-----Original Message-----
From: Informed Discussion of Beekeeping Issues and Bee Biology
[mailto:[log in to unmask]]On Behalf Of Robert Mann
Sent: Sunday, 17 September 2000 7:45 a.m.
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Vitamins for bees

       .... From the viewpoint of human nutrition, pollen generally contains
a
superior range of vitamins in good amounts.  (Making it more 'bioavailable'
to us by rupturing the pollen grains before eating may well be a genuine
help  -  anyone looked into this NZ invention?)....

Yes Robert,
Despite numerous requests (extending over nearly 12 months) to the Vice
Chancellor, Professor Le Grew, of Canterbury University for verification of
the research (it has never been published, but has been very commercialised)
the VC has been unable to get it for us.
Independent tests have not been able to verify the claims and have shown no
difference in bioavailability.
Latest communication with Professor Bob Kirk (Pro Vice Chancellor
(Research)) suggests that all might be revealed shortly.
Would rather not say more at the moment.

Ron

        In a somewhat reckless & lazy gamble I'll predict there's little
evidence that bees can fail to get all the vitamins they need from pollen.
I hope this rash stab stimulates those who like to prove others wrong   . .
.    go to it, webcrawlers.

R

-
Robt Mann
consultant ecologist
P O Box 28878   Remuera, Auckland 1005, New Zealand
                (9) 524 2949