Importância da suplementação alimentar para colônias de abelhas africanizadas no período seco em regiões semiáridas REGIÕES SEMIÁRIDAS

Abstract

Beekeeping is one of the most important livestock activities in the Brazilian semiarid region. However, beekeepers in the region lose production during the off-season due to the decrease in floral resources. Nectar and pollen are the natural foods of bees, and these foods provide the bees with all the nutrients for the maintenance and production of the hive with the arrival of the dry period, reducing the flowers and, consequently, the availability of pollen and water. nectar. Without natural feeding, basic colony activities such as thermoregulation, foraging, communication, queen posture and metabolic functions are compromised. In view of this situation, energy and protein supplementation is of paramount importance for Africanized bees in the months that comprise the dry season in the Northeastern semi-arid region. There are several formulations used for supplementation, which can be maintenance, production and stimulant. In order to achieve success in this supplementation, it is recommended to use ingredients that can provide essential nutrients to honeybee colonies to ensure their development and productivity.