11/07/2026
*THE SMART FARMER DAILY*
*Powered by Jayeola Agro Allied Services*
*Growing Healthy Birds... Building Successful Farmers.*
*DAY 1*
*COCCIDIOSIS: The Silent Profit Killer During Cold Weather*
*Introduction*
*Good day, Smart Farmers!*
Have you ever entered your poultry house during the cold or rainy season and found your birds looking weak, eating less, passing watery or bloody droppings, and some even dying?
Many farmers blame the cold weather.
*The truth is that cold weather does not cause coccidiosis. It simply creates the right conditions for the disease to spread, especially when the litter is wet and farm hygiene is poor.*
Let's learn how to identify, prevent, and control this costly disease.
*1. What is Coccidiosis?*
*Coccidiosis* is a parasitic disease that attacks the intestines of chickens. It damages the intestinal lining, making it difficult for birds to digest and absorb nutrients.
As a result:
- Birds eat but grow slowly.
- Feed is wasted.
- Birds become weak.
- Severe cases can lead to death.
*2. What Causes Coccidiosis?*
Coccidiosis is caused by tiny parasites called *Eimeria*.
These parasites multiply rapidly in wet and dirty litter. Birds become infected when they peck at contaminated litter, feed, water, or droppings.
This is why keeping your litter dry is one of the best ways to prevent the disease.
*3. How Does It Spread?*
The disease spreads through:
• Wet and contaminated litter.
• Infected droppings.
• Contaminated feed and drinking water.
• Dirty feeders and drinkers.
• Farm equipment, boots, and other items that carry infected droppings.
*4. Why Is It Common During Cold or Rainy Weather?*
During cold or rainy weather:
• Farmers often close the curtains to keep birds warm.
• Ventilation becomes poor.
• Moisture builds up inside the poultry house.
• Litter remains wet.
These conditions allow the *Eimeria parasite* to multiply quickly, increasing the risk of coccidiosis.
*5. Signs and Symptoms*
Watch out for:
*Loss of appetite.
*Weak and dull birds.
*Ruffled feathers.
*Watery or bloody droppings.
*Slow growth.
*Weight loss.
*Birds huddling together.
*Pale comb and wattles.
*Sudden death in severe cases.
*6. How Can You Prevent Coccidiosis?*
✅ Keep the litter dry at all times.
✅ Repair leaking drinkers immediately.
✅ Avoid overcrowding.
✅ Ensure good ventilation.
✅ Clean feeders and drinkers regularly.
✅ Maintain good farm hygiene and biosecurity.
✅ Follow your veterinarian's recommended coccidiosis prevention programme.
*7. Treatment*
If you notice the signs early, begin treatment immediately.
*Common anticoccidial drugs include:*
• Amprolium.
• Toltrazuril.
• Diclazuril.
*Support treatment with:*
✔ Electrolytes.
✔ Multivitamins (especially Vitamin K if birds are passing bloody droppings).
✔ Plenty of clean drinking water.
*Always use medications according to the manufacturer's instructions or your veterinarian's recommendation.*
*8. Economic Importance*
Coccidiosis is one of the most costly poultry diseases because it:
# Causes bird mortality.
# Slows growth.
# Worsens feed conversion, meaning birds eat more but gain less weight.
# Delays broilers from reaching market weight.
# Reduces egg production in layers.
# Increases medication costs.
# Reduces your overall farm profit.
Remember: Every bird lost to coccidiosis is money lost.
*9. Common Mistakes Farmers Make*
❌ Ignoring wet litter.
❌ Waiting until birds start dying before taking action.
❌ Overcrowding birds.
❌ Poor ventilation during cold weather.
❌ Stopping medication before completing the treatment.
*Farmer's Tip of the Day*
Your litter tells the story of your flock.
If your litter is wet, your birds are already at risk.
Inspect your poultry house every day—not just your birds.
*Today's Action Point*
Before leaving your poultry house today:
*Check for wet litter.
*Repair leaking drinkers.
*Observe your birds for watery or bloody droppings.
*Remove wet litter immediately.
A 10-minute inspection today could save you thousands of naira tomorrow.
*Summary*
*Coccidiosis* is one of the most common and costly diseases in poultry farming, but it is largely preventable.
Good litter management, proper ventilation, excellent hygiene, early detection, and prompt treatment will help protect your birds and your profits.
*Healthy Litter = Healthy Birds = Higher Profit.*
Thank you for attending today's class.
Tomorrow, by the grace of God, we'll discuss another important poultry disease that every farmer should know.
*Keep Learning. Keep Growing. Keep Farming Smart.*
*THE SMART FARMER DAILY*
*Powered by Jayeola Agro Allied Services*
*Growing Healthy Birds... Building Successful Farmers.*
📞 *Call/WhatsApp: 08064263859*
*Knowledge Today, Profit Tomorrow.*
