Effects of propolis extract administration on immune parameters, faecal consistency scores, and growth performance of Holstein-Friesian calves

The purpose of the study was to investigate the effect of Ethanolic Extract of Propolis (EEP) administration on immune parameters, faecal consistency scores, growth performance, and feed efficiency of Holstein Friesian calves. A total of 24 calves were divided into two different groups, control (n = 12) and EEP (n = 12). Both groups consisted of 6 male and 6 female calves. The calves were fed milk amounting to 10% of their birth weight each day until they reached 60 days of age. Additionally, they were given starter feed and dry hay once a day. Calves assigned to the EEP group received 4 ml of EEP daily. Use of EEP increased (P < 0.05) the serum IgG and IgM levels at 2 months of age compared to the control group. EEP also showed efficacy (P < 0.01) in reducing faecal consistency in calves throughout the study. The levels of IL-1 beta, IL-6, TNF-alpha and NF-kappa B expression in calves treated with EEP were lower (P < 0.05) throughout the EEP application period. On the other hand, IGF-1 mRNA transcript levels were (P < 0.01) higher in EEP group calves than in the control group. Furthermore, EEP-fed calves consumed less dry matter for 1 kg of live weight gain during the weaning-4 months (P < 0.01) and birth-4 months (P < 0.05) periods. These results indicate that EEP supplementation, through its immunostimulatory effects, plays a crucial role in the control of neonatal calf diarrhoea. Growth and development as well as IGF-1, which stimulates growth in almost all somatic cells, was also significantly increased by EEP supplementation. The combined effect of the rich bioactive compounds found in EEP appears to have a significant impact on health and well-being, resulting in improved early life performance in dairy calves.