You may have heard of corn syrup for bees but are unsure of which one to use. The most common type is HFCS-55. The ingredients in this substance are p-coumaric acid and hydroxymethylfurfural. However, you may have concerns about its safety. Below are some things you need to know. And, if you are still unsure, read on to get the answers you need.
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HFCS-55
One of the most popular forms of corn syrup for bees is HFCS-55, which is not only sweet, but also resistant to fermentation and bacterial contamination. Beekeepers use this type of corn syrup in their colonies to avoid crystallization and ensure a healthy colony. This syrup is particularly helpful when the colony does not have enough bloom to feed properly. Additionally, it is helpful when package bees are installed on undrawn comb, or during the production cycle.
HFCS is generally considered safe for bees, but when stored outdoors, HFCS can contain high levels of hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF). This substance is toxic to honey bees and causes the honey to be dark in color. Beekeepers must store HFCS for bees in a temperature-controlled facility, and it must not be mixed with water or old syrup.
HFCS-42 contains p-coumaric acid
High-fructose corn syrup contains p-coumaric acid, an enzyme found in the pollen of many species. Honeybees produce propolis, a resinous “bee glue,” from these substances. The enzyme can interfere with other compounds in honey. Consequently, beekeepers should avoid using high-fructose corn syrup in their hives.
The study found that p-coumaric acid induced the expression of genes in the midgut of newly emerged adult bees, a vital site of toxin and pathogen entry. RNA-seq was conducted on three pairs of samples and analyzed using the Cuffdiff, DESeq, and edgeR. p-coumaric acid increased expression of 110 genes, a significant increase compared to the levels observed with a control group.
The effects of p-coumaric acid on bees may be mitigated by boosting their immune system. Although this method doesn’t work for severe cases of CCD, it could still help honey bees survive during food shortages. Furthermore, it might help beekeepers maintain colonies in times of food shortages, without compromising the bees’ ability to fight pathogens and pesticides.
HFCS-55 contains hydroxymethylfurfural
Honey bees do not store fat reserves and are therefore susceptible to the poisonous effects of high fructose corn syrup (HFCS). Since HFCS is commonly used as a sweetener in processed foods, HFCS-55 has been associated with a high concentration of HMF. Commercial beekeepers also use high fructose corn syrup to feed their bees during periods when nectar sources are scarce. Unfortunately, there are no rapid field tests to detect dangerous levels of HMF in bee honey.
HFCS-55 is the preferred form of syrup used for bee feeding. It is known to be free of crystallization and has a high osmotic pressure, making it a safe and effective supplement for bees. Beekeepers can use it during colony expansion, queen rearing, and other production operations. This feed has a low pH, but can be used for feeding supplemental bees.
HFCS-55 is the most common form of corn syrup for bees
Corn syrup can be harmful to honey bees in large quantities. To make a good choice for your honey bees, look for a corn syrup that does not contain any starch. While some corn syrups are toxic, they are generally made without starch. Fortunately, there are some forms of corn syrup that are safe for your bees. Read on to learn more.
There are two types of HFCS. The first is HFCS-42, which is less expensive than HFCS-55. HFCS-55 is more nutritious and contains less solids. HFCS-42 may also contain contaminant sugars. HFCS-55 is the most commonly used type for bees. Despite its negative effects, HFCS-55 is generally safe to use.
In general, high-fructose corn syrup is not recommended for bees because it contains hydroxymethylfurfural, or HMF. HMF forms when fructose is exposed to high temperatures in an acidic environment. The consumption of HFCS is therefore not justified for honey bee supplemental feeding in most countries. Nevertheless, it has some benefits.
