R. Shumkova*

Research Centre of Stockbreeding and Agriculture, 4700 Smolyan, Agricultural Academy, Sofia, Bulgaria

(Manuscript received 20 June 2022; accepted for publication 11 November 2022)

Abstract. The development of the honeybee colony depends on the availability of pollen and nectar in nature. The nutritional needs of worker bees are supplied from nectar carbohydrates, proteins and other nutrients in the bee pollen. Proper management of the honey bees is very important for successful beekeeping. Some seasonal changes bring about variations in the availability of pollen and nectar for the bees. In this respect, the aim of the study was to determine the influence of Mikro Veda Care Apis® preparation on the development of bee colonies during the spring feeding. The experiment was conducted during the period 11 Apr 2019 – 10 June 2019 at the Experimental Apiary of the Research Centre of Stockbreeding and Agriculture – Smolyan, Bulgaria. The control group was fed with sugar solution (ratio sugar to water-1:1 ) without additives and the experimental group was fed with the product Mikro Veda Care Apis® at a dose of 10 ml/L sugar solution (ratio sugar to water-1:1). The bee colonies that received Mikro Veda Care Apis® have significant differences for the parameters strength of the bee colonies and sealed worker bee brood on 17 May 2019 and 10 June 2019 compared to the control group. We expect our study to be a starting point for a deeper understanding of productivity of the bee colonies during the spring feeding with the addition of Mikro Veda Care Apis®.