The importance of feeding supplementation in Apis mellifera honeybee colonies.

Food supplementation of Apis mellifera honeybee colonies is, together with management and genetic breeding, one of the bases for high productivity in beekeeping. However, the proper balance of nutrients that make up the diet is essential for supplementation to have productive benefits for colonies and, consequently, for the beekeeper's profits. Nutrients play a key role in a variety of physiological functions of individuals and the colony, including reproduction, growth, development, production and overwinter survival. Food is obtained through the collection of floral resources in nature, but the beekeeper can assist the colony by providing food supplementation during periods of scarcity or during productive activities with a high demand for energy and protein, such as the raising of the queen and the production of royal jelly. Furthermore, well-nourished individuals are more productive and resistant to pests and diseases. Thus, the objective of this review was to present the main nutrients in the honeybee diet and the importance of colony supplementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]