Influence of benzoic acid and oregano essential oil on intestinal histomorphology, lesion scores, and tight junction gene expression in mixed <i>Eimeria</i>-challenged broiler chickens

The study demonstrated that combined supplementation with BA and OEO reduced <i>Eimeria</i> infectivity and improved faecal scores comparable to salinomycin, while enhancing intestinal integrity, and jejunal morphology. These effects, accompanied by increased expression of <i>zonula occludens-</i>1 and <i>claudin</i>-1, support the potential of BA and OEO as natural anticoccidial alternatives in broiler chickens.</p> <p></p><p>Combined supplementation of benzoic acid (BA) and oregano essential oil (OEO) performed better than anticoccidial drugs.</p><p>BA and OEO reduced <i>Eimeria</i> infectivity and faecal scores more than salinomycin in treated chickens.</p><p>BA and OEO supplementation ameliorated gut structural damage caused by <i>Eimeria</i> infection.</p><p>BA and OEO upregulated <i>zonula occludens</i>-1 and <i>claudin-1</i> gene expression in the intestine.</p><p></p> <p>Combined supplementation of benzoic acid (BA) and oregano essential oil (OEO) performed better than anticoccidial drugs.</p> <p>BA and OEO reduced <i>Eimeria</i> infectivity and faecal scores more than salinomycin in treated chickens.</p> <p>BA and OEO supplementation ameliorated gut structural damage caused by <i>Eimeria</i> infection.</p> <p>BA and OEO upregulated <i>zonula occludens</i>-1 and <i>claudin-1</i> gene expression in the intestine.</p>