Green propolis extract derived from Mimosa tenuiflora as an additive in the diet of sheep.

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of increasing doses (0, 6, 12, 18, and 24 mL/day) of green propolis extract (GPE) on intake, apparent digestibility, ingestive behavior, water balance, ruminal parameters, hematology, serum biochemistry, and nitrogen balance in feedlot sheep. We used five castrated male sheep, ½ Dorper x ½ Santa Inês, with a mean age of 26 months and weight of 47.94 ± 4.73 kg. The increase in GPE levels did not influence (P > 0.05) the intake and apparent digestibility of dry matter, crude protein, and neutral detergent fiber in sheep. Feeding, rumination, and leisure time were not influenced (P > 0.05) by the increase in the GPE supplied to sheep. The pH (6.14 ± 0.25) and ruminal ammonia nitrogen (8.27 mg/dL) values were also not influenced (P > 0.05) by increasing doses of GPE. The water absorbed and nitrogen retained by the sheep were also not influenced (P > 0.05) by the increase in the GPE supplied. Serum biochemistry was not influenced (P > 0.05). However, the concentrations of eosinophils and monocytes were altered (P < 0.05) by the supply of GPE to sheep. The supply of up to 24 mL/day of GPE does not interfere with intake, apparent digestibility, ingestive behavior, water balance, and nitrogen balance of feedlot sheep. Still, it influences the immune response and liver activity of animals.