On Thu, 23 Sep 2010 21:04:31 -0500, Bob Harrison <[log in to unmask]> wrote:

>> I realize that sucrose is somewhat better
>> for overwintering, but it is worth that price difference?

>I am surprised many beeks choose to buy the higher priced syrup but today
>bee nutrition is a high priority. Hard data and research would be nice. 
>I think HFCS has more spec issues than sucrose.

That about sums it up.  Good HFCS is close to sucrose as a feed for wintering.
The problem is that there are a number of suppliers and it is not always easy to
know the source a supplier offers, and it may even change from day to day.

I wrote recently to Dr. Rob Currie who did some looking into the fiasco years
back in Western Canada when some off-spec syrup got sold to beekeepers and 
killed far too many colonies to comfortably think  about.

On 13/09/2010 11:08 AM, allen wrote:
> Hi,
>
> I hear the sugar syrup is not available for the next ten days and we 
> are wondering if it will be after that.
>
> Tony Lalonde has been feeding HFCS for years and says he has no 
> problems. He also sells HFCS as well as sucrose syrup.
>
> I seem to recall you did some work showing slightly shorter lifespan 
> for caged bees fed HFCS.
>
> What is the latest on that?  Do you have any links to that work?

He said:

Although there can be slight differences in bee performance the two 
types of syrup (see Erickson J. Econ. Ent. I think) the short answer is 
that HFCS is fine as a winter feed source so long as it is high quality 
and fresh (you are right about the comparison to sucrose) .   We used it 
regulary as that is what the Co-op sold.  We now use sucrose (because 
that is what the Co-op sells).

Hope that helps.

Rob

Me again: > Thanks. That answers the question.  I trust I can quote you?

Hi Allen:

You can quote me for what it is worth!!

Rob

I suppose someone could write or phone Dianna, since I understand 
she did some work on this question.  I don't know if Tucson has gone 
on the record as to what they found or if they named brands or 
discussed specs.

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