACV have?
Well, ACV (raw, good stuff that has the "mother" or
Mycoderma aceti)
does have some probiotics. Probiotics are one reason that ACV is touted for cocci control. Specifically, I have read that
Pediococcus acidilactici is especially good at helping a bird build up a natural resistance to cocci (
source1,
source2,
source3). The problem with relying upon ACV as the source for these specific bacteria is that there is not much control; in fact I could not find any literature that lists exactly what species of probiotics it produces (which I must assume will vary depending on the environment where it is produced). Truly, all I could find is that it plays host to
Acetylobacter bacteria as they are the main Acetic Acid bacteria that convert the apple juice to vinegar. The amount of vinegar that you'd need to give each bird in order go guarantee a good probiotic load of the most benefical bacteria species might be more than is safe to give over the long term.
Quote: And it might vary wildly in ACV, depending on who made it, where, and with what means. It is my suggestion, then, if you have consistent cocci problems in your soil (especially in moist, warm climates) that you consider a concentrated probiotic, that can deliver the beneficial bacteria without the irritating acidic content and possibility of potassium deficiency over the long term. Some of the best feeds have a good probiotic mixed in, but many commercial feeds don't. Just check your ingredients label. My feed has a very good probiotic but no
Pediococcus acidilactici. It's pretty simple to add if you want to and if you are fighting an ongoing cocci problem, it might be of benefit. People that have not had trouble with cocci in the past (I have been fortunate) can probably forgo this unless they wish to be very proactive...
Those that offer ACV for the mineral and vitamin content would be far better of switching to a better feed if it is lacking, or providing better nutrition in a different way. The amount of ACV one would need to give chickens in order to substantially increase mineral and vitamin intake is very high.
I found this product. I am in no way endorsing it, and you may be able to find other probiotics that have similar flora in them.
http://www.avian.nl/EN/biomin-probioticum.html
The study I linked above did trials with several probiotics. One was "Mitomax" which again I am not endorsing, but claimed it reduced cocci oocyst shedding by up to 38%.
http://www.imagilin.com/mitomax.html
There are probably others, too.
In conclusion: ACV is good, I like it, but I would not depend on it for probiotic help in warding off parasites/cocci. Don't be deterred from ACV but also be realistic in what it does for you and your birds.
