The Feeding Effect of Invert Sugar and Sucrose Solutions on The Quality of Produced Honey and The Performance of Honey Bee Colonies Overwintering

Öz

Sugar nutrition is essential for managing and maintaining healthy honey bee colonies, especially during nectar scarcity. This study aimed to evaluate the use of invert sugar as a nectar substitute, comparing its impact on the quality of stored honey and colony performance during overwintering to that of a traditional sucrose solution commonly used by beekeepers. Two separate field experiments were carried out. The first experiment took place in the spring under both isolated and free-flying conditions to assess the quality of honey caused by artificial feeding. Sealed honey was collected and analyzed to determine the percentage of sucrose, glucose, fructose and HMF. Also, the pollen density in honey samples was evaluated as another detector for honey quality. The second experiment was conducted during the winter and nectar scarcity to evaluate the effects of the two supplemental sugar feedings on the overwintering performance of honey bee colonies. We measured the sealed brood and the bee bread areas to indicate the colony's growth and development. The results showed that colonies fed sucrose solutions produced honey that fulfilled standard specifications regardless of whether they were placed under an insulator or free-flying colonies, with sugar percentages and HMF levels that comply with standard specifications and no significant difference in sugar content with honey collected from colonies provided with invert sugar. In contrast, colonies provided with invert sugar had higher HMF values in the produced honey when it was the only sugar source under isolation. However, when the colonies were fed invert sugar during the winter, they became more active in collecting pollen, which increased brood rearing and made them more ready for the beginning of the active season. Because it increases pollen-collecting activity, Invert sugar can be considered as a suitable sugar supplement to honey. It may be more successful than sucrose during periods of overwintering and nectar scarcity, resulting in more brood being raised and better preparation is made before the active season. However, care should be taken because overuse at times when natural nectar sources are available could increase the HMF level in the produced honey, causing low-quality honey production.

Anahtar Kelimeler

• Carbohydrate
• Nutrition
• Nectar scarcity
• Honey quality
• Winter losses

Kaynakça

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