Research and Innovation for Natural Solutions in Lamb and Sheep Health

The new research project “BEE STRONG ANTIBIOTIC OFF – Towards Alternative Health Management for Lambs and Ewe Udders through the Development and Use of Innovative Propolis-Based Formulations and Essential Oils from Greek Aromatic Plants” has been approved, with PHARMACELL S.A. participating within the framework of the “RESEARCH – INNOVATE” Action under the “COMPETITIVENESS” Programme – NSRF 2021–2027.

The project focuses on the development and scientific evaluation of innovative natural solutions to support lamb and sheep health, leveraging naturally derived bioactive compounds together with advanced production and extraction technologies.

The project aims to contribute to efforts to reduce the need for antibiotic use in sheep farming.

It forms part of the broader strategic objective of promoting animal health and welfare while supporting a more sustainable model of livestock production.

From Greek Biodiversity to Applied Research

At the core of BEE STRONG ANTIBIOTIC OFF is the utilisation of propolis and essential oils/extracts derived from Greek medicinal and aromatic plants.

These natural ingredients are of particular scientific interest due to their bioactive properties, including antimicrobial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity.

Within the project, propolis, essential oils and plant extracts will initially be characterised and evaluated under laboratory conditions (in vitro) to identify suitable combinations. The resulting formulations will subsequently be evaluated in vivo to investigate their efficacy and potential application under real livestock production conditions.

Prop & Prop+: Development of New Natural Formulations

The research project includes the development of two main categories of formulations:

Prop: Propolis-based formulations.

Prop+: Formulations combining propolis with essential oils and/or extracts from selected Greek medicinal and aromatic plants.

The research approach covers three distinct areas of application:

1. Lamb Nutrition, Growth and Health

Development of enriched feed for lambs and investigation of the effects of natural bioactive compounds on their growth and overall health status.

Particular emphasis will also be placed on studying potential changes in the gut microbiome, an area of increasing scientific interest in livestock nutrition and health.

2. Contagious Ecthyma

Development of specialised gel formulations for topical application to lesions associated with contagious ecthyma, with the aim of evaluating their effect on lesion progression and resolution.

3. Ewe Udder Health

Development of liquid formulations for post-milking teat dipping, with the aim of investigating their potential to support mammary gland health and help prevent problems associated with mastitis.

Through this approach, the project addresses animal health at multiple levels, connecting nutrition, gut health, topical protection and udder health.

Advanced Technologies and Green Extraction

An important aspect of the project’s innovation lies not only in the natural raw materials being utilised, but also in the methods used to isolate and harness their bioactive compounds.

The research approach incorporates advanced and more environmentally sustainable technologies, including:

• Ultrasound-assisted extraction
• Use of cyclodextrins
• Use of Deep Eutectic Solvents (DES)
• Other techniques aimed at improving the recovery and utilisation of bioactive compounds.

The application of these technologies connects the utilisation of Greek biodiversity with the principles of green chemistry and sustainable production, while also exploring the potential for future scale-up to industrial production.

A Strong Interdisciplinary Research Consortium

BEE STRONG ANTIBIOTIC OFF is based on the collaboration of four research institutions and three companies, bringing together expertise from different scientific disciplines and the livestock production sector.

• PHARMACELL S.A.
  Kostas Giannakopoulos, Theodoros Kallitsis
• UNIVERSITY OF THESSALY
  Charalambos Billinis (Scientific Coordinator – University of Thessaly), Vasiliki Mavrogianni (OPSKE Coordinator), Natalia Vasileiou, Dimitris Gkougkoulis, Angeliki Katsafadou, Alexandros Papachristoforou, Vasiliki Spyrou, Dimitris Chatzopoulos
• UNIVERSITY OF IOANNINA
  Ioannis Skoufos, Athina Tzora, Chrysoula Voidarou, Sotiria Vouraki
• ARISTOTLE UNIVERSITY OF THESSALONIKI
  Ioannis Mourtzinos
• HELLENIC AGRICULTURAL ORGANISATION – DIMITRA (ELGO-DIMITRA)
  Aikaterini Grigoriadou, Maria Androudi
• HELLENIC FEED INDUSTRIES S.A. – EL.VI.Z. S.A.
• KRIOS FARM P.C.
  Antonis Politis

The project is structured into six Work Packages, covering the full research and development pathway: from the selection and production of natural raw materials and the characterisation of bioactive compounds, through laboratory testing and the development of new formulations, to their final evaluation in animals.

The Role of PHARMACELL S.A.

For PHARMACELL, participation in BEE STRONG ANTIBIOTIC OFF is directly aligned with the company’s strategy of investing in Research & Development and the creation of scientifically substantiated Animal Health & Nutrition solutions.

Within the project, PHARMACELL is actively involved in the development of the final formulations.

More specifically, under Work Package 3 and in collaboration with EL.VI.Z. S.A., the project includes the development of:

• Liquid Prop and Prop+ formulations for post-milking teat dipping.
• Prop and Prop+ gel formulations for application to lesions associated with contagious ecthyma.

The formulation development process will be based on the results of the preceding laboratory evaluations, enabling selected bioactive compounds and combinations to be transformed into functional prototype formulations with potential for practical application.

This participation enables PHARMACELL to combine its production and technological expertise with the specialised scientific knowledge of the participating universities and research institutions.

From Research to New Animal Health & Nutrition Solutions

The philosophy behind BEE STRONG ANTIBIOTIC OFF extends beyond laboratory research.

The project seeks to establish an integrated pathway from Greek natural raw materials and scientific knowledge to the development of applicable and potentially marketable products capable of addressing real needs in modern sheep farming.

Through this approach, the project is expected to generate new knowledge regarding the use of propolis and Greek plant-derived bioactive compounds in livestock production and to investigate their potential contribution to:

• Reducing the need for antibiotic use
• Limiting factors associated with the development and spread of antimicrobial resistance
• Improving animal health and welfare
• Enhancing the sustainability of livestock production
• Developing new high-value-added products based on Greek natural raw materials and Greek scientific expertise

For PHARMACELL, the project represents another step in its continuous investment in scientific knowledge, collaboration with leading academic and research institutions, and applied innovation, with the objective of transforming contemporary research into effective solutions that create tangible value for Greek livestock production.

Through its participation in BEE STRONG ANTIBIOTIC OFF, PHARMACELL further strengthens its established presence in applied research, focusing on the utilisation of naturally derived bioactive compounds — particularly natural resources originating from Greek biodiversity — for the development of innovative solutions in animal health and nutrition.

BEE STRONG ANTIBIOTIC OFF is the third research project in which the company has participated in this field, following its successful involvement in MASTiN – “Development and Application of Edible Intramammary Products for Improving Udder Health in Sheep” and HepaHealthy_Egg – “Natural Liver Health and Welfare of Laying Hens through the Use of Natural Milk Thistle Extract for the Production of High-Value Eggs in the Region of Central Macedonia.”

Through this series of research collaborations, PHARMACELL is progressively building a coherent body of expertise in the study, evaluation and utilisation of natural bioactive compounds, connecting academic research with applied innovation and the development of new solutions.

Research. Innovation. Natural Solutions. 

🇪🇺 The “BEE STRONG ANTIBIOTIC OFF” project is implemented within the framework of the “RESEARCH – INNOVATE” Action under the “COMPETITIVENESS” Programme – NSRF 2021–2027, with co-funding from the European Union.