Content
Due to the lack of vital vitamins and microelements in the body, bees get sick, their productivity decreases. Cobalt is especially important for them, which is contained in the "Pchelodar" vitamin supplement. How to give the drug and in what doses, then.
Application in beekeeping
Beekeepers use "Pchelodar" as a prophylaxis for infectious and invasive diseases that can be brought in from other apiaries. And also to replenish the reserves of cobalt and increase the insect's immunity.
The syrup has a positive effect on the development of bees, stimulates the growth of families, increases weight brood at the larval stage.
How cobalt deficiency affects bees
Cobalt, which is part of the "Pchelodar" top dressing, is vital for bees. Its deficiency makes it difficult to synthesize vitamin B12, which leads to protein and carbohydrate starvation. The young look sluggish and sick. Gradually, vitamin deficiency provokes a decrease in body weight, the development of anemia, which leads to death.
Composition, form of feeding
In addition to cobalt, "Pchelodar" contains vitamins and sucrose. Available in the form of a light yellow powder. Packaged in foil bags weighing 20 g.
Pharmacological properties
Vitamins increase the resistance of bees to unfavorable conditions of keeping, increase honey productivity. Cobalt is involved in hematopoiesis, improves the absorption of vitamins, restores protein and carbon metabolism.
"Pchelodar" for bees: instruction
It is not difficult to feed the bees with this medicinal preparation. According to the instructions, "Pchelodar" is given together with sugar syrup. Experienced beekeepers recommend feeding the insects in early spring and late summer when families are preparing for the winter.
The powder is given before the main honey harvest if there is a lack of bee bread or pollen in the hives.
Dosage, application rules
"Pchelodar" is bred according to the instructions for use, without breaking the dosage. A highly concentrated solution is bad for the health of bees and is fatal.
Dissolve the drug in warm sugar syrup, which is prepared in a 1: 1 ratio. Liquid temperature up to 45 ° С. For 10 liters of syrup, use 20 g of powder.
Features of top dressing:
- In the spring, the syrup is poured into the upper feeders 2-3 times with an interval of 3 days. The consumption of the drug is up to 0.5 liters per family.
- For feeding helper families in the early spring period, the syrup is given every other day for 2 weeks. Serving size - up to 300 g.
- In autumn, after honey collection, "Pchelodar" is fed at the rate of 1.5-2 liters per family.
A weakly concentrated solution or insufficient doses have no effect, but make feeding useless.
Side effects, contraindications, restrictions on use
Giving the syrup in large quantities or for too long is not recommended. Cobalt brings not only benefits to bees, but also harm. It is noticed that violation of the instructions leads to a decrease in masonry. The queen bee can completely stop laying, the young larvae die. If the beekeeper continues to give the drug, then the death of the entire brood is observed.
No other side effects have been identified. All honey that was collected during the cobalt feeding period is not harmful to humans, provided it is used correctly.
Shelf life and storage conditions
The shelf life of the drug "Pchelodar" is 2-3 years from the date of manufacture. However, you need to open the bag with the powder just before preparing the syrup in the apiary.
The powder should be stored in a dry, dark place where the temperature does not drop below 0 ° C. In the summer, the room should not be more than + 25 ° С.
Conclusion
"Pchelodar" is an effective feeding, the use of which increases the density of bee colonies, improves insect immunity, and reduces the risk of infectious diseases. However, in order not to harm, you need to use it only in the recommended doses.
