The aim of the present study was to evaluate the impact of incorporating 5% of beespine (biological bee biomass) into the diet of broiler chickens on the excretion and accumulation of lead (Pb) and overall poultry productivity. A total of 100 Cobb-500 broiler chickens were divided into control and experimental groups. The experimental diet consisted of 95% standard feed and 5% powdered beespine, pre-treated for increased bioavailability. Atomic absorption spectroscopy was used to determine Pb concentration in tissues. The results showed a 22.3 percentage point increase in Pb excretion (P < 0.001) and significant reductions in Pb accumulation in muscle (-47.2%), fat (-40%), and bone tissue (-48%). The survival rate increased by 5 percentage points (P < 0.01). These findings suggest that beespine biomass, due to its sorption and nutritional properties, can be considered a natural feed additive for reducing heavy metal accumulation and improving poultry health and productivity.
heavy metals, melanin, melittin, lead, natural sorbents, poultry diet
Razanov, S., Holubieva, T., Didur, I., Vradii, O., Ohorodnichuk, H., Razanova, A., Khirivskyi, P., Pavkovych, S., Ivankiv, M. (2025): Optimizing the Use of Biological Mass of BEESPINE in Feeding Broiler Chickens. Scientia Agriculturae Bohemica, 56, 4, 20, DOI: 10.7160/sab.2025.560420