What is the average annual quantity of pollen collected by a well-developed production colony?
- About 20 to 40 kg per year, depending on the context.
- About 5 kg per year, even for a strong colony.
- About 220 kg per year in most apiaries.
Show answer
Correct answer: 1.
About 20 to 40 kg per year, depending on the context.
Why?
A well-developed production colony generally collects about 20 to 40 kg of pollen per year in temperate zones. The figure of 30 kg therefore constitutes a good indicative benchmark.
Pollen provides the proteins, the lipids, the vitamins and the mineral salts needed for the development of the brood and for the proper physiological functioning of the bees.
The quantity collected varies greatly according to the strength of the colony, the area of brood, the available flora, the weather, the season, the region and the possible presence of periods of dearth.
What to understand
Pollen is not collected in a constant quantity throughout the year. In a temperate climate, the inflows are mainly significant in spring and during the periods of brood development.
Only a small part of the pollen is stored durably in the form of bee bread in the frames. The greater part is rapidly consumed, in particular by the nurse bees and the brood.
Extreme values do exist, but they must not be confused with an average. A harvest of 220 kg corresponds to very particular conditions and does not represent the usual situation of a production colony in Switzerland or in central Europe.
Key points
For a well-developed production colony, the useful benchmark is about 20 to 40 kg of pollen per year.
Pollen is indispensable for the rearing of the brood and for the dynamics of the colony.
The quantity collected depends strongly on the season, the strength of the colony and the local availability of pollen-bearing plants.