Effect of Dietary Turkish Propolis as Alternative to Antibiotic on Performance and Digestibility in Broilers Exposed to Heat Stress

Abstract

To compare the effect of propolis with that of antibiotics on the performance of heat stressed broilers, 240 one day old Ross 308 chicks were divided into 4 groups. Group 1 was reared in a thermo neutral chamber and fed a basal diet. Groups 2-4 were reared in heat stressed chamber and fed a basal diet. Group 2 diet had no supplement, while group 3 diet was supplemented with 50 mg/kg diet flavomycin 40 (including 2 mg / kg diet flavophospholipol) and group IV (propolis) was supplemented with 5 g / kg diet the ethanol extracts of propolis. Heat stress adversely affected body weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion and digestibility of CP and EE, which was partially improved by antibiotic and propolis supplements. As a conclusion, propolis supplementation as alternative to antibiotics in broilers in heat stress conditions may be used as redound to performance and digestibility.