>Honey bee nutrition varies not only seasonally but also based on the colony’s unique needs and beekeeping practices. From the nutritional demands of larvae to those of the foragers, each stage req ... "

 

From page 2:



" 

Proteins:

Generally, the protein content of pollen varies from 2.5% to 61%. A colony with 50,000 individuals collects about 312.5 lb (~142 kg) of pollen annually. Maximum protein consumption is by young nurse bees (65 mg per bee over ten days) to meet the physiological demands of brood food production.

Most protein consumed is at day 5 post eclosion. For rearing just one larva, approximately 25 mg – 37.5 mg protein is required.

"

Very useful information indeed, but nevertheless one comment. 142 kg seems a lot! Here in Europe, we assume that annual pollen consumption per year/colony is about 35 kg (plusminus 77 lbs).

 

What should we think of this?

 

Kind regards,

 

Ghislain De Roeck
Belgium

 


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