Effect of Supplementary Feeding on Sperm Yield and Some Morphological Characteristics in Drones
III. INTERNATIONAL APICULTURAL RESEARCH AND SUSTAINABLE REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY CONGRESS, Bingöl, Türkiye, 8 - 10 Ekim 2025, ss.21-22, (Özet Bildiri)
- Yayın Türü: Bildiri / Özet Bildiri
- Basıldığı Şehir: Bingöl
- Basıldığı Ülke: Türkiye
- Sayfa Sayıları: ss.21-22
- Açık Arşiv Koleksiyonu: AVESİS Açık Erişim Koleksiyonu
- Atatürk Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
In honeybees (Apis mellifera L.), colony health and productivity are directly related to the reproductive
capacity of drones. Drone sperm yield and morphological characteristics are shaped by environmental
conditions and nutrition, as well as genetic factors. Supplementary feeding applied during periods when
colonies' natural nectar and pollen resources are insufficient can affect various aspects of bee biology.
This study investigates the potential effects of supplementary feeding on sperm production and some
morphological traits in drones. Three different feeding groups and two different control groups were
used in the study. According to the results of the study, the average live weight of drones was
273.60±1.39 mg, and supplementary feeding was found to increase live weight in drones. The analysis
revealed a significant difference between the feeding groups and the control groups (P<0.05). The results
of the study indicated that supplementary feeding positively affected forewing length and width, and
thorax length and width, and the differences were statistically significant (P<0.05). On the other hand,
although supplemental feeding had a positive effect on hind leg length and endopallus length, the
difference was found to be statistically insignificant. Supplemental feeding was found to increase the
average semen volume in drones. Mean semen yield was 1.155±0.020 μL in the Diet 1 group,
1.140±0.037 μL in the Diet 2 group, 1.150±0.038 μL in the Diet 3 group, 1.010±0.050 μL in the control
group, and 0.88±0.037 μL in the pollen trap group. The difference between the supplemental feeding
groups and the control groups was found to be significant (P<0.05). Furthermore, it has been reported
that drones obtained from colonies receiving adequate and balanced nutrition strengthen colony genetic
diversity by increasing the mating success of queen bees. In conclusion, supplemental feeding is a
critical factor that shapes not only colony vitality but also the reproductive capacity and morphological
characteristics of drones. In this context, determining appropriate supplementary feeding strategies is of
great importance for the sustainability of colony performance in modern beekeeping.