Effects of Propolis as an Organic Growth Promoter on Growth Performance and Carcass Characteristics of Cobb 500 Broiler Chickens
Authors
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Glory Zerah Azza
Department of Animal, Aquaculture and Range Sciences (DAARS), College of Agriculture, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro, Tanzania
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Charles Moses Lyimo
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Claudius David Luziga
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Robinson Hammerthon Mdegela
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Sebastian Wilson Chenyambuga
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.66920/ijps.2026.78.86Keywords:
Broiler chickens, carcass characteristics, growth performance, meat quality, organic growth promoter, propolis extractAbstract
Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of propolis extract as a natural organic growth promoter on growth performance, carcass characteristics and meat quality of Cobb 500 broiler chickens, in comparison with a commercial broiler booster.
Materials and Methods: A total of 100 day-old broiler chicks were randomly allocated to five treatment groups: Control (CTR), commercial broiler booster (CBB) and propolis extract administered via drinking water at concentrations of 100 g/L (P1), 200 g/L (P2) and 300 g/L (P3). Birds were reared under deep-litter conditions for six weeks and fed standard starter, grower and finisher diets. Growth performance, carcass traits, organ weights and meat quality parameters were assessed at the end of the experimental period.
Results: Propolis supplementation at 100 g/L (P1) significantly improved feed conversion ratio, weight gain and muscle development, particularly breast and thigh weights, compared with the control group. Despite lower feed intake, birds in P1 exhibited higher weight gain, indicating superior feed efficiency. Meat quality analysis showed that P1 resulted in the lowest shear force and pH values, along with higher redness (a*) values, suggesting improved meat tenderness and enhanced antioxidant status. Organ weights, including liver, intestine and gizzard, were significantly higher in P1, indicating improved metabolic and digestive activity. In contrast, higher propolis concentrations (P2 and P3) were associated with reduced performance, demonstrating a dose-dependent response. Carcass weights were numerically higher in P1 and P3, although these differences were not statistically significant.
Conclusion: Propolis extract administered at 100 g/L in drinking water effectively enhanced growth performance, carcass characteristics and meat quality in broiler chickens. This dosage represents an optimal, natural and sustainable alternative to synthetic growth promoters, supporting improved poultry productivity while reducing reliance on antibiotics.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Glory Zerah Azza, Charles Moses Lyimo, Claudius David Luziga, Robinson Hammerthon Mdegela, Sebastian Wilson Chenyambuga
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