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Taking protein supplements. Useful tips for beekeepers
Protein supplements play an essential role in the development and health of bee families, especially during periods when natural pollen sources are insufficient or suboptimal. Their administration requires a good understanding of the needs of the colonies and the right time to feed. Here are some useful tips for beekeepers:
- Optimal time for administration
The administration of protein supplements to stimulate bro brood growth should be carried out, depending on the year and area, between January and March, after a cleansing flight and the start of brood growth in bee families. This period is crucial for the development of the bees that will provide the crop in the active season.
- Correct estimation of protein needs
The need for protein feeding can be assessed by evaluating the amount of royal jelly around the larvae, if this is possible, by assessing the supply of sufficient polyflorous pollen (not all of it is consumed and there is both fresh pollen and trout in the hive), by checking the rate of consumption of samples of protein food in the hives (rapid consumption, especially in combination with the ‘dryness’ of small larvae, indicates a need for protein), by assessing the quantity of brood in the colony in relation to the number of adult bees (only a large number of adult bees can feed a large young population without help)
- Combining protein and energy nutrition
For maximum efficiency, simultaneous feeding of protein and energy is recommended. If there is a natural nectar crop, feeding can be protein only.
- The importance of the presence of larval brood
In the absence of doe and bro brood, the bees do not consume protein feed, but only select carbohydrates from the supplements and the protein is excreted. It is therefore necessary to check for the presence of a significant amount of larval brood before supplementation.
- Wiving supplements in the case of a pollen crop
If the bee family benefits from a daily pollen collection, they will forgo protein supplements, as their protein needs are covered naturally, especially in spring and in areas with natural flora (hills, mountains, reserves).
- The quality of pollen in nature
Although there are sources of pollen, not all types are equally rich in protein. The pollen of some plant species may be low in protein, and to check whether the family’s protein requirements are being met, the amount of budding around the larvae can be assessed. Low-quality pollen occurs mainly in summer and fall, in areas with large areas of intensive agriculture, in dry periods, in most monocultures.
- Restoring pesticide-damaged colonies
If bee families have been affected by pesticides, mixed feeding, combining protein and energy supplements, is recommended to support bee recovery.
- The role of protein in bee health
Colony health is directly dependent on the quantity and quality of protein consumed. Insufficient protein intake can lead to weakened flocks and reduced productivity.
- Feeding weak hives
If hives are weak or lack sufficient energy, protein supplementation should either be avoided or given in reduced doses.
- Avoid administration during periods without a cleansing flight
It is not recommended to feed protein feed in winter if a cleaning flight is not planned in the next two weeks. The extra protein before the cleaning flight and bro brood rearing is not consumed by the bees and may spoil in the hive (drying, wetting, molding, molding, souring, depending on the protein product used and the condition of the hive)
- Feeding for fat formation
To ensure that the next generation is well prepared for winter, protein supplements should be given to the previous generation. Body fat is essential for the survival of bees during the cold season.
- Determination of the protein content of bees
The amount of protein in bees’ bodies can be determined by laboratory analysis using the Kiejdal procedure. It is recommended that these tests be carried out regularly for both adult bees and larvae to ensure optimal nutrition.
By applying these tips correctly, beekeepers can help maintain strong, healthy and productive families and maximize the success of their hives.
