Impacts of Dietary addition of Propolis on Productive Efficiency, Egg Quality, Antioxidants Capacity, Immunity and Inflammation Markers of breeding Laying Hens
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: This research aimed to evaluate the efficacy of adding propolis to the diet on productive efficiency, egg quality traits, hemato-biochemical indices, antioxidant status, immune response, and inflammatory biomarkers in breeding laying hens. Two hundred 28-week-old layers’ hens were randomly distributed into three dietary groups, comprising five replicates each. The control group (G1) received a standard basal mash diet. Groups 2 and 3 received the same diet supplemented with 250 and 500 mg propolis/kg diet, respectively. The results demonstrated that propolis addition significantly increased egg production, egg mass, albumen height, and yolk diameter, while markedly improving the feed conversion ratio compared with the basal diet. Furthermore, dietary propolis significantly elevated hemoglobin levels, red blood cell counts, lymphocyte percentages, and total protein and globulin concentrations. Conversely, it lowered the heterophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, as well as serum levels of triglycerides, cholesterol, uric acid, creatinine, and aspartate and alanine aminotransferases. Regarding oxidative stress and immune responses, propolis administration enhanced antioxidant and immune status, by increasing total antioxidant capacity, elevating key enzymes of antioxidant activities (GSH, SOD, CAT, and GPx), and raising the concentrations of immunoglobulins (IgG and IgM). Concurrently, it significantly suppressed lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde (and pro-inflammatory cytokines, (interferon-gamma, tumor necrosis factor, and interleukins). In conclusion, dietary propolis (250 mg/kg diet) is a promising natural feed additive for laying hens. It can improve productivity and egg quality. Also enhance antioxidant status and immune function. Furthermore, propolis help regulate inflammatory responses.
Language: English
Subfield: Animal Science and Zoology
Domain: Life Sciences
SDG: Zero hunger
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7222882594