Body Protein Reserve and Possibilities for Improvement in Honey Bee Colonies - Review

The purpose of this review is to assess the body's protein reserve in honey bee colonies and the possibilities for improving it. Understanding the causes of changes in body proteinis is important for the beekeeping sector in order to improve bioproductive indices and ensure the health of bees.The body's protein reserves of bees are located in the fat body, hypopharyngeal glands and plasma proteins (vitellogenin). Its active role has been proven in the following aspects: the secretion of larval food (royal jelly), longevity, metamorphosis, the evolution and behavior of adults, immunity and detoxification of bees. Body protein values ranges from 21 to 67% of the dry matter. The values considered physiologically normal are over 40%. The factors that reduce the protein content are: the quantity and quality of protein feed, overuse (enzymatic, immune, toxic or various diseases). Body protein deficiency causes bees to fly at a younger age; they also quickly become bee-collectors and their longevity is shortened. Research has established the ideal protein for bees, which is close in value to the proportion of aminoacids in royal jelly. Pollen as a source of protein for bees was classified as follows: poor quality below 20% CP (crude protein), average quality between 20-25% CP and high quality with over 25% CP. The quality of pollen protein is given by the presence of essential aminoacids. No deficiencies of essential aminoacids are reported in pollen produced by species of the family Rosaceae, Phacelia spp., Echium spp., nor in most species of the families Brasicaceae and Fabaceae. It is noted that the plants produce pollen with a low content of protein and essential aminoacids in summer and autumn. In conclusion, it is necessary to supplement the bee families with protein feed in order to ensure the body protein reserve according to the requirements.