Histological structure of the Midgut of honey bees (Apis Mellifera L.) Fed Pollen Substitutes Fortified with Probiotics

Abstract

The aim of this investigations was to assess morphological changes in the midgut epithelium of bees nourished with pollen substitute or pollen substitute enriched with a probiotic preparation. One-day old worker bees were kept in cages placed in a temperature controlled environment. During the two-week feeding period workers were fed beebread (control), pure pollen substitute or pollen substitute fortified with three different doses of probiotic preparations: Biogen or Trilac (experimental groups). The assessment of histological changes of the bee midgut was carried out in bees feed for 8 and 14 days. Slight changes in the epithelium as well as strong merocrine-type secretion were recorded in bees nourished pollen substitute supplemented with probiotic preparations. Differences were observed, primarily, in quantities of the developed peritrophic membranes. Their quantities were particularly high after 14 days of feeding with the pollen substitute fortified with probiotic preparations. The development of numerous peritrophic membranes could have contributed to better utilization of nutrients contained in feed and better condition of bees.

Diet‐related gut bacterial dysbiosis correlates with impaired development, increased mortality and Nosema disease in the honeybee (Apis mellifera)

“…In contrast, the consumption of some pollen substitutes can alter midgut physiology, affecting vacuolization of the basement membrane and producing supernumerary peritrophic membranes (Szymas et al . ). While it is unknown if extra membrane production is costly or adaptive in this context, vacuolization of gut epithelial cells is often associated with host pathology.…”

Does reclaimed water induce morphological changes in mid guts of honeybees (Apis mellifera syriaca)

“…6 The midgut epithelia also produce variable quantities of peritrophic membrane that defend the midgut from any insult and they contribute in proper utilization of the nutrients for better bee conditions. 3 The reclaimed water might have negative effects on the peritrophic membranes that limited the utilization of nutritional requirements of the honeybees. It is worth to mention that the peritrophic membrane was more prominent in the fresh water group ( Figure 1A) than the reclaimed water group ( Figure 1B).…”

“…2 The ventricular epithelium produces variable quantities of peritrophic membrane that defend the epithelium from any insult and contributes to utilize the nutrients properly for better bee conditions. 3 Normally, honeybees collect three substances, which are water, nectar and pollen, to satisfy their nutritional requirements. 4 Drought in Jordan is commonly responsible for partial or complete failure of many plants.…”

Growth and development of bees using organic acids and probiotics

“…Матеріальною основою для виготовлення бджолиними сім'ями максимальної кількості медової продукції можна вважати медоносні ресурси. Достатня їх кількість у продуктивному радіусі є запорукою одержання близько 100 кг меду на одну бджолину сім'ю (Szymas et al, 2012). Основним завданням бджільництва у сучасних економічних умовах є збільшення рентабельності пасіки шляхом підвищення продуктивності бджолиних сімей.…”