Effect of Bee Venom on Production Performance and Immune Response of Broilers

Abstract

SUMMAYuring recent years, researchers evaluated many of eco-friendly alternatives to antibiotics such natural bee products as growth promoters in poultry production to improve the productive efficiency, modify the gut microflora, control diseases and enhancing the immune-response. The present study aimed at assessing the impacts of bee venom in drinking water on the growth performance, carcass merits, blood health, and immunity of broilers. Three hundreds and seventy five unsexed one-day old Avian chicks with an initial body weight of (45.2 ± 0.7g), were obtained from a local commercial hatchery. Chicks were kept at a private poultry farm under supervision of Animal Production Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Tanta University. Chicks were divided randomly into five equal experimental groups; each group divided into 3 replicates; each replicate has 25 birds. Control group (C) received drinking water without any supplementation (tap water). Treatment 1, 2, 3 and 4 received drinking water treated with bee venom at the level of (0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 mg/Liter), respectively. Results showed that, birds received bee venom at the level of 2.0 mg/L drinking water had significantly (P≤0.05 and 0.01) the highest body weight. Chicks received bee venom at the level of 2.0, 1.5 and 1.0 mg/L. drinking water recorded superior (p≤0.05) weekly body weight gains than those fed 0.5 mg/L and control group. The highest (p≤0.05) amount (3008.9gm) of total feed consumption per bird recorded by the control group compared to (2908.9, 2907.0, 2916.6 or 2916.2) of those received bee venom at the levels of 2.0, 1.5, 1.0 or 0.5 mg/L, respectively. Regarding feed conversion ratio, through the whole experimental period (0 to 5 week), there were no significant differences among treated groups while, it has a significant improvement compared to birds in control group. There were significant (P≤0.05) effects for carcass, dressing, abdominal fat and relative liver, thymus, and spleen weights between broilers received drinking water supplemented with different levels of bee venom and those of the control. No significant differences (P>0.05) were observed for each IgA, IgG, and IgM. It could be concluded that the use of bee venom in drinking water of broilers up to 2mg/L. is able to improve productive performance, carcass traits and some blood biochemical parameters.

Bee Products for Poultry and Rabbits: Current Challenges and Perspectives

“…[29] Administered in drinking water up to 2 mg/L Boosts body weight, dressing percentage, carcass quality, and immunity of broilers. [44] Added at 2, 4, and 8 mg/kg body weight/day in drinking water…”

“…Bee venom supplementation in drinking water (1 mg/L) had a substantial effect on broiler performance, including body weight, feed intake, and antioxidative capacity, especially during the early stages of life [96]. In the same manner, El-Banna et al [44] revealed that the use of bee venom in drinking water of broilers up to 2 mg/L can improve productive performance such as body weight, dressing percentage, and carcass traits as well as some internal organs (thymus, liver, and spleen). Bee venom can also stimulate and enhance chicks' immune responses by being injected with 0.5 mg/bird [97].…”

Impact of bee venom supplement on productive performance, health status and economics of weaned male rabbits: Considering breed and dosage factors

“…Each experimental group received drinking water from individual containers. The selection of BV dosage was guided by prior research demonstrating improved growth performance and immune response in broiler chickens (El‐Banna et al, 2023; Han et al, 2010).…”

“…The BV compound was administered orally by incorporating it into the drinking water at concentrations of 0.5, 1 and 2 mg/L of drinking water every day for eight weeks. The dosage was established following the manufacturer's specifications and by considering pertinent research conducted by Han et al (2010) and El‐Banna et al (2023). The lyophilized purified BV used in this study was obtained from Umbrella Pharmaceuticals LLC.…”