Red propolis as an additive for preweaned dairy calves: Effect on growth performance, health, and selected blood parameters

摘要

Propolis is a natural product produced by bees andsold commercially. It is well known for its antioxidantand anti-inflammatory effects and the ability to improveimmune system functions in humans and animals.Many of its positive effects can contribute positivelyto animal productivity. The aim of this study was toevaluate possible beneficial effects of red propolissupplementation on growth performance, metabolism,and health status of dairy calves during the preweaningphase. Thirty-two newborn calves were individuallyhoused, with free access to water and concentrate, andfed 6 L/d of whole milk. Animals were distributed in 2treatments: (1) control and (2) supplementation with4 mL/d of red propolis ethanolic extract (30%; EEP)in whole milk. Feed consumption and fecal and healthscores were monitored daily from 1 d of age to 56 d.Calves were weighed and measured weekly. Blood sampleswere collected weekly, 2 h after morning milk feeding,for determination of glucose, total serum protein,urea, lactate, β-hydroxybutyrate, total iron bindingcapacity, and total leukocytes (white blood cells) anderythrocytes (red blood cells). Starter feed intake, dailyweight gain, and body measurements were not affectedby the EEP supplementation. Blood parameters werealso not affected, with the exception for the red bloodcell counts, which were lower in animals supplementedwith EEP. Supplementation with EEP significantly decreasedfecal score, days with diarrhea, and veterinarytreatments of diarrhea. These results indicate that redpropolis supplementation has potential to improve calfhealth and reduce the incidence of diarrhea and, as aconsequence, the use of antibiotics in calf rearing systems.