Acta Veterinaria (Jun 2022)

Diet Supplementation Helps Honey Bee Colonies in Combat Infections by Enhancing their Hygienic Behaviour

  • Stanimirović Zoran,
  • Glavinić Uroš,
  • Ristanić Marko,
  • Jelisić Stefan,
  • Vejnović Branislav,
  • Niketić Mia,
  • Stevanović Jevrosima

DOI
https://doi.org/10.2478/acve-2022-0013
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 72, no. 2
pp. 145 – 166

Abstract

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The hygienic behavior in honey bees is a complex polygenic trait that serves as a natural defense mechanism against bacterial and fungal brood diseases and Varroa destructor mites infesting brood cells. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a dietary amino acids and vitamins supplement “BEEWELL AminoPlus” on hygienic behavior of Apis mellifera colonies combating microsporidial and viral infections. The experiment was performed during a one-year period on 40 colonies alloted to five groups: one supplemented and infected with Nosema ceranae and four viruses (Deformed wing virus - DWV, Acute bee paralysis virus - ABPV, Chronic bee paralysis virus - CBPV and Sacbrood virus – SBV), three not supplemented, but infected with N. ceranae and/ or viruses, and one negative control group. Beside the l isted pathogens, honey bee trypanosomatids were also monitored in all groups.

Keywords