>I'm in agreement, Peter!  So much so that I proposed a collaboration with
>another microbiologist.  I've been collecting samples of bee guts (sterile
>technique) this week from two different groups of colonies--the two most
>productive, and two least productive in each yard.

Is it known whether the make-up of the BBJ (Bee Belly Juice) is consistent or variable with location?  Do you foresee your study being inter-regional? 

I suppose that, if variable, then over time the ratios from an initial inoculation would adjust to what worked best for the bees in that location.

I'll preface my next statement by saying I think it is a remote possibility, but the concept of monoculture and it's associated issues did cross my mind.  As a microbiologist by training, you'd think I'd know more.  Okay, I googled around for a while.  Seems the use of probiotics for critters, like cattle, horses, etc.  is very common, and they're doing fine, so, never mind.

Of course, they are also used by humans, and we are pretty screwed up.

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