Soy extract as protein replacement to feed Melipona flavolineata Friese (Hymenoptera, Apidae, Meliponini)

Abstract

The study of the feeding of bees is important because periods of flowering shortages reduce the availability of food, jeopardising their survival and limiting the production of their colonies. Previous studies on artificial protein feeding have not reported the chemical composition of the artificial feed, its effect on the colony nor the characterisation of the food. Thus, the present research aimed to study an artificial proteic feed for Melipona flavolineata. We investigated its chemical composition and the effect of natural fermentation on its quality. We also investigated its effects on colony and individual health. The artificial food presented a chemical composition different from natural pollen. It was richer in carbohydrates and lipids than natural pollen, but it was poorer in protein than natural pollen. Nevertheless, the difference between the artificial food and natural pollen did not affect the survival or size of immature individuals, with only adult longevity being affected, albeit not drastically. Decreased amounts of sugar and the addition of ingredients with higher protein content are recommended for future formulations. A diet based on soy extract showed satisfactory results as a food substitute for pollen. Based on these results, diet ingredients can be adjusted to obtain a better-quality food. Artificial diets can be used during scarcity periods or in areas with low availability of natural food sources. However, it is important to emphasize that artificial diets will never fully replace natural food sources. Beekeepers should also improve the environment with plants that provide pollen continuously.

Keywords:

• stingless bees
• nutrition
• soy extract
• pollen
• chemical composition
• GC/MS
• ¹H NMR
• chemometrics

Acknowledgements

We also thank Federal University of Pará and EMBRAPA for the institutional support.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Funding

We would like to thank CNPq [479710/2011-2] for financing the research. Thanks are due to the Dean's Office for Graduate and Research Studies of UFPA and FADESP for the financial support for the translation of this article through the PAPQ program.

Supplemental material

Supplemental data for this article is available online at https://doi.org/10.1080/00218839.2019.1671639.