Modulating effect of propolis and bee pollen on chicken breeding parameters and pathomorphology of liver and kidneys in the course of natural infection with Salmonella Enteritidis

The liver and kidneys of broilers fed during the first two weeks of fattening a fodder containing the addition of 0.025% propolis and/or 0.5% pollen were examined macroscopically and microscopically. Additionally, the effects of these substances on the results of breeding and on pathomorphology of the liver and kidneys in the course of natural, asymptomatic infection with Salmonella Enteritidis were determined. The results demonstrated that propolis has protective effects on the liver of broiler chickens, reducing the intensity of regressive lesions. However, regarding supplementation of the diet with bee pollen, additional research on its effects in animals is needed.