Effect of some supplemental food on the activities of Honeybee Apis mellifera L. (Hymenoptera: Apidae) colonies

Abstract

AbstractSixteen colonies with the same densities (4-5 bee frames) were randomly divided into four groups, comprising four feeding treatments (Sugar solution (control), Apricot juice+ sugar solution, Fermi+ sugar solution, Corn flour+ sugar solution +skim milk). The findings indicated that the largest proportion of workers exhibited a preference for consuming Feramil + sugar solution, with 622,480 workers within the hives and 345,020 workers outdoors the hives. The average lifespan reached its peak at 45.310 days when the subjects were provided with a Fermi+ sugar solution, while it dropped to its lowest point at 26.510 days whenever they were given a regular sugar solution. The workers' bodies had a protein content of 54.538% when supplied with Feramil+ sugar solution, which was the greatest percentage. On the other hand, the lowest protein content of 40.268% was seen when the workers were given with Apricot juice+ sugar solution. The workers were administered Feramil and Apricot jounce and were able to withstand exposure to temperatures of 0°C, 4°C, 6°C, 8°C, and 15°C for durations of 25, 60, 72, 120, and 156 hours, respectively. This study was conducted to preserve honeybee colonies in fields that lack natural nectar and pollen grain, for continuing apiculture in Iraq-Kurdistan in which the spring season is short, and to assess the impact of certain supplemental foods on the behaviors of honeybees and another purpose of this research was to investigate the impact of certain supplementary foods on the activities of honeybees in a field setting. Initially. Keywords: Honey bee, Supplementary food, activity, worker bee.

Keywords

• (honeybee
• supplemental food
• activity
• worker
• sensitivity)