EFEITO DO CALDO DE CANA-DE-AÇÚCAR E DO XAROPE DE AÇÚCAR SOBRE O DESENVOLVIMENTO DE ABELHAS APIS MELLIFERA

The present study aimed at evaluating the effect of sugar cane juice and sugar syrup on the development of Africanized honeybee colonies during natural food shortage. 15 Langstroth hives divided in three groups of five were used. The first group received sugar cane juice, the second sugar syrup (a mixture of water and sugar 1:1 v/w) and the third did not receive any energetic supplementation. All colonies were supplemented with protein patties containing 20,5% crude protein. To evaluate the development of the colonies, food (honey and pollen) and brood areas were measured. Consumption of both energetic and protein supplements were measured as well. No significant difference was found between groups. Nevertheless, colonies receiving energetic supplementation presented better food and brood areas.