NUTRITIONAL VALUE OF HONEY BEES-COLLECTED POLLEN IN DIFFERENT SEASONS OF THE YEAR

KIPRIJANOVSKA, Hrisula and RAMADANI, Nusmir and GJORGJIEVSKI, Srekjko (2025) NUTRITIONAL VALUE OF HONEY BEES-COLLECTED POLLEN IN DIFFERENT SEASONS OF THE YEAR. Journal of Agriculture and Sustainable Rural Development, 3 (5-6). pp. 83-87. ISSN 2955-2265

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Abstract

This study analyzes the nutritional value of pollen collected by honey bees, focusing on crude protein and fat content in relation to bee dietary requirements. Pollen samples were collected from two apiaries situated in distinct environments (lowland and semi-mountainous) within the Polog region of the Republic of North Macedonia. Bottom pollen traps were placed on five experimental colonies at each site, and collections occurred from July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024. Sampling was conducted biweekly, with traps activated for up to 72 hours. During each sampling, pollen from all five colonies per site was pooled, labeled, and stored at −18°C until laboratory analysis. Chemical composition was analyzed using monthly pooled samples, which were grouped by season (spring, summer, autumn). Crude protein was determined using the Kjeldahl method (MKC EN ISO 5983-1:2010; MKC EN ISO 5983-1:2010/AC:2010), and fat content was measured according to MKC ISO 6492:2012. Protein content varied significantly by season, peaking in spring (22.29 ± 2.12%) and summer (21.38 ± 2.73%), and declining markedly in autumn (16.61 ± 2.46%). ANOVA confirmed a significant seasonal effect on protein content, with post hoc tests indicating that autumn levels were significantly lower than both spring and summer. In contrast, fat content showed no significant seasonal differences.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	pollen trap, honey bee, crude protein, fat, seasonal variation
Subjects:	S Agriculture > S Agriculture (General)
Divisions:	Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Sciences > School of Biological Sciences
Depositing User:	Unnamed user with email zshi@unite.edu.mk
Date Deposited:	25 Nov 2025 10:43
Last Modified:	25 Nov 2025 10:43
URI:	http://eprints.unite.edu.mk/id/eprint/2156

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