Propolis in the diet of broiler chickens as a natural source of biologically active substance complexes

Abstract

Purpose. To investigate the effect of feeding broiler chickens with propolis, in dry form as part of compound feed and in liquid form in ethanolic and aqueous extracts, on their growth intensity, feed spending and poultry stock survival; to carry out a comparative assessment of the effectiveness of different ways of using propolis in the diets of broiler chickens. Methods. Analytical methods of research, observation, comparison, analysis, zootechnical experiment were used in the research. Results. A number of studies conducted by various authors testify to the harmlessness of the water extract and water-alcohol emulsion of propolis for farm animals and poultry. Due to the significant amount of propolis biologically active substances that enter the body with food or water cause a specific effect that is manifested in strengthening the immune system, and therefore, the poultry stock survival and increased growth intensity. Our research has established that the water extract of propolis contributes to the average daily gains growth by 16.8%, but bird survival when drinking it with water was by 6.7% lower than when using the ethanol extract. As a part of compound feed, dry propolis did not have positive effect on the survival rate of chickens, which was 20% lower than with the use of propolis ethanol extract, but 6.7% higher than under the control diet. Conclusions. The use of propolis in the diets of broiler chickens in the form of ethanol extract, water extract when drinking with water and feeding in dry form as part of compound feed was evaluated. It was established that the use of aqueous extract of propolis contributes to the increase in average daily gains by 16.8%, but provides a lower survival rate of birds by 6.7% than when using the ethanolic extract of propolis.