Scientists tested whether propolis, a natural sticky substance made by bees, could help young tilapia fish grow faster and stronger. They fed different groups of fish food with varying amounts of propolis for three months while also replacing half of the expensive fish meal with plant-based protein. The results showed that fish eating food with propolis grew better, digested their food more efficiently, and had healthier intestines. This discovery is exciting because it could help fish farms produce healthier fish while using fewer resources and protecting ocean ecosystems.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether adding propolis (a natural bee product) to fish food helps young tilapia grow better and digest food more efficiently
  • Who participated: 210 young tilapia fish weighing about 15.5 grams each, divided into 21 separate tanks, fed for 86 days (almost 3 months)
  • Key finding: Fish that ate food containing 0.4% to 0.6% propolis grew significantly better than the control group, with improved digestion and healthier intestines, while also successfully replacing half of the expensive fish meal with plant-based protein
  • What it means for you: If you eat farmed tilapia, this research suggests the fish you eat could become healthier and more nutritious. Fish farms could also become more sustainable and cost-effective, though more research in real farm conditions is needed before widespread adoption

The Research Details

Researchers divided 210 young tilapia fish into 21 separate tanks and gave each group different amounts of propolis mixed into their food. All fish ate food with the same amount of protein (30%) and calories (1820 kJ/kg), but some groups got no propolis while others got increasing amounts from 0.2% up to 1% of their food. The scientists also tested whether propolis could help replace expensive fish meal with cheaper plant-based proteins, which is important for sustainable fish farming.

The fish were fed this way for 86 days (almost 3 months), and researchers measured how much the fish grew, how well they converted food into body weight, and how efficiently they digested their meals. They also examined the fish’s intestines under a microscope and tested their digestive enzymes to understand how propolis was helping them.

This research design is important because it tests propolis in a controlled way that mimics real fish farming conditions. By keeping protein and calories the same across all groups, scientists could prove that any differences in growth came from propolis itself, not from other diet changes. Testing propolis’s ability to replace fish meal is especially valuable because fish meal is expensive, unsustainable, and contributes to overfishing of wild fish populations.

This study has good scientific quality because it used a large sample size (210 fish), tested multiple propolis levels to find the best dose, and measured multiple outcomes (growth, digestion, intestinal health, and gene expression). The researchers included proper control groups and used statistical analysis to confirm their findings were real and not due to chance. However, this was a laboratory study in tanks, so results might differ in actual fish farms with different conditions.

What the Results Show

Fish that ate food with 0.4% and 0.6% propolis grew significantly better than fish eating regular food. These fish had higher final body weights, gained more weight overall, and converted their food into body weight more efficiently (meaning they needed less food to gain the same amount of weight). The growth improvements were similar to fish eating the standard control diet, suggesting propolis worked just as well as traditional feeding methods.

The propolis also improved how well the fish digested their food. Digestive enzymes called protease and amylase (which break down proteins and carbohydrates) were more active in fish eating propolis, with the highest activity at 0.4% propolis. This means the fish could extract more nutrients from their food.

When scientists examined the fish’s intestines under a microscope, they found that propolis-fed fish had taller, wider intestinal villi (tiny finger-like structures that absorb nutrients). These larger villi meant the fish could absorb more nutrients from their food. Additionally, fish eating 0.4% and 0.6% propolis showed better protein storage in their bodies, which is important for healthy growth.

Molecular testing revealed that fish eating 0.6% propolis had increased expression of a growth-promoting gene called IGF-1 in their livers, suggesting their bodies were primed for better growth.

The research successfully demonstrated that propolis could help replace 50% of expensive fish meal with plant-based protein without reducing growth or health. This is significant because fish meal is costly and unsustainable. The study also showed that the benefits of propolis appeared to peak at 0.4%-0.6% inclusion, with higher amounts not providing additional advantages, helping identify the most efficient dose.

This research builds on previous studies showing that propolis has beneficial properties for animal health. While propolis has been studied in chickens and other animals, this appears to be one of the first detailed studies examining its effects on tilapia growth, digestion, and intestinal health. The findings align with what scientists know about propolis’s natural anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties, suggesting these benefits extend to fish farming.

This study was conducted in controlled laboratory tanks, which may not perfectly reflect conditions in actual fish farms where water quality, temperature, and stocking density vary. The study only tested tilapia, so results may not apply to other fish species. The researchers didn’t test propolis over the entire lifespan of the fish or measure long-term effects after the study ended. Additionally, the cost-benefit analysis of using propolis wasn’t fully explored, so farmers would need to compare the cost of propolis against potential savings from using less fish meal.

The Bottom Line

Based on this research, propolis at 0.4%-0.6% of fish food appears to be a promising supplement for tilapia farming (moderate confidence level). Fish farmers could consider using propolis to improve fish growth and reduce reliance on expensive fish meal. However, farmers should conduct small-scale trials on their own farms before making large changes, as results may vary based on local conditions. This recommendation is specifically for tilapia; other fish species would need separate testing.

Fish farmers and aquaculture companies should care about this research because it offers a way to improve fish health, reduce costs, and become more sustainable. Consumers who eat farmed tilapia may benefit from potentially healthier, more nutritious fish. Environmental advocates should care because reducing fish meal use helps protect wild fish populations. However, this research doesn’t directly apply to people who don’t eat farmed fish or those allergic to bee products.

In this study, fish showed improved growth within the 86-day (3-month) feeding period. In a real fish farm, you might expect to see similar benefits within 2-3 months of switching to propolis-supplemented feed. However, the full economic and sustainability benefits would take longer to evaluate as farms adjust their practices and measure long-term results.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • If you’re a fish farmer using this research, track weekly weight measurements of your fish and feed conversion ratios (amount of food needed per pound of growth). Compare these metrics between your control group and propolis-supplemented groups to see if you’re achieving the 0.4%-0.6% propolis benefits described in the study.
  • Fish farmers could implement a gradual switch to propolis-supplemented feed at 0.4%-0.6% levels while simultaneously replacing 50% of fish meal with plant-based protein sources. Start with a small tank or section of your farm to test results before scaling up to your entire operation.
  • Establish a baseline of your current growth metrics and feed costs. After introducing propolis supplementation, monitor fish growth rates, feed conversion efficiency, and overall health indicators monthly for at least 3 months. Track your feed costs to ensure the propolis addition provides economic benefits alongside health improvements. Document any changes in fish appearance, behavior, or disease resistance.

This research was conducted on young tilapia in laboratory conditions and has not yet been tested in large-scale commercial fish farms. Results may vary based on water quality, temperature, fish genetics, and other farm-specific factors. Fish farmers should consult with aquaculture specialists and conduct small-scale trials before implementing propolis supplementation on a large scale. This information is for educational purposes and should not replace professional veterinary or aquaculture advice. Consumers with bee product allergies should be aware that propolis is a bee-derived product. Always verify the safety and regulatory approval of feed additives in your region before use.