Effect of Propolis Applied to Goat Kids at Weaning Period on Heat Shock Protein Genes

Abstract

Weaning is a stressful period that affects the welfare of goat kids. During this period, goat kids lose weight due to reduced food intake, and they become susceptible to viral and bacterial infections. In recent years, many studies have been carried out on more natural and organic additives to prevent the loss of offspring in goat breeding and to promote their growth and development by limiting the use of antibiotics. Propolis has potent immunomodulatory, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. We aimed to investigate the effects of propolis on weaning stress in this study. The expression levels of the molecular chaperones which modulate the cellular stress response HSP27, HSP60, and HSP70 were examined. The Saanen kids were divided into propolis-treated (n=10) and control (non-propolis treated; n=10) groups. The propolis-treated group was given 0.4 cc of propolis once daily for 2 weeks. Expression levels were calculated by 2 -ΔΔCt using the Pfaffl method in the sample taken on the day after weaning and at the end of the 2-week propolis application. During weaning stress in kids, the expression levels of HSP27 and HSP60 were increased by 2-fold or more while HSP70 was upregulated by 3.57 fold. When 0.4 cc of propolis was administered to kids under weaning stress, there was a statistically significant down-regulation of 0.99-fold in the HSP27, 1.53-fold in the HSP60 level and 2.61-fold in HSP70 level. Our study showed that propolis application reduced stress protein levels during weaning stress.