The use of phytocomposition in beekeeping as an ecological method for stimulating the vital activity and immune status of honey bees

Abstract

Abstract. The purpose is to determine the influence of a phytocomposition with antioxidant properties on the economically useful indicators of bees of the Central Russian breed. Methods of the research. The scientific and production experiment was carried out in a stationary apiary in the Malopurginskiy district of the Udmurt Republic. The object of the study was honey bees of the Central Russian breed. Experimental tests on the use of the herbal medicine were carried out on the basis of generally accepted zootechnical methods in beekeeping. The scientific novelty. In the natural and climatic conditions of the Udmurt Republic, in a stationary apiary, for the first time, studies were carried out to test a biological product as part of a carbohydrate supplement on bees of the Central Russian breed and its effectiveness of use was determined. A stimulating liquid feed additive for bees is developed on the basis of a standard water-insoluble antioxidant dihydroquercetin, a polysaccharide arabinogalactan and rosehip decoction. The bioavailability of dihydroquercetin is achieved through its extraction, followed by evaporation of the alcohol and mixing with arabinogalactan, a good deliverer of sparingly soluble molecules. The positive effect of the antioxidant drug on the bee biosystem is enhanced by rosehip nutrients. Results. The experimental group that received the organic supplement exceeded the control group in terms of egg-laying intensity by an average of 27.6 % (1194 eggs). The lag in the development of families in the control group was reflected in honey productivity: the amount of gross honey harvest was 29.0 kg, which is 38.6 % lower than the same value for experienced families. Flower honey obtained in the experimental group was distinguished by high enzymatic activity and a higher content of invert sugars in the form of fructose and glucose: 10.65 units. Gothe and 96.28 %, respectively, against the control values of 8.30 units. Gothe and 78.10 %. In terms of the amount of profit received from the sale of products, the experimental group exceeded the control families by 3.507 rubles, which also affected production efficiency: the profitability level was 37.7 % against the control families – 0.65 %. Thus, the spring feeding of bees with a supplement enriched with a biocomposition contributed to the achievement of a biological optimum in the strength of the colonies before the main honey harvest, which affected their productivity.