>
> >Is it known whether the make-up of the BBJ (Bee Belly Juice) is
> consistent or variable with location?


Not known Bill.  The methodology for endosymbiont identification has
advanced markedly in the past few years.   Early research suggested great
variability with location.  Newer research suggests that there appear to be
about 7 universal groups of bacteria in the bee gut.  My question is
whether they are functionally different at the strain level.  Research on
other species suggests yes.


> > Do you foresee your study being inter-regional?
>

No.  That would need to follow.

>
> >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 would also suppose the same.

>
> >Seems the use of probiotics for critters, like cattle, horses, etc.  is
> very common, and they're doing fine, so, never mind.


I'm not looking for some sort of universal cure all.  Just interested in to
what degree colony productivity is correlated with specific combinations of
gut flora.

-- 
Randy Oliver
Grass Valley, CA
www.ScientificBeekeeping.com

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