Dynamics of the content of trace elements in royal jelly of different breeds (subspecies) of honey bees depending on the month of its collection

P. Y. Vorobets
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Institute of Animal Biology NAAS, 38 V. Stusa str., Lviv, 79034, Ukraine

Royal jelly is a unique product of worker bees, namely the secret of their pharyngeal and maxillary glands. It is the main source of nutrients and biologically active substances for larvae and queens. Royal jelly includes a wide range of macro- and microelements that play a key role in the development of the bee colony, regulation of metabolism. Royal jelly is promising for use in medicine, pharmacy, cosmetology, etc. Comparative study of the mineral composition of royal jelly obtained from different breeds of bees and at different times of the year is important for understanding the biochemical mechanisms of its secretion and optimizing the technological conditions for obtaining this product with the highest possible biological value. The aim of the work was to compare changes in the content of copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), cobalt (Co) and nickel (Ni) in royal jelly obtained at different times, namely: in May, June and July from honey bees of four breeds (subspecies) — Carpathian bee (Apis mellifera carpatica), Ukrainian bee (Apis mellifera carnica), Italian bee (Apis mellifera ligustica) and Ukrainian steppe bee (Apis mellifera sossimai). As a result of the study, the variability of changes in the content of trace elements in royal jelly of the studied breeds (subspecies) of bees depending on the period of its obtaining was established.

Key words: royal jelly, trace elements, Apis mellifera carpatica, Apis mellifera carnica, Apis mellifera ligustica, Apis mellifera sossimai