Vitamins and amino acids

Vitamins form part of the nutrition that bees obtain mainly from pollen. A supplement may be appropriate when pollen intake is scarce or lacks variety and it is used within a diet formulated to cover that shortage. It does not replace the sugars that provide energy, or the protein, fats and minerals required in a complete feed.

The decision should be based on the colony’s condition and the product’s declared composition. A multivitamin alone does not guarantee more brood, immunity or production, and adding it without a plan may duplicate ingredients already present in another feed.

Amino acids are the building blocks from which bees make proteins. The colony obtains them from the protein fraction of pollen, and their balance is as important as the total amount: a diet may contain protein yet still be limited if essential amino acids are missing or poorly balanced.

A supplement should therefore not be judged on a high protein percentage alone. Consider the source, amino-acid profile, digestibility, other nutrients and acceptance by the bees. If varied pollen is coming in at an adequate rate, amino acids need not be added routinely.

It depends on the formulation. Some products are diluted in syrup; others are mixed into a paste or patty, and some are already included in a complete feed. Follow the dose, mixing order, temperature and consumption period on the label: changing the carrier or concentration may affect stability and acceptance.

Prepare only the amount required, mix it evenly and provide it protected inside the hive or as directed by the manufacturer. Do not combine several supplements without comparing their compositions, as this may duplicate ingredients or make the mixture incompatible.

When there is a nutritional reason: low pollen intake or poor pollen diversity, inadequate bee-bread stores, or a complete feeding programme that calls for the supplement. They may also form part of a plan ahead of a specific management date, provided the colony has enough bees, suitable temperature and sufficient energy to respond.

They should not be used as an automatic ‘insurance policy’ after every move or treatment. First check resources, brood, population and bee health; then select a formulation whose composition and directions suit the objective. During a crop intended for marketable honey, avoid feed that may end up stored in the supers.

This cannot be assumed. Compatibility depends on the composition, pH, concentration and method of administration of each product. Two different supplements may repeat vitamins or amino acids, change a patty’s texture or reduce a syrup’s stability.

Combine them only when the label or technical sheet allows it, and calculate the dose for the final mixture. If the directions are unclear, ask the manufacturer or give the products separately. Recording what is supplied, how much and for how long helps assess consumption and avoid duplication.