THE INFLUENCE OF PROPOLIS APPLICATION TO MEAT UTILITY ON ROSS 308 BROILER CHICKENS

The aim of the experiment was to monitor the impact of propolis extract (experimental group) for meat utility of the Ross 308 chicken. The dosage of propolis was 0.2 g.kg KKZ-1 throught the fattening (40 days). Application of propolis increased (P≤0.01) slaughter weight (+76.80 g) and carcass weight (+67.90 g) in hens compared to the control group (1790.60 g, resp. 1266.54 g). In group with roosters slaughter weight (+70.80 g) and carcass weight (+56.00 g) were also increased (P≥0.05) in the experimental group compared to control (2086.20 g, resp. 1475.20 g). Offal weight in both sexes was lower (P≥0.05) in the experimental group (135.55 g - ♀, 158.21 g - ♂) compared to control (140.75 g - ♀, 168.55 g - ♂). Carcass yield was higher in hens (P≥0.05) in the experimental group (78.71 %) versus control (78.60 %).The evaluation of meat utility Ross 308 chickens  without distinction of sex did not show significant differences (P≥0.05), but a slight increase in slaughter weight and in the carcass weight in group with application of propolis extract in their fattening. Contrary slightly lower offal weight (-7.77 g) and carcass yield (-0.21 %) were found in the experimental group of chickens without distinction of sex (P≥0.05) compared to control group (weight of offal - 154.65 g, carcass yield - 78.69 %). We recommend the application of propolis as a possible supplement in the fattening of chickens, as it increases the performance parameters of meat and may also positively affect the economy of production.  doi:10.5219/48