Authors : Berna Emsen and Ahmet Dodologlu
Abstract: The present study was conducted in order to investigate the effect of feeding commercial glucose on honeybees. Some physiological characteristics of colonies such as colony population, brood area, weight gain in nectar flow and honey production were examined in May to August, 2009. Two different compositions were prepared using commercial glucose (group 1) and sucrose (group 2). Control group was not given any feeding. Prepared syrups were given to colonies according to Spring and Autumn feeding principles. There was a significant difference between groups with regard to the amount of consumed food and weight gain. Colonies in group 2 had the highest honey yield (35.20±1.50 kg/colony) and consumed more food (12.59±0.50 kg/colony) than group 1 and control. Colonies fed with commercial glucose had the smallest bee population and brood production compared to group 1 and control. A significant positive correlation (r = 0.76, p<0.05) was found between bee population in Spring and honey production. There was a significant relationship (p<0.05) between brood production and colony population (r = 0.44). These results suggest that feeding commercial glucose is not recommended as supplementary feed for beekeeping.
Berna Emsen and Ahmet Dodologlu, 2014. Physiological Characteristics of Honeybee (Apis mellifera L.) Colonies Fed with Commercial Glucose. Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 13: 623-626.