Effect of dietary supplement on the reproductive traits, products and behavioral characteristics of the European honey bee (Apis mellifera)

We evaluated the effects of dietary supplements on hive populations of the European honey bee (Apis mellifera) through experimental trials. The population, reproduction rate, quality of honey, quantity and quality of venom, and behavioral characteristics of 15 hives were assessed in a randomized experimental design with three groups and five replicates. Each replicate contained one modern Langstroth-Hive. The experimental period was 86 days, and each hive in the control group (control), received 500 mL syrup without dietary supplement per day (sugar and water in equal quantities), Group 1 received 500 mL syrup with 5 g dietary supplement added, and Group 2 received 500 mL syrup with 10 g dietary supplement added. The colony population and reproduction rate increased significantly in both treatment groups (p < 0.01). Honey production increased significantly in Group 2 (p < 0.05). Diastase activity and protein and sucrose content in honey increased significantly in both groups (p < 0.05). The general behavior of the bees improved significantly in both groups (p < 0.01). Aggressive behavior decreased significantly in Group 2 (p < 0.01). Overall, Group 2 showed statistically significant improvements which were better than Group 1.