To evaluate the anti-coccidial effect of Piper betel leaves aqueous extract (PBE) on Eimeria tenella infection in broilers, 96 day old Ven Cobb-400 broiler chicks were divided into six groups, each with two replicate (n=16). The six groups were blank control group (BC), negative control group (NC), positive control group (PC) and three PBE treated groups. The birds in the three PBE treated groups were supplemented with PBE at 5 (T1), 10 (T2) and 15 (T3) percent in drinking water while the birds in the control groups (BC, NC) were not supplemented with PBE and PC group birds were supplemented with Salinomycin in the feed. At 21 days of age, the birds in the NC, PC and the three PBE groups were inoculated with sporulated oocysts (20,000 oocysts / bird) of Eimeria tenella. The results showed that PBE significantly (P<0.05) lower the oocysts per gram (OPG) and the higher (73%) oocysts reduction rate in T1 group and values were comparable with PC group. Similarly, the Intensity of caecal lesions due to E.tenella was mild in T1 group. The current results show that aqueous leaves extract of Piper betel having anticoccidial activity and the effect was not increased with level of supplementation. Hence it can be safely used as prophylactic against E. tenella infection in broiler chicken.

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