AVALIAÇÃO DE ABELHAS Apis mellifera SUBMETIDAS À ALIMENTAÇÃO ARTIFICIAL COM ENZIMA

Abstract

This study aimed to identify an efficient feeding for Apis mellifera using enzymes to improve the performance of swarms in times of food scarcity. For that, frames of mature brood were removed from inside the hives, led by a camera of fertilization and, after emergence, the bees were put into experimental units. The survey was conducted in the Laboratory of Bees (LABE), located in Sector of Apiculture and Sericulture at Center Agricultural Sciences of the Federal University of Paraíba. The diet used in the study was composed of 60% of Honey, 30% Soy Flour and 10% Corn Flour, each treatment except the control, were added different percentages of the enzyme complex. The parameters evaluated were: longevity of bees, the total protein concentration of hemolymph, water consumption and the consumption of diets. Significant difference was observed in the interaction of families x days of survival in the assessment of longevity. Analyzing the total protein concentration in the hemolymph and the consumption of diet, was found a statistical difference in the interaction between families, as well as analyzing distinctly, the result being a reduction in consumption as the enzyme complex was added in diet and an increase in the content protein in the hemolymph. In the interaction of families x treatment analyzing total protein concentration, differences were found only between the control treatment and T3. The enzyme in artificial feeding was shown as a tool to keep the swarms during the period of scarcity feeds, because the exogenous enzymes improved the characteristics of the food and had a beneficial effect for bees fed on the experimental cages.