The potential of mulberry leaf protein concentrate as a supplementary feed on the health and lifespan of honey bees (<i>Apis mellifera</i> L.)

Background: In situations where natural pollen sources are insufficient, it becomes crucial to explore alternative proteins for honey bees. Utilizing mulberry leaf protein concentrate (LPC) emerges as a vital strategy to enhance the nutritional quality of dietary supplements for honey bees, thus mitigating the effects of limited pollen availability. Moreover, it acts as a dietary supplement that positively influences honey bee longevity and health. This study aims to evaluate the effects of incorporating mulberry LPC into honey bee nutritional supplements on maintaining bee health and prolonging their lifespan. Results: Mulberry LPC exhibited high protein content (28.60% ± 3.22%), dry matter (86.55% ± 4.56%), and low levels of fiber (3.16% ± 0.25%), ether extract (3.12% ± 0.25%), and ash (0.71% ± 0.10%), respectively. The essential amino acid composition derived from mulberry LPC revealed elevated values of leucine and lysine, which are necessary for honey bee development. Through a comprehensive investigation of mulberry LPC supplementation in pollen patty on honey bee physiology and life span, the treatment administering 2.5%-5.0% mulberry displayed a significant increase (p < 0.05) in acini sizes and prolonged the life span when compared to the control group fed solely with sucrose syrup. Conclusions: This finding is the first report highlighting the potential of mulberry LPC as a novel supplement feed for honey bees. Mulberry LPC demonstrated notable characteristics, including a high protein content. Furthermore, the essential amino acid composition of mulberry LPC showed elevated levels of leucine and lysine. Our results signify the beneficial impact of mulberry LPC in honey bee nutrition, suggesting its potential as a viable dietary intervention to improve honey bee health and life span. Further research in this domain holds promise for advancing beekeeping practices and ensuring the sustainability of honey bee populations.