Honey bees are essential pollinators for several economically important crops. In temperate countries, honey bee colonies face multiple threats during the overwintering period, such as food availability, diseases, and confinement. Beekeepers commonly use chemicals to improve colony health during winter, but these products can have a negative impact on bee health and pathogens can develop resistance to them. Thus, there is a need for further development of alternative treatments. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of one endogenic bacterium (Bombella apis) and 2 commercial probiotic formulas (Bactocell and Levucell) on colony survival, spring development, and Vairimorpha (formerly Nosema) spp. spore count. Probiotic treatments were given in 1: 1 sugar syrup in October 2017 and April 2018, once a week for 2 wk. One experimental group was given Fumagilin-B, the only product approved in Canada to prevent nosemosis, once in October. The administration of 2 commercial probiotics, Bactocell (Pediococcus acidilactici) and Levucell (Saccharomyces cerevisiae boulardii), led to a significant increase in the number of sealed brood cells in spring. None of the probiotic treatments impacted the honey bee gut load of Vairimorpha spp. spores. The results suggest that beneficial microorganisms can improve spring development and performance of honey bee colonies.

中文翻译：

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商业益生菌配方 Bactocell 和 Levucell 促进蜜蜂 (Apis mellifera L.)（膜翅目：蜜蜂科）群体的春季育雏产量

蜜蜂是几种重要经济作物的重要传粉者。在温带国家，蜂群在越冬期间面临多重威胁，例如食物供应、疾病和限制。养蜂人通常在冬季使用化学品来改善蜂群健康，但这些产品可能会对蜜蜂健康产生负面影响，并且病原体可能会对它们产生抗药性。因此，需要进一步开发替代疗法。本研究的目的是评估一种内源性细菌（蜜蜂 Bombella apis）和 2 种商业益生菌配方（Bactocell 和 Levucell）对菌落存活、春季发育和 Vairimorpha（以前称为 Nosema）属的影响。孢子计数。2017年10月和2018年4月以1:1糖浆形式给予益生菌治疗，每周一次，持续2周。一个实验组于 10 月份服用了夫马吉林-B，这是加拿大唯一批准用于预防鼻塞的产品。施用两种商业益生菌 Bactocell（乳酸片球菌）和 Levucell（酿酒酵母 boulardii）导致春季密封育雏细胞数量显着增加。任何益生菌治疗均不会影响蜜蜂肠道中 Vairimorpha spp 的负荷。孢子。结果表明，有益微生物可以改善蜂群的春季发育和性能。