Effects of dietary beeswax supplementation on growth performance, carcass traits and biochemical parameters of Cobb 500 broiler chickens

Authors

  • Hippolyte MEKUIKO WATSOP School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ngaoundere
  • Lydie MAIDJAKBA School of Veterinary Medicine and Sciences, University of Ngaoundere, P.O. Box: 454, Ngaoundere, Cameroon
  • Mama MOUCHILI Faculty of Sciences, University of Ebolowa
  • François DJITIE KOUATCHO Faculty of Sciences, University of Ngaoundere, Ngaoundere
  • Jules LEMOUFOUET Faculty of Agronomy and Agricultural Sciences, University of Dschang, Dschang
  • Danut Nicolae ENEA University of Agronomic Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Bucharest, 59 Marasti Blvd, District 1, Bucharest
  • Aoudou YAOUBA School of Veterinary Medicine and Sciences, University of Ngaoundere, P.O. Box: 454, Ngaoundere

Abstract

Background and objectives: The Cameroonian poultry industry is experiencing significant growth, but it continues to face challenges such as rising feed costs and the excessive use of growth promoters. The present study aimed to evaluate the additive effect of beeswax on production performance, carcass characteristics, and some biochemical parameters in broiler chickens.

Materials and methods: A total of 192 Cobb 500 chicks aged 7 days and weighing an average of 76.57±1.24 g were used and divided into 4 groups: a control group (L0) receiving a basic diet and three experimental groups randomly receiving a basic diet supplemented with 0.25% (L1), 0.50% (L2), and 0.75% (L3) beeswax powder.

Results: The results of this study revealed that incorporating beeswax into the broiler chicken diet significantly improved (p˂0.05) certain growth parameters (average daily gain and feed conversion ratio). Specifically, 0.25% supplementation (L1) led to a significant improvement in the average daily gain (3%), the average feed conversion ratio (16.17%), and mortality rate (50%). A significant decrease (p < 0.05) in feed intake (FI) was observed during the finishing phase (weeks 4–5) for groups L2 and L3. An inclusion rate of 0.25% of beeswax offers the best balance, improving growth performance while reducing feed costs.

Conclusion: Beeswax shows potential as a beneficial feed additive, offering a natural alternative for use in poultry feed.

 Keywords: Bee products, feed supplement, growth performance, poultry

References

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Published

25.07.2026

How to Cite

MEKUIKO WATSOP, H., MAIDJAKBA, L., MOUCHILI, M., DJITIE KOUATCHO, F., LEMOUFOUET, J., ENEA, D. N., & YAOUBA, A. (2026). Effects of dietary beeswax supplementation on growth performance, carcass traits and biochemical parameters of Cobb 500 broiler chickens. Journal of Experimental and Applied Tropical Biology, 6(1). Retrieved from https://journal.jeatb.com/index.php/1/article/view/67

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Animal Science and Production

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