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ARS Home » Midwest Area » West Lafayette, Indiana » Livestock Behavior Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #316383
Title: Functions of Propolis as a natural feed additive in poultry

Author
item MAHMOUD, USAMA - Purdue University
item Cheng, Heng-Wei
item APPLEGATE, TODD - Purdue University

Submitted to: World's Poultry Science Journal
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 4/26/2015
Publication Date: 11/12/2015
Citation: Mahmoud, U.T., Cheng, H., Applegate, T. 2015. Functions of Propolis as a natural feed additive in poultry. World's Poultry Science Journal. 72(01): 37-48. doi: 10.1017/S0043933915002731.

Interpretive Summary: Propolis has received great attention for improving human health and combatting diseases, such as cancer, cataract, and diabetes. Similarly to human research, propolis has been used as a diet supplement in domesticated poultry species (broilers, layers, and ducks) with the aim to reduce or eliminate the use of antibiotics and synthetic chemicals as growth promoters. The positive findings of propolis on performance and health of poultry species indicates that the use of propolis as a natural feed additive is promising. However, further research on the best technique for its application to poultry farms is still needed. This information can be used by poultry producers and scientists to develop management guidelines for improving chicken welfare.

Technical Abstract: Propolis is a resinous hive product collected by honeybees from various sources of plants. Numerous scientific investigations have been focused on the biological activities of propolis and its functions as a health supplement in humans. It could have similar function in other animals, such as poultry. This review article focused on the recent findings concerning the effects of propolis, as an antioxidant, on the performance, carcass characteristics, behavior, immunity, and physiological homeostasis in domesticated poultry species (broilers, laying hens, quail, and duck). The positive findings of propolis on performance and health of poultry species further support its biological functions as an antioxidant, antibacterial, immune-stimulant and growth promoter; and indicate that the use of propolis as a natural feed additive is promising. Further research on the best technique for its application on poultry farms is still required.