About This Project

Commercial beekeepers commonly provide supplemental nutrition to hives during the dearth to ensure hive survival. This nutritional supplement has historically focused on providing an alternative protein and carbohydrate source. Recent research shows that fats may be as important in honey bee hive health. We hypothesize that the addition of plant based oils with a balanced Omega 6:3 ratio combined with increased 24-methylenecholesterol levels will increase honey bee hive vitality.

Ask the Scientists

What is the context of this research?

The beekeeping industry is experiencing increased losses, reduced yields, and decreased colony health in general. Nutritional stress is one factor that is closely correlated with long term effects on hives. Recent research shows that Omega 3 fatty acids and the Omega 6:3 ratio directly affect honey bee learning. The addition of 24-methylenecholesterol increases brood rearing and worker bee lifespan.

However, these studies and many similar studies are narrowly focused, laboratory based, and do not attempt to extend the results to practical beekeeping in the field. This study determines if adding balanced fats to supplemental feed is applicable and economically viable for beekeepers in the field.

What is the significance of this project?

The ability to decrease honey bee hive losses while increasing productivity and general hive health through better nutrition has significant importance to beekeepers, farmers and the general population. In fact, 71% of the 100 crops used for the world's food production are pollinated by honey bees.

This study examines whether the increased cost associated by providing a diet balanced with an Omega 6:3 ratio and enhanced levels of 24-methylenecholesterol through the use of plant based oils is a practical solution that beekeepers can implement into their business. If the utilization of the selected plant based oils increases hive vitality, then this finding can be immediately implemented in the field to reduce the losses that beekeepers are currently experiencing.

What are the goals of the project?

The funds will be used to determine if honey bee hives placed on an experimental diet containing a balanced Omega 6:3 ratio with enhanced levels of 24-methylenecholesterol has observable and positive economic effects on the hives from a beekeeper's perspective. Specifically, will the increased costs associated with the experimental diet translate into economic benefits for the commercial beekeeper? This study will track measured differences, such as increased hive survival, increased splits, and increased frames of bees for pollination which directly affect the economic model for beekeepers.

On a more global perspective any positive effect on beekeepers and their hives also directly impacts farmers, agriculture and the global food supply.