Near Double the Brood.
More Bees. Healthier Hives.
AgriSea Bee Nutrition – Trial Results.
De Graaf Apiaries ran an independent trial across 80 hives to test the effect of AgriSea Bee Nutrition added to sugar syrup during spring build-up. The results showed a dose-dependent increase in brood at every measurement point – with the highest dose producing nearly double the brood of the control group, a result confirmed as statistically significant.
The Key Finding: More Product, More Brood
The trial set out to assess the effect of AgriSea Bee Nutrition – added to sugar syrup at three dose rates – on bee numbers, brood development, general hive health and build-up percentage during the spring period. Eighty hives across four groups were assessed at two time points, with consistent results: brood increased with every step up in dose.
The most striking result came from the 40ml/L dose group, where brood at the second time point was 73.2 compared to 42.0 in the control – nearly double, and confirmed as statistically significant by a one-tailed Student's t-test. Visual inspection also noted noticeably higher bee density in treated hives at each assessment.
Trial Design
Eighty hives were enrolled at De Graaf Apiaries and divided into four groups of 20. Each group received a different dose of AgriSea Bee Nutrition added to their sugar syrup, with one group receiving sugar syrup only as the control. Observations and measurements were recorded every three weeks across bee numbers, brood, general health and build-up percentage.
Brood Results – Both Time Points
Brood counts were taken at two time points across all four groups. At both assessments, brood increased consistently with each step up in AgriSea dose. The gap between the control and the highest dose widened between time points – with the 40ml group reaching 73.2 average brood at time point 2, compared to 42.0 in the control.
Average Brood Count – Time Point 1
Brood count per hive – higher is better
Average Brood Count – Time Point 2
Brood count per hive – higher is better – 40ml vs control is statistically significant
Full Results Summary
Average brood counts (± SE) for all four treatment groups across both measurement time points.
| Treatment | Time Point 1 (Brood avg ± SE) | Time Point 2 (Brood avg ± SE) | Change TP1 → TP2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Control – sugar syrup only | 17.0 ± 13.4 | 42.0 ± 3.6 | +147% |
| 20ml Bee Nutrition / L | 38.7 ± 21.2 | 48.2 ± 31.3 | +25% |
| 30ml Bee Nutrition / L | 44.2 ± 13.6 | 48.0 ± 29.4 | +9% |
| 40ml Bee Nutrition / L Significant ✓ | 59.4 ± 12.3 | 73.2 ± 33.7 | +23% |
Dose-Dependent Response
Brood counts increased with each step up in AgriSea dose at both time points. The relationship between dose and response was clear and consistent – a hallmark of an effective nutritional supplement.
Statistically Significant at 40ml
The 40ml dose result at time point 2 was confirmed as statistically significant versus the control by one-tailed Student's t-test – giving confidence that the result is not due to chance.
Higher Bee Density Observed
Visual inspection at each assessment noted increased bee density in treated hives. While not a quantitative measure, this observation was consistent with the brood count data across the trial.
Strong Starting Advantage
At time point 1, the 40ml group had already reached a brood count of 59.4 versus 17.0 in the control – a 250% advantage. This earlier establishment of a strong brood base has significant implications for the season ahead.
What's in AgriSea Bee Nutrition?
AgriSea Bee Nutrition is made from cold-fermented New Zealand Ecklonia radiata kelp – the same base as AgriSea's animal and soil products. Cold fermentation preserves the full spectrum of bioactive compounds, delivering them in a naturally balanced, bioavailable form that the colony can use immediately.
Trace Elements & Minerals
Including cobalt, copper, zinc and selenium – micronutrients that support brood development, immune function and overall colony health, often deficient when bees rely on sugar syrup alone.
Pre & Probiotics
Supporting gut microbiome health in the colony – directly relevant to brood development, nutrient absorption and the immune resilience of individual bees and larvae.
Amino Acids & Vitamins
A near-complete amino acid profile alongside naturally balanced vitamins – providing nutritional support that sugar syrup alone cannot deliver, particularly during the demanding spring build-up period.
Phytochemicals & Long-Chain Sugars
Naturally occurring plant compounds with anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating properties – supporting colony resilience through the stresses of spring establishment and early foraging.
Recommended Products
AgriSea Bee Nutrition was used in this trial to achieve nearly double the brood at the highest dose, with statistically significant results.
Bee Nutrition
Seaweed-based nutrition supplement for bees that increases brood development, supports colony health, and enhances spring build-up when added to sugar syrup
Learn More80 hives across 4 treatment groups | Dose rates: 0ml (control), 20ml, 30ml and 40ml per litre of sugar syrup
Statistical analysis: one-tailed Student's t-test – 40ml vs control at time point 2 significant
Support Your Hives This Spring
Talk to your local AgriSea Field Consultant about adding Bee Nutrition to your sugar syrup programme during build-up and throughout the season.
Explore Bee Nutrition