The particular importance of choosing an adapted bee feed can be demonstrated by the nutritional elements needed at the different stages of their development: at the stage of the transition from egg to insect, protein absorption plays a central role; for fully developed bees (bumble bees, workers and queens), however, the energy supply from carbohydrates is of great importance.
The particular importance of choosing an adapted bee feed can be demonstrated by the nutritional elements needed at the different stages of their development: at the stage of the transition from egg to insect, protein absorption plays a central role; for fully developed bees (bumble bees, workers and queens), however, the energy supply from carbohydrates is of great importance.
The need for food supply for bees results from the fact that, most of the time, the beekeeper collects honey from the hives – this honey representing the stock of food produced naturally by the bees. In our climates with partially severe winters, the beekeeper must therefore provide substitute food. Similarly, regional and seasonal variations in honeydew conditions may make it necessary to provide supplementary feeding, in case it is naturally lacking, in order to maintain breeding activities and cover the bees’ food requirements. In the case of brood formation and queen rearing, it may also be necessary to provide supplementary feeding.
Several alternative types of feed exist, in the form of bee syrup or candy, which will be favoured depending on the period of the beekeeping season.
