Effects of feeding with a protein liquid supplement on productivity, mortality and health of Apis mellifera hives in southwestern Spain.

Colony collapse disorder (CCD) has affected bees worldwide in recent decades, with southwestern Spain being no exception. This disorder is one of the main causes of Apis mellifera mortality and is believed to be caused by environmental, social and sanitary conditions. Dietary supplementation can help to improve some parameters of the general status and sanitary condition of bees, such as infestation by certain recurrent pathogens, including Varroa destructor and Nosema ceranae, by enhancing immune and social response.