Use Of Propolis As A Natural Additive In The Production Of Broiler Chickens

Abstract

Propolis is a resinous and sticky substance that bees collect from tree shoots and mix it with their own salivary secretions, making it an ideal source of protein for animal growth and its high content of vitamins and other substances such as antioxidants, antimicrobials, anti-inflammatories, immunostimulants. Objective: to characterize the chemical properties of propolis as a natural additive that strengthens the immune system in birds. A quantitative, experimental methodology was used, where 64 chickens of the Cobb 500 line of 1 day of birth were used, with the random distribution of 4 groups made up of 16 chickens and 4 replications per group: T0 base diet (Control), T1 base diet + propolis in drinking water 5%, T2 base diet + propolis in drinking water (10%),    Base diet T3 + propolis in drinking water 15%, the experimental units were distributed under a Completely Randomized Design (DCA). As a result, it was obtained that they reached an average weight in week 8 of T2 (10%) of 2855.55g higher than the other treatments and especially the T1 Control, with a feed intake of 4413.30 g and a feed conversion of 1.54; mortality of 4.68% in T0 and T1 in the third week vs. T2 and T3 that mortality was 0%, and a net benefit of 1.05 for T2 (10%). Concluding that the addition of propolis in drinking water for broilers increases weight, promotes the immune system preventing viruses and bacteria from affecting poultry production and obtaining minimum mortality parameters.