Molecular Entomology, 2025, Vol.16, No.1, 1-10 http://emtoscipublisher.com/index.php/me 1 Feature Review Open Access The Impact of Bee Feed Optimization on Colony Health Yaoqiang Shan1, Haoyi Shan2, Fangfang Zhu2,3 1 Shaoxing Shan’s Bee Industry Co., Ltd., Shaoxing 312035, Zhejiang, China 2 Kuaijifengjiang (Shaoxing) Agricultural Technology Co., Ltd., Shaoxing, 312037, Zhejiang, China 3 Zhejiang Agronomist College, Hangzhou, 310021, Zhejiang, China Corresponding author: 15325852710@189.cn Molecular Entomology, 2025, Vol.16, No.1 doi: 10.5376/me.2025.16.0001 Received: 01 Dec., 2024 Accepted: 08 Jan., 2025 Published: 18 Jan., 2025 Copyright © 2025 Shan et al., This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Preferred citation for this article: Shan Y.Q., Shan H.Y., and Zhu F.F., 2025, The impact of bee feed optimization on colony health, Molecular Entomology, 16(1): 1-10 (doi: 10.5376/me.2025.16.0001) Abstract This study examines the impact of optimized bee feed, focusing on supplemental diets rich in proteins, carbohydrates, and essential micronutrients. Key findings demonstrate that supplemental feeding with balanced protein sources enhances brood production, colony strength, and honey yield. Additionally, supplemental diets can improve bee immunity and resilience to stressors such as malnutrition and pesticide exposure. Seasonal feeding strategies and nutrient-rich artificial diets are highlighted as effective methods to support colony health during forage scarcity. This study underscores the importance of integrating optimized feeding practices with environmental conservation to ensure sustainable beekeeping practices and ecosystem health. The insights provide a valuable framework for beekeepers, researchers, and policymakers aiming to enhance bee colony resilience and productivity. Keywords Bee nutrition; Colony health; Feed optimization; Supplemental feeding; Environmental resilience 1 Introduction Honey bee colonies are essential for the pollination of many crops, contributing significantly to global food production and biodiversity. However, bee colonies face numerous challenges, including malnutrition, diseases, and environmental stressors, which can lead to colony decline and losses (DeGrandi-Hoffman et al., 2015; Topal et al., 2022; Li, 2024). Ensuring the health and sustainability of bee colonies is critical for both ecological balance and agricultural productivity. Nutrition plays a pivotal role in the health and productivity of honey bee colonies. Adequate nutrition, primarily derived from pollen and nectar, is necessary for the development of brood, maintenance of adult bee populations, and overall colony strength (Tawfik et al., 2020; Hoover et al., 2022). During periods of natural forage scarcity, such as winter or early spring, supplemental feeding becomes crucial. Studies have shown that different types of supplemental diets can significantly impact colony parameters, including brood area, population density, and honey yield (Rousseau and Giovenazzo, 2016; Ahmad et al., 2021; Vijayakumari et al., 2022). Proper nutrition also enhances bees' resilience to diseases and parasites, contributing to better colony survival rates (Mortensen et al., 2018; Al-Ghamdi et al., 2021). Bee feed optimization involves the strategic use of supplemental diets to enhance colony health and performance. Various studies have explored the effects of different protein and carbohydrate supplements on bee colonies. For instance, feeding colonies with protein-rich diets, such as pollen substitutes, has been shown to improve brood rearing and adult bee populations. Additionally, the inclusion of specific additives, like vitamins and plant extracts, can further boost colony health by enhancing bees’ immune responses and reducing parasite loads (Tawfik et al., 2020; Al-Ghamdi et al., 2021). The optimization of bee feed not only supports colony growth during dearth periods but also prepares colonies for critical pollination tasks (Rousseau and Giovenazzo, 2016; Hoover et al., 2022). This study attempts to explore the impact of optimized bee feed on colony health, discusses effective supplemental feeding strategies that enhance colony performance and resilience, and provides an overview of best practices for bee nutrition management, with the aim of offering valuable insights for beekeepers and researchers, contributing to the sustainability of honey bee populations.
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