The bees They feed mainly on nectar and pollen that they collect from flowers and trees. They are attracted to the nectar, a sweet syrup that they extract from the calyxes of the flowers. During the harvesting process, the bees are impregnated with pollen, which adheres to its body and ends up serving both for its food and for the pollination of other flowers.
The importance of pollen and nectar
Nectar, which is highly energetic, is essential for bees’ nutrition. In addition to being converted into honey in the hive, it provides them with the energy necessary for their daily activities: flight, thermoregulation and larvae rearing. Pollen, on the other hand, is vital for the development of the colony as it is one of its main sources of energy. proteins y mineralsBees transform pollen into what is called “pollen bread,” which is then used as food for the larvae and the entire colony. This fermented food, in addition to protein, can contain fats, vitamins, and other bioactive compounds essential for the bees’ health. The composition of pollen can vary depending on the plant species it comes from; for example, willow pollen is particularly rich in protein, while plants like sunflowers provide pollen with lower nutritional value.
The role of pollen in bee health
In the life cycle of bees, pollen plays a critical role. Young bees need large amounts of protein to produce royal jelly, a substance they use to feed their brood. A diet low in pollen or with low-quality pollen can result in reduced larval development, leading to smaller bees that are more susceptible to disease. This is especially important during spring and autumn, when colonies experience significant population growth. Pollen contains between 15 and 19 amino acids, 10 of which are essential for bees. Not all pollens contain all the amino acids, so bees must collect different types of pollen to complete their diet. An indicator of a good protein-rich food collection can be observed in the hive: the more varied the color of the pollen they store, the better the protein-rich diet.
Feeding bees during winter
During the winter season, bees cannot forage due to the lack of flowers and the cold. At this stage, they are completely dependent on the reserves of miel that they have accumulated throughout the year. The amount of honey stored should be sufficient to feed the entire colony until spring arrives. The beekeeper can intervene by feeding the bees with sugary syrups or even with honey, in case the hive reserves are insufficient. In any case, it is important that the bees receive the type of honey they are used to; for example, if they have been fed with honey from eucalyptusThey should not be fed with other types of honey, such as lavender or mountain honey.
Nutritional substitutes in times of scarcity
Some beekeepers often provide sugar syrups o biological pollen as nutritional alternatives. These solutions can be useful during winter or times of drought when plants don’t produce enough nectar or pollen. Climate change has made flowering increasingly irregular in some regions, increasing the risk of food shortages for bees. During pollen scarcity, beekeepers can offer pollen substitutes, which help to cover the protein, lipid and mineral needs of the bees. These substitutes also promote the development of the colony by stimulating the laying of eggs by the queen.
Essential nutrients in the diet of bees
Like many living beings, bees require a diet that covers all their nutritional needs. Among the most important elements they consume are:
- Carbohydrates: Found in honey and flower nectar, these provide about 80% of the sugars that bees need.
- Proteins: Pollen provides protein, an average of approximately 25% crude protein, although this value may vary depending on the plant.
- Fat: The main source of fat for bees also comes from pollen.
- Minerals: Minerals, another fundamental part of the diet, are found in both honey and pollen.
- Water: Essential for all vital functions, water must always be available near the hives.
The need to supplement the diet
Feeding bees isn’t always just about ensuring their honey and pollen reserves are sufficient. Weather conditions can severely affect a colony’s ability to forage. In situations of drought, rain, or extreme temperatures, nectar and pollen production by plants decreases drastically. To prevent starvation in the hive, beekeepers often resort to supplementary foods such as sugar syrups and protein cakes. In Mediterranean climates, where droughts can last for months, nearly 80% of Spanish beehives implement supplementary feeding systems. migration, moving hives to places where bees can find new flowers and food sources. However, when this is not possible, protein and energy supplements become essential to keep the colony alive.
Complementary food for bees
Carbohydrate syrups
Generally used when the colony still has pollen reserves, syrups are rich in simple sugars such as fructose, glucose and sucrose. These compounds are easily assimilated by bees and provide the energy needed for daily tasks. The type of syrup to be used will depend on the specific needs of the colony and the climatic conditions.
Protein cakes
During periods of pollen scarcity, protein cakes, containing between 8% and 50% protein, are used to ensure proper larval development and good royal jelly production. These cakes promote population growth and maintain royal jelly production, a fundamental element for the survival and health of developing brood. Proper bee feeding management ensures their survival during challenging periods. With a complete and balanced diet, bees can remain strong, healthy, and productive, contributing not only to honey production but also to the pollination of crops and wild plants—activities essential for the planet’s biodiversity.