Effect of multiple levels of propolis added to the diets on productive and physiological status of aged ISA Brown chickens

• Qais Al-Saada

  Author

The study aimed to determine the effect of multiple levels of propolis (0, 250, 500 mg/kg) on the productive and physiological characteristics of ISA Brown laying hens. The results showed a significant improvement (P<0.05) in egg mass and feed conversion ratio for the treatments with the addition of 250 and 500 mg/kg, and an improvement in egg production for the treatment with the addition of 500 mg/kg compared to the first control treatment (T1). Regarding blood plasma protein parameters, a significant increase in total protein (T.Protein) and  globulin in both the 250 mg and 500 mg supplementation treatments, compared to T1. For blood lipids, a significant decrease in total cholesterol(TC) and LDL concentration was observed in T2, and in triglyceride (TG) and VLDL in both T2 and T3, compared to T1. Liver enzyme concentrations decreased significantly in both the 250 mg and 500 mg supplementation treatments compared to T1; no significant differences were observed in glucose and uric acid concentrations between the experimental treatments. Propolis supplementation affected the histological condition of the intestines. The addition of propolis at a concentration of 250 mg significantly improved villus width and area, as well as the villus length-to-width ratio (v/c), while the addition of propolis at a concentration of 500 mg significantly improved villus length compared to the control treatment.

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