Physico-chemical analysis of artificially formulated diets to be fed to honey bees during dearth periods

Six protein rich artificial diets were formulated & tested on Apis mellifera colonies during dearth periods. The main components of these diets were Defatted Soy Floor, Parched Gram, Brewer’s Yeast, Skimmed Milk Powder, Protein Hydrolysate Powder, Spirulina, Natural Pollen, Sugar & Glucose Powder. Physico-chemical analysis of diet formulations was carried out to know the exact concentration of various nutrients. pH value and percent protein, carbohydrate, fat, ash, moisture & energy varied between 5.2-6.4, 10-25%, 57-70%, 2.47-6.48, 1.67-3.75%, 310-390% in Diet 1 to 6 respectively.