A study published in the journal Insects tested a nutritionally complete, pollen-replacing feed used by five commercial beekeepers in California and Idaho from fall 2022 to spring 2024. The supplement, which resembles an oversized thin granola bar, was developed by APIX Biosciences and tested with Washington State University’s Honey Bee Program.
Each participating operation manages more than 2,000 colonies. For the trial, selected colonies received the new feed while an equally sized control group received each beekeeper’s normal fall and winter diet. Feeding continued from the end of pollination season through the end of California almond pollination.
Colonies that received the feed stayed healthier through winter and almond pollination. Treated hives had more adult bees and more brood, and winter mortality was substantially lower. The stronger hive performance also showed clear economic value for beekeepers.
Difficult words
- supplement — Additional food given to animals or plants.
- colony — A group of bees living together in one hive.colonies
- control group — A group that receives the normal fall and winter diet.
- pollination — Transfer of pollen that lets plants make seeds or fruit.
- brood — Young bees, including eggs, larvae and pupae.
- mortality — The number or rate of deaths in a group.
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Based on the study, would you recommend this supplement to commercial beekeepers? Why or why not?
- How could lower winter mortality change a beekeeper’s work in the next season?
- What concerns might a beekeeper have before using a new feed like this?
Related articles
Drug‑resistant Salmonella in children’s food and water in Karamoja
A peer‑reviewed study found drug‑resistant Salmonella in nearly half of food and water consumed by under‑fives in Karamoja. High resistance to azithromycin and other drugs raises health, economic and development concerns.
