Large-scale research shows pollen-replacing nutrition reduces winter losses and boosts productivity across commercial operations.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
A large-scale study led by Washington State University researchers found that a synthetic, pollen-replacing feed improved honey bee survival rates and colony performance across two winter seasons, offering a potential tool for commercial beekeepers facing ongoing colony losses.
The findings, published in the journal Insects, tracked the use of the feed across five commercial beekeeping operations in California and Idaho from fall 2022 through spring 2024. Each operation managed more than 2,000 colonies, with researchers comparing colonies fed the new product to those receiving standard diets.
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The feed, developed by Belgium-based APIX Biosciences in collaboration with WSU’s Honey Bee Program, is designed as a nutritionally complete supplement resembling a thin, bar-like structure. Researchers evaluated its effectiveness during the period when colonies are most vulnerable, from the end of pollination season through winter and into almond pollination.
According to the study, colonies receiving the synthetic feed showed improved health indicators and stronger population growth. By January, during peak almond pollination, these colonies had larger adult populations and were more likely to meet requirements for premium pollination contracts.
Survival rates also improved. Winter mortality dropped from 28.8 percent among colonies fed conventional diets to 15 percent among those receiving the synthetic feed, representing a reduction of nearly half. Additional data showed that by March, colonies fed the new product had 36 percent more adult bees and 40 percent more brood compared to those on standard diets.
Researchers said the improvements translated into measurable economic outcomes. In a modeled 100-colony operation, the enhanced performance could generate more than $12,000 in additional annual revenue due to increased colony strength and pollination capacity.
Brandon Hopkins, a professor of pollinator ecology at Washington State University and a corresponding author of the study, said the research builds on earlier trials by examining results during winter, when colony losses are typically highest. He noted that nutritional deficiencies can increase vulnerability to pests and disease, contributing to broader declines in bee populations.
The study also highlighted environmental pressures affecting pollinators, including reduced availability of diverse forage and increased competition among colonies. Researchers said supplemental feeding strategies may help offset these challenges.
Thierry Bogaert, chairman of APIX Biosciences and a co-author of the study, said the feed demonstrated clear benefits but emphasized that it does not address all factors affecting bee health, such as parasites and pesticide exposure.
Independent analysis referenced in related reporting on winter mortality underscores the scale of seasonal losses facing beekeepers, reinforcing the need for effective interventions.
The study is among the largest of its kind conducted under commercial conditions, according to researchers, who said the scale was necessary to account for environmental variability across regions.
APIX Biosciences has begun taking pre-orders for the product, with initial shipments expected to reach U.S. beekeepers by mid-year. Researchers and industry participants said the results could have implications for agricultural productivity, given the role of honey bees in crop pollination.
University officials said the findings reflect ongoing efforts to address challenges facing pollinators, which are critical to food production systems and ecosystem stability.
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