Diamond V Yeast Culture as Pollen Supplement

[BeeRay]

I have been looking for a source of Brewer's Yeast locally without much success. I did find Diamond V Yeast Culture at a local feed store. This is basically a low concentration Baker's yeast. Looking at the nutritional analysis, I see this product has most of the amino acids and protein typically found in pollen supplements but at only about 1/3 the normal concentration: http://www.diamondv.com/products/profiles/Product_Profile_1002_YC_1-04.pdf

This product is relatively inexpensive (about $13.50 per 50#) and there is no shipping cost. My question is do you feel I can feed Diamond V mixed with sugar but at a higher rate and achieve the same or at least an acceptable nutrition level for early brood rearing?

[Aspera]

See if you can find out the ash/salt content. Some yeast products have too high an ash content and become toxic. I used health food store bulk Torula yeast last year with acceptable results.

[BeeRay]

Aspera,

The nutritional analysis linked above lists the ash content at 5%. Is this excessive? It does not list salt specifically but does show sodium in the mineral section at 0.27%.

Thanks for your reply.

[Aspera]

You want to keep the total ash below 2% or you will decrease brood rearing. Yeast is usually an excellent source of B vitamins and has a high crude protein. You could easily cut it with a high % of sugar and still have good results. It may also help to balance it out with soy, pollen, or some other protein source. Some keepers like a mix using one part each of sugar, frozen pollen or soy flour and yeast. My information source on this is a document available for free from the Aussie govmt. Its called "Fat bees, Skinny Bees" or something similar.

[BeeRay]

I found the reference you mentioned: "FAT BEES SKINNY BEES - a manual on honey bee nutrition for beekeepers". I downloaded a copy here: http://www.rirdc.gov.au/reports/HBE/05-054sum.html

Page 31 mentions the ash content.

Thank you. This is just what I was looking for. There are not many good references on pollen subs available.

I think I will try the Diamond V yeast culture in a blend as you mentioned.