Effect of Milk Protein Nutrition (Cow casein, Buffalo casein and Whey protein isolate (WPI) on Brood Area and Hypopharyngeal glands development in Honeybee Colonies (Apis mellifera L.)

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Plant Prot. Dept. Faculty of Agriculture, Minia University

2 Dairy Science Dept., Faculty of Agriculture, Minia University, Egypt

Abstract

This study was conducted to test the addition and feeding of milk casein and whey as a source of protein for honeybee individuals and its effect on honey productivity. Honeybee colonies collect pollen for adult longevity and the brood reading. However, pollens are poor in amino acids, so it’s important to add artificial protein source. In this trial, cow casein, buffalo casein and whey were tested during autumn 2021. The results showed that the mean brood area in the tested colonies fed on whey diet (128.17 inch2) increase significantly comparing with the other diets (110.88, 100.00 and 81.38 inch2 for buffalo casein, cow casein and control diet, respectively. In the lab, caged worker bees consumed the highest amount of whey followed by buffalo and cow casein then the control ones (4.79, 3.64, 3.59 and 2.87 mg, respectively). The area of hypopharyngeal glands showed the greatest value in the worker bees fed on whey diet (0.039 mm2). A positive relationship was conducted between consumption of protein diets and hypopharyngeal gland surface area development.

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Scientific Journal of Agricultural Sciences
Volume 4, Issue 1
June 2022
Pages 135-141

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