The effect of propolis extract on performance and some blood parameters in lambs

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of two different doses of ethanol extract propolis (EEP) containing 30% crude propolis on performance, some health parameters and serum immunoglobulins in weaned lambs. In the study, 30 weaned 3.5-month-old male Trakia Kıvırcık lambs with similar physical characteristics were randomly divided into three groups. The lambs in the first group were not given ethanol extract propolis (EEP0). The lambs in the second group (EEP3) were given 3 mL and the lambs in the third group (EEP6) were given 6 mL EEP (300 mg/mL) orally every morning. The study lasted for 42 days. The body weights, body measurements (body length, withers height, rump height, body depth, chest circumference and shank circumference), feed consumption amounts and health examinations (respiratory frequency, heart frequency, rectal temperature and cough score) of all lambs were recorded weekly. According to the obtained data, weekly feed conversion ratio and body weight gain were calculated. Blood was taken from all lambs on the 0, 21 and 42nd days of the study and IgA, IgG and IgM values were measured from their blood serums to examine their immunity levels. As a result of the study, it was observed that the number of coughs observed in the application groups, especially in the 6 mL EEP group, decreased, serum IgA and IgM levels were high, feed conversion level was positively affected and had the potential to improve body weight gain. However, no significant effect was detected on other body measurements and serum IgG levels of 3 mL (900 mg raw propolis) and 6 mL (1800 mg raw propolis) EEP applications. According to the data obtained from the presented study, it was concluded that 6 mL/day (1800 mg raw propolis) EEP application in weaned lambs has the potential to positively affect feed conversion ratio, health and immune parameters.