Propolis intervention for enhancing poultry resilience to heat stress

Abstract

In this opinion article, we delve into the potential of propolis, a natural compound produced by bees, as a promising strategy to alleviate heat stress in both broiler chickens and laying hens within the poultry industry. Heat stress constitutes a significant challenge in the poultry industry, exerting adverse effects on productivity and animal well-being. Thermal stress can result in diminished food intake, impairing growth rate, carcass yield, meat quality, and egg production. Additionally, animals expend more energy attempting to dissipate this heat, culminating in reduced weight gain. Propolis, renowned for its antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties, emerges as a potential solution to this predicament. Nevertheless, further research is requisite to substantiate the efficacy of propolis in this context. This article aims to contribute to the existing literature by providing a comprehensive analysis of current studies on propolis use in the poultry industry and highlighting areas for future research.