Effects of different concentrations of mineral supplements on certain biological, behavioral and biochemical traits of Apis mellifera L. (Hymenoptera: Apidae)
The nutritional status of honeybee (Apis mellifera L.) colonies plays a crucial role in their development, survival, and productivity. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of different concentrations of chelated mineral supplements including iron, zinc, copper, manganese, selenium, chromium, cobalt, magnesium, calcium, and phosphorus on the biological and biochemical characteristics of honeybee colonies. A total of 35 colonies were fed sugar syrup containing different levels (0, 0.5, 1, 1.5, and 2 g/L) of chelated minerals over 60 days, and then their population growth, pollen collection, overwintering success, honey production, and enzymatic activities were assessed. The results showed that colonies fed with 1.5 g/L of chelated minerals exhibited the highest population increase, brood area, and pollen collection. Overwintering success was also highest in colonies receiving 1.5 g/L of minerals, as indicated by the lowest hive weight loss and highest colony survival rates. Biochemical analyses revealed increased antioxidant enzyme activity and energy reserves in bees fed with 1.5–2 g/L of minerals. However, excessive supplementation (2 g/L) led to a decline in colony performance, where the mean number of combs, the population of pre-adult stages (cm2), and collected pollens (cm2) did not show significant differences from the control. These findings suggest that moderate mineral supplementation (1.5 g/L) enhances honeybee colony performance and productivity
