>What commercial substitute would you recommend I use. I've always used
Bee-Pro. They changed the formula...I assume...as it is a different color
that it used to be. Was going to try MegaBee this year, but some comments
made have put me off.

This question was sent to me privately, but I think I'll answer it on List.

 None of my comments should have put you off to MegaBee.  I can only go by
data, published or unpublished.  The USDA has data that suggest that MegaBee
is the best supplement out there.  Now what we need is replication in other
trials to see if it is consistent--as you know, we've been burned by data
from other trials.

In a relatively small trial that I ran last summer (12 colonies in each
treatment) MegaBee performed well, as did the homebrew.  The trial was too
small to be definitive.

No formula out there appears yet to be a complete pollen substitute.  The
success of any formula may well depend upon the local conditions--especially
whatever traces of natural pollen are available, and their composition.

I've spoken to many beekeepers who have tried MegaBee.  The response has
generally been positive, with the main question being whether it was worth
the additional price.

There are a number of beekeepers who swear by other formulas, and have done
their own private (and unpublished) testing.  Of course, several who have
strong opinions also sell one of the products.

Please realize that this is a touchy subject, and I do not wish to either
shill nor disparage any product out there, as I can assure you that every
manufacturer is earnestly convinced that they sell the best product
available.

OK, I just got off the phone with Dave Hackenberg.  He's given me permission
to post his formula.  I just uploaded it to my website on my Pollen
Supplement page under Nutrition.  Here's the URL for Allen, who has trouble
navigating my site : )
http://www.scientificbeekeeping.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=70

Randy Oliver

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