Encyclopedia
Please note this is a comparison between Version 1 by Karim El-Sabrout and Version 2 by Lindsay Dong.
Poultry and rabbit production are important and rapidly growing agricultural subsectors, particularly in several developing countries. To ensure the sustainability of poultry and rabbit production, realistic poultry and rabbit farming practices must be improved. Apitherapy is a traditional alternative medicine that involves the prevention and treatment of some diseases with several bee products including propolis, royal jelly, pollen, and venom. More feeding investigations on the numerous benefits of bee products for poultry and rabbits are crucial to be addressed. Poultry and rabbit production has recently experienced numerous challenges, including climate change, disease spread, and antibiotic misuse. Improving animal welfare, health, and production is a top priority for all livestock farms, as is supplying consumers with safe and healthy products.
- antioxidant
- bee venom
- chicken
- rabbits
- immunity
1. Introduction
Small-livestock farming, such as poultry and rabbits, is an important component of food production, helping to meet the expanding global need for protein-rich foods. Consumers have expressed considerable interest in enhancing animal welfare and product quality. In several developed countries, they have also become interested in functional, healthy, and organic foods [1]. However, poultry and rabbit industries have recently experienced numerous challenges, including climate change, disease spread, and antibiotic misuse. Antibiotics have been widely used in poultry and rabbit farms for decades to increase animal productive traits [2][3][4][5][2,3,4,5]. Overuse of antibiotics as growth promoters in poultry and rabbit farms has resulted in several adverse effects, including the development of microbial resistance and transference [5][6][7][5,6,7], and the residues remaining in the consumed product. Various strategies have been applied to deal with this misuse of synthetic drugs; one of these strategies is to use natural substances such as honeybee products in poultry and rabbit farms to improve animal welfare and produce healthier products.
Apitherapy is a subspecialty of complementary medicine that involves using Apis mellifera L. produced materials, including honey and venom, for the treatment of various diseases. Bee products not only provide essential nutrients, but also have medicinal properties [3][4][3,4]. Thus, they can be applied in animal diets, drinking water, and by muscular injection to improve productivity, immunity, and health [3][4][8][9][3,4,8,9]. Bee products can also be administered for better chick quality through the in ovo technique, as a recent aspect of poultry farming [10][11][10,11]. Injecting 10 µg of bee venom extract (melittin)/egg on day 18 of incubation increased the post-hatch chick’s weight and enhanced immunological indicators (immunoglobulins, T cells, and B cells) [12]. Furthermore, bee products, particularly royal jelly and propolis, can promote some vitamin synthesis by providing the precursors required for this synthesis, enhancing their synthesis pathway, and improving organs generated [3][4][13][3,4,13]. However, bee products can be considered an excellent functional food to be added to poultry and rabbit diets, but to avoid harming animal’s digestive system or poisoning, it is always advisable to be cautious and introduce new foods gradually and moderately, as well as considering the animal’s age and safe doses because there are no available studies on the safe dosage limits of these substances for poultry and rabbits until now. In addition, some bee products contain anti-nutrients, which are chemical compounds that can interfere with nutrient absorption, such as bee honey that contains a tiny amount of cyanide [14] and bee venom that contains melittin, a peptide toxin [15].
The consumption of products that protect health appears as the primary preference of people. Every year, new studies that indicate the impact of bee products on animal products and global health are conducted, and the importance of these studies is gradually increasing. Many natural substances produced by honeybees, such as propolis, royal jelly, beeswax, venom, slum gum, and pollen have unique structures and high nutritional value with a variety of medicinal qualities [16][28]. Despite some of these substances being considered by-products, they are sources of bioactive compounds with relevant biological effects and significant impacts on animal physiological and productive performance [4][17][18][4,29,30]. Several studies have found that bee products, with a high content of essential amino acids, antioxidants, active enzymes, vitamins, minerals, antibacterial, antiprotozoal, and immunostimulant substances, can improve animals’ growth, meat quality, and immunological performance [3][4][19][20][21][22][3,4,31,32,33,34] (Figure 1).
Figure 1. The potential role of bee products on poultry and rabbit performance.
2. Potential Effects of Bee Products on Poultry and Rabbit Performance
2.1. Bee Propolis
Bee propolis (known as bee glue) is a natural bio-product rich in resins, phenolic acids, and flavonoids, besides containing active enzymes, minerals, and vitamins, which have significant antioxidant and antimicrobial activities [3][23][24][25]. Bee propolis has many positive effects on livestock animals, such as improving productive traits including feed efficiency, body weight, milk yield, and immunity [3][4][26].
Hassan et al. [27] reported that dietary inclusion of propolis in broiler diets (300 mg/kg diet) increased growth performance and immune response. This inclusion also improved some blood biochemical traits, such as total protein and globulin, while decreasing blood cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations. Serum biochemical profile, including total protein, globulin, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), aspartate aminotransferase (AST)/alanine aminotransferase (ALT), hormones (triiodothyronine (T
The potential role of bee products on poultry and rabbit performance.
2. Potential Effects of Bee Products on Poultry and Rabbit Performance
2.1. Bee Propolis
Bee propolis (known as bee glue) is a natural bio-product rich in resins, phenolic acids, and flavonoids, besides containing active enzymes, minerals, and vitamins, which have significant antioxidant and antimicrobial activities [3,50,51,52]. Bee propolis has many positive effects on livestock animals, such as improving productive traits including feed efficiency, body weight, milk yield, and immunity [3,4,53].
Hassan et al. [54] reported that dietary inclusion of propolis in broiler diets (300 mg/kg diet) increased growth performance and immune response. This inclusion also improved some blood biochemical traits, such as total protein and globulin, while decreasing blood cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations. Serum biochemical profile, including total protein, globulin, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), aspartate aminotransferase (AST)/alanine aminotransferase (ALT), hormones (triiodothyronine (T) and corticosterone), and cholesterol concentrations, is a good indicator of animal health and production because blood biochemical trait concentrations are related to several productive traits and immunological health performance [42,55,56,57].
On the other hand, adding propolis to rabbit diets, at the level of 250–500 mg/kg of diet, lowered the colonization of
3) and corticosterone), and cholesterol concentrations, is a good indicator of animal health and production because blood biochemical trait concentrations are related to several productive traits and immunological health performance [28][29][30][31].
Salmonella
spp. and Escherichia coli in the cecum of treated rabbits [32]. Thus, this addition can improve growing rabbits’ immune response by positively impacting the microbiota in the cecum [32]. Similarly, Sierra-Galicia et al. [33] reported that propolis supplementation (50 μL/kg body weight) can work as a natural growth promoter in rabbits and prevent coccidiosis without affecting rabbit health and meat quality.
in the cecum of treated rabbits [36]. Thus, this addition can improve growing rabbits’ immune response by positively impacting the microbiota in the cecum [36]. Similarly, Sierra-Galicia et al. [37] reported that propolis supplementation (50 μL/kg body weight) can work as a natural growth promoter in rabbits and prevent coccidiosis without affecting rabbit health and meat quality.
El-Sherbiny [34] showed that the administration of propolis (10 mg/0.5 mL water) to rabbit bucks orally during summer months improved their reproductive performance and semen quality as determined by higher testosterone concentration, conception rate, libido, ejaculate volume, and sperm concentration, as well as enhanced liver functions. Furthermore, Attia et al. [35] found that propolis with bee pollen significantly increased does’ litter size (~39%) and milk yield (~43.5%), while decreased feed intake (~4.5%), as well as increased plasma total protein (~43%), albumin (~45.5%), and globulin (~40%).
El-Sherbiny [63] showed that the administration of propolis (10 mg/0.5 mL water) to rabbit bucks orally during summer months improved their reproductive performance and semen quality as determined by higher testosterone concentration, conception rate, libido, ejaculate volume, and sperm concentration, as well as enhanced liver functions. Furthermore, Attia et al. [64] found that propolis with bee pollen significantly increased does’ litter size (~39%) and milk yield (~43.5%), while decreased feed intake (~4.5%), as well as increased plasma total protein (~43%), albumin (~45.5%), and globulin (~40%).
2.2. Bee Pollen
Bee pollen grains (also called bee bread) are the cells of the male reproductive spore of flowers collected and combined with special enzymes and natural substances derived from bee salivary gland secretion [4][36]. It provides a variety of essential dietary components for both humans and animals. Due to the substantial quantity of proteins (~23%), essential amino acids (~10%), carbohydrates (~30%), vitamins, minerals, polyphenols, tannins, and essential fatty acids (~5%), bee pollen has been employed as a natural growth promoter and health booster for farm animals [37][38][39][40].
Bee pollen grains (also called bee bread) are the cells of the male reproductive spore of flowers collected and combined with special enzymes and natural substances derived from bee salivary gland secretion [4,69]. It provides a variety of essential dietary components for both humans and animals. Due to the substantial quantity of proteins (~23%), essential amino acids (~10%), carbohydrates (~30%), vitamins, minerals, polyphenols, tannins, and essential fatty acids (~5%), bee pollen has been employed as a natural growth promoter and health booster for farm animals [70,71,72,73].
Bee pollen, according to [36], can increase an animal’s body weight by improving feed conversion and increasing the surface area of the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum’s intestinal villi [41]. Additionally, it may be the driving force behind better carcass and meat quality due to a decrease in fat deposition and an increase in amino acids. Likewise, Nemauluma et al. [42] reported that bee pollen inclusion in the starter diets (12 g/kg) has positive effects on growth performance and carcass yield without any adverse effect on the meat quality of broiler chickens.
Bee pollen, according to [69], can increase an animal’s body weight by improving feed conversion and increasing the surface area of the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum’s intestinal villi [74]. Additionally, it may be the driving force behind better carcass and meat quality due to a decrease in fat deposition and an increase in amino acids. Likewise, Nemauluma et al. [75] reported that bee pollen inclusion in the starter diets (12 g/kg) has positive effects on growth performance and carcass yield without any adverse effect on the meat quality of broiler chickens.
Bee pollen administered to broilers’ basal diet at a rate of 20 g/kg diet resulted in a 15.5% increase in average daily gain compared to the control group [43]. This increase may be due to the antibacterial properties of phytogenic compounds and the presence of micronutrients with beneficial effects on metabolism and bird health [44]. This positive effect could also be attributed to bee pollen’s nutritional value as a good supply of protein (approximately 23%), essential amino acids (such as lysine and leucine), fat (approximately 4%), unsaturated fatty acids (such as oleic, linoleic, and linolenic), minerals (such as iron and zinc), and total carbohydrates (approximately 60%). Furthermore, bee pollen stimulates the absorptive and digestive functions of broilers by increasing the absorptive capacity of the intestine by making the villi thicker and longer [41] in relation to a significant increase in body weight gain due to higher protein anabolism and the numerous enzymes supporting the digestive process [45]. Bee pollen (5 g/kg diet) has also been shown in studies to improve growth performance and weight gain in Japanese quails [46]. Bee pollen could be employed in chicken diets as a potential feed additive with prebiotic activity [36].
Bee pollen administered to broilers’ basal diet at a rate of 20 g/kg diet resulted in a 15.5% increase in average daily gain compared to the control group [78]. This increase may be due to the antibacterial properties of phytogenic compounds and the presence of micronutrients with beneficial effects on metabolism and bird health [79]. This positive effect could also be attributed to bee pollen’s nutritional value as a good supply of protein (approximately 23%), essential amino acids (such as lysine and leucine), fat (approximately 4%), unsaturated fatty acids (such as oleic, linoleic, and linolenic), minerals (such as iron and zinc), and total carbohydrates (approximately 60%). Furthermore, bee pollen stimulates the absorptive and digestive functions of broilers by increasing the absorptive capacity of the intestine by making the villi thicker and longer [74] in relation to a significant increase in body weight gain due to higher protein anabolism and the numerous enzymes supporting the digestive process [80]. Bee pollen (5 g/kg diet) has also been shown in studies to improve growth performance and weight gain in Japanese quails [38]. Bee pollen could be employed in chicken diets as a potential feed additive with prebiotic activity [69].
According to [47], the inclusion of bee pollen as an oral supplement (250 or 350 mg/kg body weight) can improve growing rabbits’ blood biochemical parameters, feed conversion ratio, and immunity. This supplementation can also increase T
According to [41], the inclusion of bee pollen as an oral supplement (250 or 350 mg/kg body weight) can improve growing rabbits’ blood biochemical parameters, feed conversion ratio, and immunity. This supplementation can also increase T3 and IGF-1 levels in the plasma without any negative effect on carcass quality. Moreover, bee pollen and propolis combination positively increased rabbits’ body weight, besides decreasing blood cholesterol level, and aspartate aminotransferase/alanine aminotransferase ratio [35].
and IGF-1 levels in the plasma without any negative effect on carcass quality. Moreover, bee pollen and propolis combination positively increased rabbits’ body weight, besides decreasing blood cholesterol level, and aspartate aminotransferase/alanine aminotransferase ratio [64].
2.3. Royal Jelly
Royal jelly is a prominent bee product that is extensively utilized as a natural nourishment for humans and animals due to its high content of essential nutrients. It is high in vitamins B and C, folic acid, and phenolic acids. It is also a good source of minerals. It has various important biological functions in living beings, such as serving as an antioxidant agent, growth promoter, and immunostimulant [9]. Royal jelly’s antioxidant action is mostly due to the presence of polyphenolic substances. It can be utilized to promote growth rate, gastrointestinal health, and immunological response in animals [9,83]. According to Saeed et al. [9], supplementing poultry diets with royal jelly provides an opportunity to maximize profits from safe and high-quality poultry products. Previous studies that have focused on supplementation of poultry diets with royal jelly (50–200 mg/kg) have shown a substantial increase in body weight, egg production, semen quality, and immune response, as well as producing healthier products [9,83,84,85]. Under heat stress, administering royal jelly to growing rabbits can improve body weight gain and feed conversion ratio as well as alleviate the physiological stress caused by heat stress, according to [86].2.4. Bee Venom
2.3. Royal Jelly
Honeybee venom (also known as apitoxin) is a complex biogenic mixture that is produced in the venom gland of honeybees and has several pharmaceutical and medical properties [87,88,89]. It is composed of water (88%) and various substances, including peptides and enzymes (such as esterase and protease), while melittin (one of the antimicrobial peptides) is the most effective and powerful agent [90,91,92]. It also contains important substances such as apamin and adolapin (polypeptides), which have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties [92,93]. Research studies indicate that bee venom and its primary extract (melittin) have the potential to be used as a natural drug to prevent diabetes complications by restraining glycation-induced alteration in the secondary structure and hemoglobin function [94]. They also have high anti-cancer potential by triggering apoptosis and diminishing the cell cycle without significantly damaging normal cells [95].Royal jelly is a prominent bee product that is extensively utilized as a natural nourishment for humans and animals due to its high content of essential nutrients. It is high in vitamins B and C, folic acid, and phenolic acids. It is also a good source of minerals. It has various important biological functions in living beings, such as serving as an antioxidant agent, growth promoter, and immunostimulant [9]. Royal jelly’s antioxidant action is mostly due to the presence of polyphenolic substances. It can be utilized to promote growth rate, gastrointestinal health, and immunological response in animals [9][48]. According to Saeed et al. [9], supplementing poultry diets with royal jelly provides an opportunity to maximize profits from safe and high-quality poultry products. Previous studies that have focused on supplementation of poultry diets with royal jelly (50–200 mg/kg) have shown a substantial increase in body weight, egg production, semen quality, and immune response, as well as producing healthier products [9][48][49][50]. Under heat stress, administering royal jelly to growing rabbits can improve body weight gain and feed conversion ratio as well as alleviate the physiological stress caused by heat stress, according to [51].
2.4. Bee Venom
Honeybee venom (also known as apitoxin) is a complex biogenic mixture that is produced in the venom gland of honeybees and has several pharmaceutical and medical properties [52][53][54]. It is composed of water (88%) and various substances, including peptides and enzymes (such as esterase and protease), while melittin (one of the antimicrobial peptides) is the most effective and powerful agent [55][56][57]. It also contains important substances such as apamin and adolapin (polypeptides), which have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties [57][58]. Research studies indicate that bee venom and its primary extract (melittin) have the potential to be used as a natural drug to prevent diabetes complications by restraining glycation-induced alteration in the secondary structure and hemoglobin function [59]. They also have high anti-cancer potential by triggering apoptosis and diminishing the cell cycle without significantly damaging normal cells [60].On the other hand, bee venom can be a safe naturalistic growth promoter, antioxidant, immune stimulant, and anti-inflammatory replacement for synthetic chemical drugs in rabbit farms, as injecting 0.3 mg bee venom/rabbit twice weekly improved rabbit productive performance and welfare considerably [4][61][4,98]. According to Adel et al. [62][49], injecting growing rabbits with 0.3 mg/rabbit of bee venom twice a week from 5 to 10 weeks of age resulted in significantly higher feed conversion ratio and body weight compared to the control group, as well as better carcass quality and relative economic efficiency.
