Authors : Banu Yucel, Zumrut Acikgoz, Hakan Bayraktar and Cigdem Seremet
Abstract: This study examined the anabolic and androgenic effects of apilarnil, a bee product on broilers. The study included 40 Ross-308 genotype broilers aged 21 days. The broilers were separated equally into two groups; an experimental group that was administered apilarnil and a control group. Between the 22 and 42 days, apilarnil was administered to the apilarnil group (4 g/broiler/day) and the same amount of water was given to broilers in the control group orally. In the apilarnil group, it was determined that body weight gain and feed intake showed significant decreases between the 29 and 35 days and body weight gain appeared a significant increase between the 36 and 42 days. From 22-28 and 36-42 days, feed conversion of the apilarnil-administered male broilers was found to be better than in the control group. However, apilarnil administration during the growth period had no affect on the male broilers’ body weight on 42nd day. Apilarnil administration stimulated length of comb and length and width of wattle in male broilers. The results indicate that apilarnil has an androgenic effect rather than an anabolic effect.
Banu Yucel, Zumrut Acikgoz, Hakan Bayraktar and Cigdem Seremet, 2011. The Effects of Apilarnil (Drone Bee Larvae) Administration on Growth Performance and Secondary Sex Characteristics of Male Broilers. Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 10: 2263-2266.