| This paper analyzes the summer and winter total protein content of 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, and 40-day old Apis mellifera L. worker venom glands before (control) and 24 and 96 hours after applying electrical shocks for venom extraction (experimental). During venom extraction, 7-day old workers responded more slowly and weakly to electrical shocks. This response intensifies with age, so that the workers approaching 20 days old respond faster and more aggressively to the shocks. Statistical analysis, using the non-parametric Wilcoxon and Kruskall-Wallis tests and complemented by the Jonckheere test, showed that the protein content varied from one age to another in the experimental group, which was well distinguishable from the values in the control Group in summer... |
