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

Trop Anim Health Prod. 2013 Oct;45(7):1609-18. doi: 10.1007/s11250-013-0406-3. Epub 2013 Apr 5.

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.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Blood Chemical Analysis / veterinary
  • Body Composition / drug effects*
  • Body Weight / drug effects*
  • Brazil
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Feces / parasitology
  • Female
  • Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry / veterinary
  • Helminthiasis, Animal / drug therapy*
  • Helminthiasis, Animal / parasitology
  • Hematologic Tests / veterinary
  • Parasite Egg Count / veterinary
  • Propolis / administration & dosage
  • Propolis / pharmacology*
  • Sheep / physiology*
  • Sheep Diseases / drug therapy*
  • Sheep Diseases / parasitology

Substances

  • Propolis