A large follow-up study published in Insects found that a nutritionally complete, pollen-replacing feed provided measurable benefits to commercial honey bee colonies over two winter seasons. The research ran from fall 2022 to spring 2024 and followed use of the feed by five commercial beekeepers in California and Idaho. The supplement, developed by APIX Biosciences (a Belgian biotech with a US subsidiary), was tested in collaboration with Washington State University’s Honey Bee Program.
Each participating operation manages more than 2,000 colonies. In the trial, a selection of colonies from each operation received the new feed while an equally sized group received the beekeepers’ usual fall and winter diets. Feeding continued from the end of the pollination season through the end of the California almond pollination period.
By January, treated colonies had more adult bees and more offspring. After almond pollination in March, treated colonies had 36% more adult bees and 40% more brood. Winter mortality fell from 28.8% with a standard diet to 15% with the new feed, a nearly 50% reduction. The stronger performance translated into economic value: in a hypothetical 100-colony operation, the feed would generate over $12,000 in additional gross revenue in the first year. The authors note the feed helps where forage is limited, but they caution it is not a silver bullet against threats like varroa mites and pesticides. APIX says pre-orders are open and first US shipments are expected by mid-June.
Difficult words
- follow-up — a later study that continues earlier research
- colony — a group of bees living together and managedcolonies
- brood — young bees and developing larvae in the hive
- mortality — the rate of death in a group
- forage — plants and flowers bees use for food
- pollen-replacing — designed to substitute for natural pollen
- varroa mite — small parasitic insects that harm honey beesvarroa mites
- gross revenue — total income before expenses are subtracted
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- What factors should be considered before a beekeeper decides to use this pollen-replacing feed?
- How might lower winter mortality change the finances or management of a commercial beekeeping business?
- What further evidence would you want to see to trust this feed as a long-term part of hive management?
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