Biological Indicators and Productivity of Bee Colonies When Using Stimulating Feedings With the Added Probiotic

Abstract

The purpose of research is to study the effect of stimulating feedings of sugar syrup and Aquakorm with the addition of the probiotic Vetosporin on the growth and honey production of bee colonies. The studies were carried out in a stationary apiary located in the Kemerovo Region. The research material was bees of the Central Russian breed. To conduct the study, a total of 20 bee colonies were involved, of which two control and two experimental groups of 5 bee families each were formed. Bee colonies from the first control group received a stimulating feed additive in the form of sugar syrup; in the second control group, the drug Aquakorm was used as a stimulating additive. Families from the experimental groups, in addition to stimulating supplements, received the probiotic Vetosporin prepared on the basis of two strains of natural bacteria Bacillus subtilis. In the experimental groups, the difference in the growth of bee colonies between the first control and the first experimental group is 52.94 % (p < 0.001); the second control and the second experimental group – 28.57 % (p < 0.001). The honey productivity of families in the first and second expe¬rimental groups exceeded that of families from the control groups for honey production by 15.63 (p < 0.01) and 15.0 % (p < 0.05). Wax productivity in the first experimental group of bees exceeded the indicators of the first control group by 15.8 % (p < 0.05), in the second experimental group of bees – by 22.5 % (p < 0.05). The mortality of bees after wintering in the first and second experimental groups of bee colonies was lower than the same indicators in the control groups by 21.13 and 23.88 %, respectively. Additional profit received from the sale of honey from the first experimental group was 2,520.0 rubles, from the second experimental group – 3,240.0 rubles. The use of stimulating fertilizers in combination with a probiotic preparation has a positive effect on the biological and productive indicators of bee colonies.