9 th International Poultry Conference-Proceeding THE USE OF BEE PROPOLIS AS A SOURCE OF NATURAL ADDITIVES TO IMPROVE THE PRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE AND IMMUNE SYSTEM OF LOCAL CHICKENS

Abstract

The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of adding different levels of propolis (P) on growth performance, digestibility, carcass traits, some blood constituents, immunological status and economic efficiency of growing Dokki4 chicks. A total number of 120 unsexed one-day old chicks were divided into 4 treatments of 30 chicks each in three replicates. Chicks were randomly allocated into a control (basal diet) and 3 treatment groups (basal diet containing P 1 =100, P 2 =200 and P 3 = 300 mg propolis/kg). The experiment was terminated when chicks were 12 wks of age. The results showed that, addition of propolis in the experimental diets increased body weight, body weight gain. Chicks fed diet supplemented with propolis were significantly lower in their feed consumption. While, chicks fed control diet consumed the highest amount of feed. The best feed conversion ratio was recorded for chicks of P 2 and P 3 treatments. The addition of P significantly improved digestibility coefficient of DM, CP and EE. Chicks fed propolis had significant (P<0.05) reduction in total plasma cholesterol compared with the control. Feeding propolis at different levels led to significant (P<0.05) increase plasma protein, globulin, IgG, IgM and total antioxidants capacity values compared to the control group. Dressing, spleen and thymus weight were significantly (P<0.05) higher for the treatments received propolis than the controls. However, chicks fed diets supplemented with propolis significantly decreased abdominal fat percentages. The best relative economic efficiency was recorded for P 3 followed by P 2 treatment. These results indicate that supplementary propolis powder had beneficial effects on productive traits, immunological status of Dokki4 chickens and could have better economic efficiency.

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THE USE OF BEE PROPOLIS AS A SOURCE OF NATURAL
ADDITIVES TO IMPROVE THE PRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE
AND IMMUNE SYSTEM OF LOCAL CHICKENS
Battaa, A. M. El-Neney1, Nasra B. Awadien2 and Yahya Z. Eid3
1 Dep. of Poult. Nutrition Res. 2 Dep. of Poult.

Breeding Res.
Anim. Prod. Res. Insti., Agric. Res. Centre, Dokki, Giza, Egypt.
3 Dep. of Poult. Production. Faculty of Agriculture, Kafrelsheikh University, Egypt.
Corresponding author email: drbattaaelneny@yahoo.com
Abstract: The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of adding different levels
of propolis (P) on growth performance, digestibility, carcass traits, someblood constituents,
immunological status and economic efficiency of growing Dokki4 chicks. A total number
of 120 unsexed one-day old chicks were divided into 4 treatments of 30 chicks each in three
replicates. Chicks were randomlyallocated into a control (basal diet) and 3 treatment
groups (basal diet containing P1=100, P2=200 and P3= 300 mgpropolis/kg). The experiment
was terminated when chicks were 12 wks of age. The results showed that, addition of
propolis in the experimental diets increased body weight, body weight gain. Chicks fed diet
supplemented with propolis were significantly lower in their feed consumption. While,
chicks fed control diet consumed the highest amount of feed. The best feed conversion ratio
was recorded for chicks of P2 and P3 treatments. The addition of P significantly improved
digestibility coefficient of DM, CP and EE. Chicks fed propolis had significant (P<0.05)
reduction in total plasma cholesterol compared with the control. Feeding propolis at
different levels led to significant (P<0.05) increase plasma protein, globulin, IgG, IgM and
total antioxidants capacity values compared to thecontrol group. Dressing, spleen and
thymus weight weresignificantly (P<0.05) higher for the treatments received propolis than
the controls. However, chicks fed diets supplemented with propolis significantly decreased
abdominal fat percentages. The best relative economic efficiency was recorded for P3
followed by P2 treatment. These results indicate that supplementary propolis powder had
beneficial effectson productive traits, immunological status of Dokki4 chickens and could
havebetter economic efficiency.
Keywords: Dokki4 chicks, propolis, blood components, digestibility, feed efficiency,
immunity.
INTRODUCTION
Bee Propolis (bee glue) is a mixture of compounds collected by honey bees from
various plant sources and used by bees to seal holes in their honey combs, smooth out the
internal walls and protect the entrance against intruders. The color may be creamy, yellow,
green, light or dark brown. The usage of alternative growth promoters in animal production
2- Effect on growing Dokki4

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has increased since the European Community banned the used of antibiotics in 2006.
Recently the resistance of microorganisms to antimicrobial drugs has become a health
concern. Antimicrobial resistance has been implicated, but not confirmed, to not only come
from use of antibiotics in animals but may predominately come from over-use in human
medicine (Marshall and Levy, 2011 and Mahmoud et al., 2016).
Propolis i.e. bee glue (BG), which exhibits a strongantioxidant properties, was
reported to improve thegrowth performance in birds. Propolis is the product of resinous,
gummy, and balsamic substances that are collected by bees from buds, flowers and plant
exudates and mixed with their salivary secretions, wax, and pollen. This serves to seal and
protect the honeycomb against insect and microorganism attack as well as to maintain
internal temperature and humidity. The chemical composition of propolis is complex and
variable because it is intrinsically related to the floristic and ecological composition of the
environment visited by the bees. The combination of these factors affects the
pharmacological properties of propolis. In general, it is composed of 50 % resin and
vegetable balsam, 30 % wax, 10 % essential and aromatic oils, 5 % pollen, and 5 % various
other substances, including organic debris (Silva et al. 2007). Propolis contains a variety of
chemical compounds such as polyphenols (flavonoid aglycones, phenolic acids and their
esters, phenolic aldehydes, alcohols, and ketones), sesquiterpene quinones, coumarins,
steroids, amino acids, and inorganic compounds (Alencar et al. 2007). Propolis has
versatile biological and pharmacological activities, such as antibacterial, antioxidant,
antiviral, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antitumoral, and immunomodulatory (Alencar et
al. 2007 and Attia, et al., 2014).
Propolis contains enzymes such as glucose oxidase, catalase and peroxidase.
Propolis contains a range of biologically active compounds like phenol compounds,
flavonoids (primuletin, chrysine, tecochrysine, akacetine, galangine, morin,
robinetin),terpenes, lipid-wax substances, bioelements, vitamins (A, D, F, K, E, B1 , B2 , B5
, B6 , B12 , C and biotin ), enzymes (alpha and beta amylase, succinic dehydrogenase,
glucose-6-phosphatase, adenosine triphosphatase and acid phosphatase), protein, amino
acids, sterols, steroids, essential fatty acids and aromatic oils, minerals (Mg, Ca, I, K, Na,
Cu, Zn, Mn, P, Fe, Si and Co) and it contains more than 500 bioflavonoid, plant steroids
and plant sterols (ergosterol, stigmasterol, steroidal saponins, steroidal alkaloids) as
reported by Khalil (2006). Mathivanan et al. (2013) reported that dietary supplementation
of animal with propolis can increase growth performance and digestibility.
Propolis supplementation in broiler diets hasbeen assessed in many studies, and
positive effects have been reported, such asincrease body weight, reduced mortality
(Shalmany and Shivazad, 2006, Tatli Seven et al., 2008, Babaei et al. 2016) and
improvement in growth performance, digestibility. Many studies recorded the beneficial
effect of bee propolis on growth performance and immune response in poultry. Others
observed that propolis is a natural additive with natural antibiotic properties and may have
potential in improving growth performance and feed efficiency were significantly increased
when propolis fed to broilers (Tayeb and Sulaiman, 2014, Attia, et al. 2014, Abou-Zeid

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et al. 2015, Zafarnejad et al. 2016, Babaei et al. 2016 and Hosseini et al. 2016). These
effects may be due to the content of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, phenolic constituents
and enzymes (El-Hanoun et al., 2007).
This study aimed to evaluate the effects of propolis supplementation on some
productive, blood constituents, immunological response, carcass traitsand economic
efficiency of growing Dokki4 chicks.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
This study was carried out at the Poultry Farm belongs to Department of
Animal and Poultry Production, Faculty of Agriculture, Kafrelsheikh University, Egypt.
Dokki4 chicks provided by Sakha Animal Research Station, Animal Production Research
Institute, Ministry of Agriculture, Egypt. Crude bee propolis was supplied from an
Egyptian honeybee keeper. Bee- propolis was obtained from the apiary of the Honeybee
Research Section, Plant Protection Research Institute, El-Qaunatir, Qalyoubia governorate.
Bee propolis is collected by the beekeepers who scrape the hive supers (superstructure)
with a hive tool, which usually takes place in the fall of the year after the honey extraction.
The price of commercial bee propolis in Egyptian market about 1000 L.E/ kg, during the
experiment time.
A total number of 120 unsexed one-day old local strain "Dokki4" chicks of nearly
similar live body weight were wing-banded, weighed and randomly distributed into four
treatments with three replicates (10 chicks each) in housed in floor pens under similar
management and hygienic conditions. Birds were separately kept in floor grower rooms.
The environmental temperature was about 32 C° during the first week using gas heater and
gradually decreased to about 24 C° in the fourth week of age. Artificial lighting was
maintained continuously during night without interruption. The basal and experimental
diets were formulated to be isonitrogenous (19.16% CP) and isocaloric (2865 kcal ME /kg
diet). The ingredients and chemical composition of the basal diet are shown in Table (1)
according to the ministerial decree No. 1498, (1996). Feed in a dry mash form and water
were provided ad-libitum throughout the experimental period. The chicks were fed basal
diet (control) or basal diet containing 100, 200 or 300 mg propolis/kg for treatments P1, P2
and P3, respectively.
For each group of chicks individual body weight (BW) and feed consumption were
recorded biweekly throughout the experimental periods. Then, body weight gain (BWG)
and feed conversion ratio (g feed/g gain), were calculated for the same periods.
Performance index (Body weight (kg)/feed conversion) x 100 was also calculated according
to North (1981). The digestibility of nutrients of the experimental diets was determined at
12 wks of age using three birds from each treatment Samples of diets and excreta were
analyzed for their contents of nitrogen, ash, fiber and fat. Fecal nitrogen was determined
according to the method of Jakobsen et al. (1960). The proximate analyses of feed and

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dried excreta were carried out according to Official Methods (A.O.A.C., 1990). At the end
of the experimental period (12 wks of age), three birds from each treatment were randomly
chosen, weighed, slaughtered, then scaled and feather were removed Dressed carcass,
giblets, spleen and thymus weight and abdominal fat were separately recorded for each bird
and expressed as percentage of live body weight. Blood samples were collected from
slaughtered birds to determine biochemical constituents of blood using commercial kits.
Blood samples were centrifuged at 3000 rpm for 20 minutes. Plasma was decanted and
stored frozen at -20°C until the time of analysis. Total protein, albumin, cholesterol, HDL,
LDLcholesterol, aspartate amino transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), total
antioxidant capacity, immunoglobulin G (IgG) and immunoglobulin M (IgM) were
determined in blood plasma using commercial kits. Economical efficiency is defined as the
net revenue per unit feed cost calculated from input output analysis as described by Hassan
et al

(1996).
Data were statistically analyzed according to SPSS (2012) computer program using
the following fixed model: Yij=µ + Ti + eij
Where: Yij = the observation; µ = overall mean; Ti = effect of treatments; eij= random
error component assumed to be normally distributed.
Duncan's multiple range tests was performed (Duncan, 1955) to detect significant
differences among means.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
1- Live body weight and body weight gain:-
Data of body weight and body weight gain are shown in Tables 2 and 3. The initial
live body weight of chicks at one-day old showed nearly similar values with no significant
differences among treatment groups. Significant differences among treatments were found
for body weight (BW) and body weight gain (BWG) through the experimental periods.
With the progress of age to 4, 8 and 12 wks, it was clear that using P3, P2 and P1 in the
experimental diets increased BW as compared with that of the control group at 12 wks by
about 13.05, 8.75 and 2.01%, respectively Similar trend was observed for BWG by feeding
P3, P2 and P1 by about 12.76, 8.75 and 1.74% during the experimental period from one day
to 12 wks of age Moreover, the lowest value of BW or BWG was recorded for chicks of
the control group. The results are in agreement with the findings by Tayeb and Sulaiman,
(2014), Attia, et al. (2014), Abou-Zeid et al. (2015), Zafarnejad et al. (2016), Babaei et
al. (2016) and Hosseini et al. (2016) whom indicated that there is significant increase in
live body weight with the supplementation of propolis. This result may be due to the
antimicrobial activity of the components of the propolis extracts, resulting in better
intestinal health and improving digestion and absorption as reported by Denli et al. (2005).
Propolis has been developed for use as an alternative to antibiotics in the animal industry
because of its biological properties such as antimicrobial, antioxidant and antiseptic

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activities, that propolis reduce the population of the lactate-producing bacteria, which
predominate in the upper gastrointestinal tract of the broiler. Although these bacteria
(Lactobacillus, Streptococci and Staphylococci) may prevent Salmonella implantation, they
are also largely responsible for retarded growth seen in pigs and chickens (O’connor-
dennie, 2004).
The mode of action of propolis may be not only due to a strong effect of
antibacterial action, but also due to the presence of micronutrients with positive effects on
bird health and metabolism (Viuda-Martos et al., 2008). Izabella et al. (2012) and Attia,
et al. (2014) suggested that the improvement in breeding parameters results from the
antioxidant properties of flavonoids, which positively affect the condition of the
alimentary canal (mainly through anti-microbial activity), digestion processes, and
absorption of nutrients.
On contrary, some authors observed that body weight and weight gain did not
significantly affected Kleczek, et al. (2014), Mahmoud et al. (2013) for broiler and
Zeweil et al. (2016a) for Japanese quail). Differences in the results for performance
characteristics may be related to the differing types of propolis used and their geographic
origin (Denli et al. 2005).
In the present experiment, increased BW and BWG with P may be dueto the
improved crude protein digestibility and attributed to the antibacterial,antioxidant,
antagonistic, antimicrobial, antifungal, antiviral, immunostimulatory and anti-
inflammatory activity and improving nutrient utilization due to the presence of flavonoids
and phenolic acids (Mathivanan, et al. 2013 and Attia, et al. 2014). These effects may
be due to the content of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, phenolic constituents and enzymes
(El-Hanoun et al., 2007). Mathivanan et al. (2013) reported that dietary supplementation
of animal with propolis can increase growth performance and digestibility. Such factors
may positively affectdigestion and/or absorption of feed ingredients in the digestive tract.
Also, the improvement of BW and BWG of propolis levels may be due to a beneficial
microbialenvironment in the gut, which might have enhanced digestion, absorption and
utilization of nutrients.
2- Mortality number:
Results in Table 2, indicate that, there were significant differences in mortality rate
between groups fed supplemented diet with P (0.0%) when compared with that fed control
diet (3.33%). This finding was due to the antiviral activity of P. Similar reports were drawn
by Khojasteh and Shivazad (2006), Tatli Seven et al. (2008) and Abou-Zeid et al.
(2015). The effects of propolis on reducing mortality may be explained by its functions in
food digestion, nutrient absorption, and metabolism; leading to changes in blood
concentrations of cholesterol, total protein, and amino acid (Abdel-Rahman and Mosaad,
2013; Attia et al., 2014 and Mahmoud et al., 2016). It may also relate to the ability of
propolis to stimulate and improve immunological function, such as macrophage activity
and the functions of the lymphatic tissues (Mahmoud et al., 2016). On the other hand,

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Seven et al. (2011) reported that mortality rates were significantly increased, ranged from
3.33% on propolis groups compared to control 0.00%.
3- Feed consumption and feed conversion:
Results presented in Table 4, indicate that feed consumption was significantly
decreased for the groups fed P during the experimental periods. Concerning feed
conversion ratio (Table 4) it was clear the significant differences between treatments in feed
conversion ratio during the experimental periods. The best feed conversion ratio was
recorded for chicks fed diets contained P compared with control group throughout the
whole growing period. These affirmative findings on feed consumption are similar to the
previous findings stating that broilers supplemented with P had lower feed consumption
(Abou-Zeid et al. 2015, Attia et al. 2015 and Babaei et al. 2016). Zeweil et al. (2016a)
showed asignificant (P≤0.05) decrease in feed intakefor quail group received 500 mgP in
their diet as compared with thecontrol group. El-Hanoun et al. (2007) and Attia et al.
(2014) reported a decrease in feed intake of animals treated with P compared to control.
Also, Mahmoud et al. (2013) found insignificant reduction in feed intake of propolis
treated groups on Ross broiler. However, these results are in contrast with the findings of
(Canogullari et al. 2009, Abdel-Rahman and Mosaad, 2013) who indicated that the
dietarysupplementation of birds with propolis had no significanteffect on average daily
feed consumption when comparedwith control. Differences in the results for performance
characteristics may be related to the differing types of propolis used and their geographic
origin (Denli et al. 2005).
Generally, the decrease in feed consumption andimprovement in feed
conversion ratio maybe due to the presence of phenolis andflavonoids of P
supplementationwhich could be attributed to theirantimicrobial, antioxidant activity
andimproving nutrient utilization (Tatli Sevenet al., 2009). In addition, it contains
essential fatty acids and aromatic oils, protein, amino acid, vitamins, flavonoids, and
minerals like Al and Ca (Viuda- Martos et al., 2008). The mode of action of P not only
may be due to a strong effect of antibacterial action, but also may be related to the presence
of micronutrients with positive effects on bird’s health and metabolism, and consequently
improvement in broiler performance (Canogullari et al. 2009). These effects may be due to
the content of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, phenolic constituents and enzymes (El-
Hanoun et al., 2007).
The present result indicated that the P supplementation at all levels significantly
improved FCR compared to control. These results are well agreed with the previous results
of Babaei et al. (2016) and Zafarnejad et al. (2016). The result may be due to thatP
supplementation affects feed consumption. Also, this effect is due to high content of
flavonoids and healthy conditions of birds fed P. Haro et al. (2000) mentionedthat propolis
improved feed conversionratio which depended on the fact thatdigestive functions
are favored by thisdietary supplement.

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In the present experiment, improved FCR with P may be due to improve their crude
protein digestibility and attributed to the antibacterial, antioxidant and improving nutrient
utilization due to the presence of flavonoids and phenolic acids propolis (Mathivanan, et
al. 2013 and Attia, et al. 2014).
4- Performance index (PI):
Results presented in Table 5, indicate that there were significant differences among
treatments in PI during the different experimental periods. PI of chicks fed diet
supplemented with P was higher than those received the control diet. It may be attributed to
the improved LBW and better FCR indicative of higher body weight gain and/or lower feed
consumption. However, Tayeb and Sulaiman (2014) reported that there were no
significant differences on production index local quail being 22.25, 22.10, 23.02, 22.15 and
22.50 for control, 100 mg, 200 mg, 300mg and 400 mg propolis/L water, respectively. It
should be mentioned however, that Dokki4 chicks are used in our study versus quails in the
periods study which reflect specie difference responses.
5- Digestibility coefficient:
Digestibility coefficient of nutrients of the experimental diets is presented in Table
6. Results indicated that supplementation of P to growing diets significantly improved the
digestibility coefficient of DM, CP and EE (except of CF) as compared to control group.
These results are in agreement with Mathivanan et al. (2013) and El-Neney et al. (2014).
Khalil (2006) and Khojasteh and Shivazad (2006) reported that the highest digestibility
of all nutrients in treated groups can be discussed from the point that propolis contains
digestive enzymes (glucose oxidase, catalase and peroxidase), minerals (Mg, Ca, I, K, Na,
Cu, Zn, Mn, P, Fe, Si and Co), 10% essential and aromatic oils and 5% pollen from the
bees which may be associated with improvement in digestibility of all nutrients.
Nevertheless,
the
compounds
with
antimicrobial
effect maintained the health of
the
digestive tract and improved both digestion
and absorption.
Izabella et al. (2012)
suggested that the improvement in breeding parameters results from the antioxidant
properties of flavonoids, which positively affect the condition of the alimentary canal
(mainly through anti-microbial activity), digestion processes, and absorption of nutrients.
On the other hand, Zeweil et al. (2016a) reported that addition of feed additive as P in
growing diets insignificantly affected of digestibility coefficient parameters.
6- Blood constituents:
6-1. Protein fractions:
Results of blood plasma constituents as shown in Table 7 indicated that total
plasma protein, albumin and globulin were significantly (P<0.05) lower for control than
those fed
P supplemented diet
. The increase of total protein, albumin and globulin is
within normal range in blood birds received
propolis
diet may be associated with
improvement of protein synthesis, and digestion of protein as shown in Table 6. Also, the
significant increase of protein and globulinconcentration may be attributed to the increase

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in the level of metabolic processes. These results are in harmony with the conclusion
reported by El-Hanoun et al. (2007), El-Neney et al. (2014) and Zeweil et al. (2016 b)
who reported an improvement in total protein, albumin and globulin in birds fed P
containing diets. In this respect, Abdel-Rahman and Mosaad, (2013) indicated that
adding propolis (2g/kg) to thediet of Muscovy ducks maintained at 33°Cwas reflected
with significant higher contents of its serum total protein, albuminand total globulin.
Also, they attributed theimprovement of serum total protein and itsfractions in the
group fed propolis may berelated to its stimulating effect on the liverexhibiting
anabolic action favoring proteinsynthesis and also it’s preserving effect onthe body
protein from degeneration. The increase in plasma protein and albumin may be due to
increasing in protein and/or amino acids supply due to
propolis
administration (Khalil,
2006).
Increased globulin concentration with increased
propolis
inclusion which was
observed in the present study may be an indication of increased immunity in growing
chicks since the liver will be able to synthesize enough globulins for immunologic action.
This explains the decrease in the mortality with increased
propolis
. It appears that the
increase in total protein, albumin and globulin with
propolis
addition may be due to the
improving microbial activity in gut and hence microbial protein yield, then increased total
protein synthesis and increase in digestion of protein in digestive tract of chicks fed diet
supplemented with
propolis
.
6-2. Plasma cholesterol fractions:
Plasma totalcholesterol and LDL cholesterol weresignificantly decreased,
however, plasmaHDL cholesterol was significantly increased by feeding diets
supplementedwith different levels ofP as compared with those fed thecontrol diet
(Table 7). The decrease in cholesterol may be attributed to Pthat play a major role
as antioxidantmaterial which increased glutathioneenzyme activity or/and P contains
some components such as essential fattyacids which inhibit hepatic 3-hydroxy-3
methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CO A) reductase activity. In fact these compounds are
responsible for the prevention of lipid peroxidation (Crowell, 1999) which is a key
regulatory enzyme in cholesterolsynthesis. These results are in agreementwith those
obtained by Attia et al. (2014) El-Neney et al. (2014), Zafarnejad et al. (2016), Shreif
and El-Saadany (2016) and Zeweil et al. (2016 a,b) they reported that the treatment with
propolis caused significant decrease in plasma cholesterol compared to control group.
6-3. Transaminase Enzyme activity:
There were insignificant differencesbetween treatment in AST and ALT activities
(Table 7). Values of AST and ALT were however within the normal range and indicated
that the chicks were generally in a good nutritional statusand their livers were in a normal
health condition. The highest biological activity in P isthe flavonoids. Also, these results
may explain that P treatment is safe withliver functions and so it had no harmful effect on
liver tissues. These results arein agreement with those obtained by El-Neney et al. (2014)

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who reported that there is no effect on AST and ALT to P supplementation
conducted in broilers. Tatli Seven et al. (2009) and Attia, et al. (2014) showed also
insignificant on ALT due to P supplementation to broilers diets. On the other hand, El-
Hanoun, et al. (2007) and Zeweil et al. (2016 b) reported that treatment with P caused
significant (P<0.05) decreases in serum liver enzymes activity (ASTand ALT) compared
with control group.
6-3. Humoral immune response:
The antibody level in plasma is an important indicator for humoral immunity in
poultry. Results of Table 7 indicate that using different dietary P levels for Dokki4 chicks
resulted in a significant increase (P≤0.05) in IgG, IgM and total antioxidants capacity
values. Concentrations of IgG, IgM and total antioxidants capacity values in plasma were
higher in P3 followed by P2 and P1 compared to the controls. These results agreement with
those obtained by Fan et al. (2013), El-Neney et al. (2014) and Shreif and El-Saadany
(2016). Zafarnejad et al. (2016) who found that propolis supplementation activates the
immune system in broilers, raising macrophage and natural killer cells proliferation, and
increasing levels of cytokines (interleukin-1, interleukin-2, and interleukin-4). These
cytokines enhance B-lymphocytes activities, which would be able to produce
immunoglobulins. Therefore, in the current study, the increased levels of IgG and IgM in
birds of groups given dietary P at higher levels may be related to the stimulation of B-
lymphocytes by these cytokines. Flavonoids from propolis have beenreported to elevate
glutathione peroxidase, catalase, superoxide dismutase and mRNAsynthesis by increasing
the activities ofantioxidant enzymes, also flavonoids frompropolis reduce the number of
free radicalsor ROS generated and increase theproduction of molecules protecting
againstoxidative stress (Zeweil et al., 2016a).
7- Carcass traits:
Results in Table 8 show the effect of P supplementation to the diets on
dressing and relative weights of giblets, abdominal fat, thymus and spleen glands. The
observed dressing percentage values were 66.56, 67.20, 68.38 and 69.87 % of the groups
fed diets for control, P1, P2 and P3, respectively. While, there were no significant
differences between
propolis
diets in giblets. The results were supported by El-Neney et al.
(2014), Zeweil et al. (2016a) and Zafarnejad et al. (2016). The increase in carcass traits
for treated groups may be mainly related to the increase in growth performance and
digestibility. Also, the improvement in growth performance resulted from the addition of
propolis
the better absorption of amino acids or/and due to antibacterial properties of
propolis
. Chicks fed
P
had significantly (P<0.05) low abdominal fat%. Also, the decrease
the fat content, may be related to the propolis contains of flavonoids, which decrease
plasma lipid levels and attenuate obesity.

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Economic Efficiency:
Results of economic efficiency (E.E) for chicks fed experimental diets during the
growth period are summarized in Table 9 Moreover, P supplementation tended to get more
economic efficiency (1.14, 1.29 and 1.39) and increase in net revenue. These results were
in agreement with those obtained by El-Hanoun et al. (2007), El-Neney et al. (2014),
Abou-Zeid et al. (2015) and Shreif and El-Saadany (2016) who found that the rabbits
and chicks treated with propolis showed a higher value of economic efficiency than in the
control group.
In conclusion:
It could be recommended that using propolis supplementation at level P3=300
mg/kg diet in growing Dokki4 chicks diet tended to improve the productive performance,
digestion, immunity, and economic efficiency.
Table.1. Composition and calculated chemical analyses of the experimental basal diet.
*Each 3 Kg of vitamins and minerals premix contained: 10000000 IU Vit. A, 10000 mg
Vit. E, 1000 mg Vit. K3, 2000000 IU Vit. D3, 1000 mg Vit. B1 , 10000 mg Pantothenic
acid, 10 mg Vit. B12, 1500 mg Vit. B6 , 5000 mg Vit. B2 , 30000mg Niacin, 300000 mg
Choline chloride, 1000 mg Folic acid, 50 mg Biotin , 300 mg I, 60000 mg Mn, 50000 mg
Zn, 30000 mg Fe, 4000 mg Cu, 100 mg Se and 100 mg Co.
**According to Feed Composition Tables for animal & poultry feedstuffs used in
Egypt (2001).
Ingredients
%
Yellow corn
63.90
Soybean meal (44%)
32.10
Limestone
1.40
NaCl
0.30
Di-Calcium Phosphate
1.80
DL-Methionine
0.20
Premix*
0.30
Total
100
Calculated analyses**
Crude protein %
19.16
ME, Kcal / kg
2865.00
C / P ratio
149.55
Crude fiber %
3.81
Ca %
1.07
P (Available) %
0.47
Lysine %
1.10
Methionine %
0.53
Met. + Cyct
0.85
Tryptophan
0.24

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Table 2. Effect of propolis treatments on live body weight and mortality rate of Dokki4
chicks through growing period.
Means in the same column having different letters are significantly different (P≤0.05).
P1= 100, P2=200 and P3=300 mg propolis /kg diet.
Table 3. Effect of propolis treatments on body weight gain of Dokki4 chicks through
growing period.
Treatments
Body weight gain ( BWG), g
(0- 4)
(4 - 8)
(8- 12)
(0- 12)
Control
282.28c
426.35b
468.46c
1177.09c
P1
297.82c
425.16b
474.61c
1197.59c
P2
346.58b
428.73b
502.69b
1278.00b
P3
367.61a
446.53a
516.16a
1330.30a
SEM
3.75
5.16
4.00
10.11
Sig
*
*
*
*
Means in the same column having different letters are significantly different (P≤0.05).
P1= 100, P2=200 and P3=300 mg propolis /kg diet.
Treatments
Live body weight (g) at,
Mortality rate%
One-
day
4 wks
8 wks
12 wks
(0-12) wks
Control
27.91
310.19c
736.54d
1205.00d
3.33
P1
31.64
329.46c
754.62c
1229.23c
0
P2
32.38
378.96b
807.69b
1310.38b
0
P3
32.01
399.62a
846.15a
1362.31a
0
SEM
4.16
3.93
8.04
9.17
-
Sig
NS
*
*
*
--

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Table 4. Effect of propolis treatments on feed consumption and feed conversion ratio of
Dokki4 chicks through growing period.
Treatments
Feed consumption
(g feed/bird/ period)
Feed conversion ratio
(g feed/g gain)
(0- 4)
(4 - 8)
(8- 12)
(0- 12)
(0- 4)
(4 - 8)
(8- 12)
(0- 12)
Control
906a
1453a
1859a
4218a
3.21a
3.41a
3.97a
3.58a
P1
903a
1309b
1725b
3937b
3.03b
3.08b
3.63b
3.29b
P2
837b
1289c
1631c
3757c
2.42c
3.01b
3.24c
2.94c
P3
771c
1239d
1610d
3620d
2.10d
2.77c
3.12d
2.72d
SEM
7.32
10.01
9.80
12.50
0.02
0.01
0.01
0.01
Sig
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
Means in the same column having different letters are significantly different (P≤0.05).
P1= 100, P2=200 and P3=300 mg propolis /kg diet.
Table 5. Effect of propolis treatments on performance index of Dokki4 chicks through
growing period.
Treatments
Performance Index (PI)
(0- 4)
(4 - 8)
(8- 12)
(0- 12)
Control
8.69c
9.09c
18.55d
33.66d
P1
10.44c
10.70c
20.79c
37.36c
P2
13.38b
12.59b
24.93b
44.57b
P3
15. 24a
14.43a
27.12a
50.08a
SEM
0.11
0.15
0.12
0.10
Sig
*
*
*
*
Means in the same column having different letters are significantly different (P≤0.05).
P1= 100, P2=200 and P3=300 mg propolis /kg diet.
Table 6. Effect of propolis treatments on digestibility coefficient of nutrients of Dokki4 chicks
through growing period.
Treatments
DM%
CP%
CF%
EE%
Control
76.66b
86.47c
21.55
72.14c
P1
80.86a
89.89b
22.58
74.51b
P2
82.03a
90.83b
22.99
75.52b
P3
82.74a
92.76a
23.25
78.03a
SEM
0.51
0.40
0.42
0.56
Sig
*
*
NS
*
Means in the same column having different letters are significantly different (P≤0.05).
P1= 100, P2=200 and P3=300 mg propolis /kg diet.

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7 – 10 November 2016, Hurghada, Red Sea – Egypt -(74)-
Table 7. Effect of propolis treatments on blood plasma constituents of Dokki4 chicks
through growing period.
Treatments
Control
P1
P2
P3
SEM
Sig
Protein fractions
Total protein (g/100 ml)
4.10b
4.52b
5.00ab
5.50a
0.12
*
Albumin (g/100 ml)
2.31c
2.56b
2.60b
2.83a
0.01
*
Globulin (g/100 ml)
1.79c
1.96c
2.40b
2.67a
0.01
*
Plasma cholesterol fractions
Cholesterol (mg/100ml)
169.3a
166.6a
155.8b
142.7c
2.10
*
HDL (mg/ dl)
82.50c
83.30c
86.60b
90.88a
3.01
*
LDL (mg/ dl)
38.5a
26.5b
22.3c
21. 6c
0.23
*
Transaminase Enzyme
activity
AST (U/L)
67.5
65.8
67.7
68.01
1.5
NS
ALT (U/L)
70.5
70.7
72.0
72.5
1.2
NS
Immune response
Totalantioxidant
capacity(mm/l)
0.76d
1.40c
1.53b
1.66a
0.001
*
IgG (mg/ dl)
1.4b
1.6b
2.5a
2.9a
0.001
*
IgM (mg/ dl)
1.2b
1.5b
2.2a
2.5a
0.003
*
Means in the same row having different letters are significantly different (P≤0.05).
P1= 100, P2=200 and P3=300 mg propolis /kg diet. AST= aspartate amino transaminase,
ALT = alanine transaminase. IgG= Immunoglobulin G IgM= Immunoglobulin M
Table 8. Effect of propolis treatments on relative weight of carcass and some lymphoid
organs of Dokki4 chicks through growing period.
Treatments
Control
P1
P2
P3
SEM
Sig
Dressing, %
66.56b
67.20ab
68.38a
69.87a
0.56
*
Giblets%
5.62
5.68
5.78
5.88
0.12
NS
Abdominal fat, %
0.12a
0.09b
0.07bc
0.04c
0. 01
*
Lymphoid organs:
Spleen ,%
0.149c
0.154b
0.176a
0.180a
0.01
*
Thymus weight, %
0.50d
0.55c
0.58b
0.62a
0.05
*
Means in the same row having different letters are significantly different (P≤0.05).
P1= 100, P2=200 and P3=300 mg propolis /kg diet.

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7 – 10 November 2016, Hurghada, Red Sea – Egypt -(75)-
Table 9. Effect of propolis treatments on economic efficiency of Dokki4 chicks through
growing period.
Items
Treatment
Contr
ol
P1
P2
P3
Price/k feed (L.E.)
2.46
2.46
2.46
2.46
Price of propolis (L.E.)
0.00
0.40
0.80
1.10
Total Feed
consumption (kg)
4.218
3.937
3.757
3.620
Total feed cost/ chick
(L.E)
10.38
10.09
10.04
10.01
Average body weight
gain (kg)
1.1771
1.1976
1.2780
1.3303
Price/kg body weight
(LE)
18
18
18
18
Selling price (L.E)
21.19
21.56
23.00
23.95
Net revenue per chick
10.81
11.47
12.96
13.94
Economic efficiency*
(EE)
1.04
1.14
1.29
1.39
Relative (REE)
100
110
124
134
P1= 100, P2=200 and P3=300 mg/kg diet. L.E = Egyptian pound. Propolis powder =
1.00 LE/g.
*Economic Efficiency (EE) = (net return / T. Feed cost). Relative economical efficiency
(REE), assuming control treatment = 100 %.
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 
 . 

 )P1
 ,P2
 P3
 
 
P
 
   P2P3      
    IgG, IgM, 

     thymus         



   


2
1