The effect of native propolis on serum biochemical parameters in weaned piglets

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the influence of native propolis on the growth performance of weaned piglets by monitoring changes to the selected biochemical parameters (total proteins, albumins, ALP, AST, ALT, GGT, GLU, UREA, CHOL and TRIG). Sixty piglets were divided into 2 groups. Piglets in the control group (CON-30) were fed with a standard feed mix (SFM) while the SFM of the piglets in experimental (EXP-30) group was daily enriched with propolis in a dose of 1 g/kg SFM. Feed intake, mortality and serum biochemical parameters were monitored regularly. In the EXP-30 group the levels of ALP, GGT, UREA, CHOL and TRIG increased while the concentration of albumins decreased compared to the CON-30 group. This study showed that propolis-enriched food positively influenced overall health, which may in the long-term provide faster growth of healthier and heavier animals.