Vital responses of caged honeybee (Apis mellifera) workers fed on new substitute diets in the laboratory

Document Type : Original Article

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Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, South Valley University, 83523 Qena, Egypt

Abstract

Malnutrition is a main threat to honey bees. Health and the inability to resist adverse conditions are the main losses resulting from nutritional deficiencies. To address this problem, substitute diets are provided to honey bee colonies at dearth times. The present study was conducted to examine the vital impacts of 2 new substitutes on caged honey bee workers. The main components of both diets (A and B) were sugar, powdered milk, and brewer’s yeast fortified with chamomile extract. Diet A was distinguished with chickpeas and corn. Diet B was distinguished with soybeans and wheat germ. Palatability of both diets has been reported in this study with more tendencies towards soybeans and wheat germ components. In comparison with control workers fed on sugar syrup only (1:1), workers fed on diets A and B have shown higher significant survival rates, in addition to outstanding findings of thoraces weights and mandibular and hypopharyngeal glands development. Accordingly, palatability and nutritional diversity in diet proteinaceous sources should be considered in provided substitutes. Diets A and B are highly recommended to be applied in apiaries.

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