The decision to administer bee-collected pollen or protein supplements hinges on several variables: brood volume, stored pollen, present and future nectar and pollen conditions, and hive requirements. In instances where hives are critically deficient in pollen, particularly during brood expansion or when a substantial brood nest exists, beekeepers must carefully assess available options to avert a decline in bee population, which can lead to weakened colonies unsuitable for honey flows or crop pollination.

Possible Strategies:

1. Relocation to Natural Pollen Source: Physically moving apiaries to areas with naturally occurring pollen is an option, though feasibility may be hindered by cost or logistical challenges.
2. Supplementary Feeding: If relocation is impractical, feeding pollen or protein substitutes becomes a consideration.

Key Considerations:

• Timing: Initiate supplement or pollen feeding around 6 weeks before the anticipated natural pollen source.
• Impact: Prolonged protein supplement feeding may result in shorter-lived bees; two brood generations are viable before such issues arise.
• Foraging Dynamics: Protein supplement feeding may reduce field bees’ pollen foraging, but natural pollen consumption may increase once available.

Pollen as a Supplement:

• Natural Pollen: Optimal protein source but varies (6–40%). For rapid hive expansion, aim for 25–30% crude protein.
• Storage: Storing pollen in combs or using pollen traps. Check hives for diseases, as pollen can transmit them.

Pollen Substitutes:

• Considerations: Attractiveness, availability, cost, nutritional values, and absence of toxic substances.
• Ingredients: Various substances like soya flour, canola flour, torula yeast, brewer’s yeast, and vitamin supplements. Particle size must be under 500 microns.

Soya Flour:

• Recommended but quality varies. Expeller processing removes high oil content. Fat level in the final mix should be around 7%. Protein levels around 50%. Storage in a cold room is crucial.

Canola and Sunflower Flour:

• Must be treated for high oil content. Protein levels lower than soya flour. Sunflower flour has repellent properties; its use is discouraged.

Sorghum and Triticale Flour:

• Highly attractive but unsuitable as a dominant ingredient due to low crude protein levels.

Torula Yeast:

• Generally more attractive than soya flour. Protein levels around 50%, acceptable fat content. However, amino acids may be insufficient; unsatisfactory as a standalone supplement.

Brewer’s and Baker’s Yeast:

• More attractive than soya flour. Protein levels around 50%, providing a balanced set of amino acids.

Vitamin and Mineral Supplements:

• Added at 1–3% of the mix; their benefits in honey bee nutrition are not fully understood.

Mixing and Feeding:

• Consider hive purpose (maintenance or breeding) when determining supplement quantity.
• Varied opinions on quantity; approximately 500 grams per hive per week for strong colonies is a common guideline.
• Consistency in supplement supply is crucial to prevent harm to developing bees.
• Various forms: cakes, patties, or loose powder. Sugar may be added for attractiveness.
• Proper storage and handling are essential to prevent ingredient deterioration.

Conclusion:

Tailoring protein supplementation based on hive needs ensures optimal health and productivity. Regular assessments and adjustments in response to seasonal demands guarantee the well-being of bee colonies.

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