Feeding Efficiency of Pollen Substitutes in a Honeybee Colony: Effect of Feeding Site on Royal Jely and Queen Production

Abstract

The effect of the feeding site (Brood-area feding [BAF] vs. top-bar feeding [TBF]) of various pollen substitutes in hives on the consukmption of pollen substitute, and the production of royal jelly and queens was compared using caged colonies of Apis mellifera. Pollen substitute consumption and royal jelly produciton were 20-35% higher for BAF than TBF. Hypopharyngeal gland development and queen-producing capacity were also superior for BAF. However, no substantial difference was found between queens produced only on pollen substitutes and those from pollen-fed controls irrespective of the feeding method. The underlying mechanism of the effectiveness of BAF is discussed from both physiological and practical aspects. © 1988, JAPANESE SOCIETY OF APPLIED ENTOMOLOGY AND ZOOLOGY. All rights reserved.