Effect of Brazilian red propolis administration on hematological, biochemical variables and parasitic response of Santa Inês ewes during and after flushing period

Abstract

Brazilian red propolis was administered orally to Santa Inês ewes, and evaluation was made of general health and hematological, biochemical, and parasitic responses during and after flushing. Thirty mature, nonlactating, nonpregnant Santa Inês ewes (40 ± 2 kg and 2.5 years old) were grazing tropical pasture (Brachiaria decumbens and Pennisetum purpureum) and, as flushing after synchronization, were supplemented with a concentrate-roughage mixture at a rate of 4 % body weight (BW). Ewes were divided according to BW and fecal egg count (FEC) into two groups (n = 15 each): control and propolis that received propolis ethanolic extract at rates of, respectively, 0 and 3 g/ewe/day. The treatments lasted 21 days until the end of flushing period. BW and body condition score (BCS) were recorded, and blood and fecal samples were taken weekly for 8 weeks. Mean values of BW and BCS were not (P > 0.05) affected by propolis administration. Propolis increased (P < 0.01) total leukocytes (WBC), but no significant differences were observed for other hematological parameters. Propolis increased (P < 0.01) total protein and globulin concentrations and decreased (P < 0.01) triglycerides, glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase, and glutamate pyruvate transaminase. Propolis decreased (P < 0.05) FEC. Propolis administration had good impact on ewe health and may be a promising feed additive during critical periods such as flushing.

Antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects of Brazilian red propolis extract and formononetin in rodents

“…This red propolis presents new chemical substances (triterpenoids, isoflavonoids, prenylated benzophenones, and naphthoquinone epoxide) when compared to other samples (López et al, 2014;Morsy et al, 2013;Righi et al, 2011).…”

Propolis as a Natural Feed Additive in Ruminant Diets; Can Propolis Affect the Ruminants Performance?: A Review

“…Recent studies mentioned to the general improvement of the animals health and immunity that fed propolis. The oral administration of ethanolic extract of Brazilian red propolis to Santa Inês ewes (3 g/ewe/day) during the flushing period increased total leukocytes, total protein and globulin concentrations, while decreased triglycerides, glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase, and glutamate pyruvate transaminase (Morsy et al, 2013). Hashem et al, (2013) found that the dietary ethanolic extract of the Egyptian propolis enhanced hematopoiesis including the number of red blood cells, hematocrite value and hemoglobin concentration.…”

“…Recently, numerous studies have proven the propolis activity against gram positive bacteria, viruses, fungi, oxidants, inflammation, tumors, parasites, protozoa and it may act against methanogenesis (Alencar et al, 2007;Aguiar et al, 2014;Morsy et al, 2013 and2015).…”

“…Macaranga tanarius C-prenylfalavanones phenolic acids, flavonoids, terpenes, lipid-wax substances, beeswax, bio-elements and other components such as vitamins, proteins, amino acids and sugars (Park et al, 2000;Alencar et al, 2007 andGórecka et al, 2014). Assuming that the major compounds are predominantly associated with the biological properties and main activity of propolis, the active components may be found within groups of isoflavones and flavonoids that have been reported to be biologically active (Alencar et al, 2007;Morsy et al, 2013 and2015), within fatty acids, or both. Phenolic compounds constitute the most numerous group of propolis components with respect to the quantity and type.…”

“…For females, propolis flavonoids due to their non-polarity or in complex with serum albumin, can pass the plasma membrane and can attach to the cytoplasmic steroid receptor. Accordingly, flavonoids are carried into the cell nucleus to the transcription complex at the genes controlling the expression of estrogen receptors and perhaps also of other proteins participating in the growth reproduction and function of the mammary gland (Morsy 2013). Propolis administration was found to have a good impact on pregnant ewe health and may be a promising feed additive during critical periods such as flushing (Morsy et al, 2013).…”