Propolis extract increases yolk immunoglobulin A without altering broiler breeder egg quality
Academia Biology, vol.4, no.3, 2026 (Scopus)
- Publication Type: Article / Article
- Volume: 4 Issue: 3
- Publication Date: 2026
- Doi Number: 10.20935/acadbiol8478
- Journal Name: Academia Biology
- Journal Indexes: Scopus
- Keywords: broiler breeder, egg quality, feed additives, immunoglobulin, maternal immunity, poultry nutrition, propolis extract
- Ondokuz Mayıs University Affiliated: Yes
Abstract
Introduction: Propolis is a candidate functional feed additive in poultry nutrition, but its combined effects on maternal antibody transfer and egg traits in broiler breeders remain unclear. This study evaluated the effects of dietary propolis extract on egg immunoglobulin deposition and egg quality in broiler breeders. Materials and methods: A total of 330 Ross 308 broiler breeders (300 females, 30 males) were randomly assigned to five dietary treatments: control, 100, 200, 400, or 800 mg/kg propolis extract (n = 6 replicate pens/treatment) from 18 weeks of age until the end of the collection period at 26 weeks of age. A two-phase exploratory design was used. Phase I assessed yolk/albumen immunoglobulin A (IgA), immunoglobulin G (IgG), and immunoglobulin M (IgM) concentrations across all groups using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Phase II evaluated egg quality traits and hatchability in control and 400 mg/kg groups. Results: In phase I, 400 mg/kg propolis significantly increased yolk IgA versus control (19.7 vs. 13.5 μg/mL; +6.2 μg/mL; p < 0.001). Yolk IgG showed a non-significant increase (17,700 vs. 15,600 μg/mL; p > 0.05). Albumen IgA, IgG, and IgM, and yolk IgM showed no significant differences (p > 0.05). Phase II egg quality parameters (Haugh unit, shell thickness, egg weight, specific gravity, and shell strength) showed no significant differences (n = 6, p > 0.05). Hatchability outcomes were derived from pooled eggs and represented exploratory observations. Conclusions: Dietary propolis extract at 400 mg/kg significantly increased yolk IgA without affecting other immunoglobulins or egg quality. Limitations include the exploratory design, limited pen-level replication, phase II evaluation only of control and 400 mg/kg groups, and unreplicated pooled hatchability observations. Further studies with replicated designs are needed to confirm these findings.