Effect of Propolis Supplementation on Serum Calcium, Phosphorus and Proteins Concentrations in Heat Stressed Broilers

Abstract

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of Chinese propolis dietary supplementations on serum total calcium, phosphorus, albumin, globulin and total protein of broilers exposed to chronic heat stress. Whereas heat stressed broilers fed with basal diets (controls) and supplemented with Propolis (250 mg/kg/day) or with Propolis (500 mg/kg/day) or with Propolis (750 mg/kg/day) were exposed to 38.0±1.4°C. Serum biochemical markers, serum calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), albumin, globulin and total protein were assessed at the end of the experimental period. Serum concentrations of total proteins, albumin, globulins, calcium, phosphorus, were not significantly altered compared to the controls. Dietary supplementations of low dose of propolis not significantly increase the serum total protein concentration, total globulin, Ca: P ratio and serum calcium concentration, while, reduced the serum phosphorus level and the albumin: globulin ratio. But, the higher doses had a conversely effect.