FEASIBILITY OF USING PROBIOTICS FOR BEES

The main mechanism of action of probiotics is to normalize the composition of the biological microflora of the gastrointestinal tract, that is, its colonization by competitive strains of bacteria-probionts, which carry out non-specific control over the number of conditionally pathogenic microflora by displacing it from the intestinal biocenosis, strengthening the barrier functions of the intestinal mucosa in bees, and also activates the synthesis of hemolymph cells, while stimulating digestion and strengthening the immune status of the body. The article presents the results of studies of the antimicrobial properties of Bilact and Enteronormin preparations against putrefactive pathogens (Penibacillus larvae, Melisococcus pluton) in the laboratory. Their influence on the factors of non-specific resistance of bees is determined.. Experimental studies to verify antimicrobial properties were performed by Agar diffusion. The criterion for evaluating effectiveness was the size of the growth retardation zone (mm). To determine the effect of the drugs “Bilact” and “Enteronormin” on the body of adult bees, studies were conducted in bee colonies. Families of the I-th experimental group were added to the feed of the drug “Bilakt”, the II-th group – the drug “Enteronormin”, control – pure sugar syrup (1:2). Hemolymph was taken from bees before the experiment. During the experiment, hemolymph samples were taken after 7, 14, and 21 days and the activity of lysozyme, phagocytosis, and hemolymph bactericide were determined. It was found that the experimental strains Penibacillus larvae and Melisococcus pluton were sensitive to both microbiological preparations: the growth retardation zone for crops even at the lowest concentration of 1.0 x 103 Kou/cm3 exceeded 15 mm. It was found that the preparations “Bilakt” and “Enterohormin” showed approximately the same effectiveness in relation to pathogens of bee brood rot. Both drugs at a maximum concentration of 1 x 109 Kou/cm3 caused growth retardation of both putrefactive pathogens in 24.9±0.71 mm and 24.5±0.51 mm (Bilact) and 23.8±0.8 mm and 24.2±0.84 mm (Enteronormin). It was found that the activity of lysozyme in the hemolymph of bees of Group I was 1.4 times higher 7 days after feeding a mixture of sugar syrup with Bilact 21 days later – 1.7 times higher than in the control. The activity of lysozyme in the hemolymph of bees of Group II was 1.5 times higher 7 days after feeding the drug “Enteronormin”, after 21 days – 1.7 times more than in the control. Lysozyme activity in the hemolymph of bees of groups I and II 7 days after the end of top dressing was increased by 43.8% and 45.7%, respectively, compared to the control. Differences in the indicators of bactericidal activity of hemolymph indicators before and after the use of probiotics were revealed. The results obtained indicate that feeding the preparations “Bilakt” and “Enteronormin” contributes to an increase in the factors of non – specific resistance of the Bee body (lysozyme activity by 1.4, 1.7 times, phagocytosis by 1.1 times, bactericidal factor of hemolymph-by 2.0 times).