Raw Propolis as a Promising Feed Additive in Poultry Nutrition: Trends and Advances

Abstract

Propolis is a resinous beehive product also known as bee glue that is collected by honeybees from several plants. Honeybee insects blend this viscous and non-toxic substance with the help of their salivary gland secretions and flecks of wax produced by special abdominal glands. It possesses valuable properties such as immuno-modulatory, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, anti-oxidative, antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, antitumor and cardio-protective. A substantial amount of literature has documented its positive effects on poultry regarding growth, immunity, meat quality, microbiota of gastrointestinal tract, and blood hematology. Propolis contains about 200-300 natural compounds. Its biological and pharmacological properties are mainly due to the presence of a great amount of polyphenols including flavonoids, triterpenes, phenolic acid esters (ferulates and caffeates), aromatic acids, diterpenic acids and lignans as well. Currently, most of the interesting research has been focused on biological properties of propolis and its potential health promoting effects in humans, livestock animals and poultry. Therefore, this review aimed to explore the nutritional and medicinal importance of propolis as a safe feed supplement for the improvement of poultry health and performance as well as an alternative of the synthetic antibiotics growth promoters which are worldwide banned.