Propolis Supplementation Improves Immune response

Propolis supplementation improved productivity, oxidative status, and immune response of Barki ewes and lambs

Vet World. 2019 Jun;12(6):834-843

BUY Concentrated Propolis in Veggie Capsules  

BUY 3-Piece (2 Fountain Pens, Rollerball) Gift Set

Aim:

The present study was conducted to study the effect of propolis administration on bio-hematological parameters, antioxidant enzyme activities, and productivity of Barki ewes during late pregnancy and lactation under the arid conditions.

Materials and Methods:

Twenty-five pregnant Barki ewes were fed the basal diet (n = 12, control) and the basal diet plus propolis (5 g/kg diet, n = 13) for 1 month before parturition and continued 2 months after parturition. Milk yield and milk composition, hematological constituents, antioxidant enzyme activities, thyroid hormones, and lambs birth and weaning weights, and antioxidants were determined.

Results:

Significant (p < 0.05) increase in white blood cells in the propolis group compared to control was observed. Mean corpuscular hemoglobin (Hb) (MCH) and corpuscular Hb (MCH concentration %) were decreased (p < 0.05) in propolis compared to control group. Milk yield was increased (p < 0.05) in the propolis group compared with control and continued to increase with the advancement of lactation. Milk fat and milk total solids increased (p < 0.05) in the propolis group than the control. Plasma immunoglobulin A (IgA) was increased (p < 0.05) in propolis compared to control with no effect in IgM and IgG. Superoxide dismutase, hydrogen peroxide (HP), and nitric oxide were decreased (p < 0.01) in the propolis group compared to control. Weaning weight for lambs born to ewes fed propolis was increased (p < 0.05) at week 8 after birth compared with control lambs. Malondialdehyde and HP activities were decreased (p < 0.01) in lambs born to propolis ewes compared to control.

Conclusion:

Crude Chinese propolis (5 g/d) supplementation improved milk yield, milk composition, and the antioxidant enzymes in Barki ewes and immune functions, growth performance and antioxidant status in their lambs under arid conditions.