Effects of Homemade Diets on Apis mellifera caucasica: Body Weight and Colony Productivity

Abstract

Honey bees (Apis mellifera L.) are insects that make a vital contribution to human life. In recent years, the honey bee population has declined due to various factors, including pathogens, chemicals, climate change, air pollution, and habitat loss. Among these, malnutrition, often resulting from habitat loss, plays a critical role in both population decline and colony development. Although the availability of floral resources varies by region, high-quality nutrition during the late summer and fall is known to enhance the overwintering success of bee colonies. In this study, we compared the characteristics of colonies fed solid diets prepared from six different protein sources (Diet I to Diet VI) with those of an unfed control group. A total of 49 experimental colonies (7 groups × 7 colonies per group) were monitored over 120 days. Colony- and individual-level parameters were assessed throughout the study. The results showed that Diet I and Diet II yielded the highest levels of diet consumption, honey production, population growth, sealed brood area, and foraging activity. Colonies fed fresh baker’s yeast (Diet V) and inactive brewer’s yeast (Diet VI, a commercial product) exhibited the highest rectum weights. The highest wet body weights in adult bees were observed in Diet I, Diet II, and Diet VI. These findings demonstrate that different protein sources significantly influence both individual bee health and overall colony performance. This study highlights the importance of selecting appropriate supplemental diets for sustainable beekeeping practices.