The influence of protein feed on the viability of bee colonies

Abstract

Goal. To study the effect of protein feed on the development of the fat body and the life expectancy of bees during the period when an insufficient amount of bee pollen is received in the nest of the bee colony. Methods. Zootechnical — to set up scientific experiments, feed bees, and determine the strength of bee families; micrometric — to study physiological and morphological signs of bee body parts; microscopic — to carry out analysis of fat body; statistical — to process experimental data. Results. It was confirmed that the development of the fat body in bees occurs at a young age when these insects consume the most protein food. The average life expectancy of bees in the case of protein supplementation in laboratory conditions was more than twice the life expectancy under protein starvation. Conclusions. Protein feeding with a mixture of sugar syrup and bee honey in early spring was proven to have a positive effect on the development of fat body and the life expectancy of bees.