Effect of probiotic supplement feed on the foraging activity of Indian honeybee (Apis cerana indica F.)

0Citations
Citations of this article
6Readers
Mendeley users who have this article in their library.

Abstract

Aim: To investigate the effect of probiotic supplement feed on the foraging behaviour Indian honeybee colonies to resolve the excessive usage of antibiotics. Methodology: The effect of sugar syrup feed (Untreated hives) and sugar syrup + probiotic supplement feed @ 10 ml 100 ml-1 syrup (Treated hives) on Indian honeybees was tested. The foraging activity and foraging rate were recorded and subjected to paired t- test analysis. Results: The present observation showed a significant difference in the foraging rate between the colonies fed with sugar syrup + probiotic supplement (2.33 ± 0.11 min-1) than the colonies that received sugar syrup alone (1.35 ± 0.06 min-1). The highest foraging rate (2.80 ± 0.39 min-1) was recorded in treated hives. Interpretation: The experiment revealed that the brood development was directly proportional to brood pheromone levels, which positively affects the foragers, consequently foraging rate and honey production. Thus, the probiotic supplement feeding may influence the foraging behaviour of honeybee colonies.

Cite

CITATION STYLE

APA

Padma-Shree, I., Roseleen, S. S. J., & Justin, C. G. L. (2021). Effect of probiotic supplement feed on the foraging activity of Indian honeybee (Apis cerana indica F.). Journal of Environmental Biology, 42(4), 1093–1097. https://doi.org/10.22438/jeb/42/4(SI)/MRN-1519b

Register to see more suggestions

Mendeley helps you to discover research relevant for your work.

Already have an account?

Save time finding and organizing research with Mendeley

Sign up for free