What's in HiveAlive?
HiveAlive is the only product to contain unique Irish seaweed extracts scientifically selected for honeybees
HiveAlive is the result of extensive research into the benefits of administration of seaweeds to bees.
The ingredients in HiveAlive have been specifically selected for honeybees.
These ingredients have been formulated in such as way as to preserve their natural bioactivity whilst also being safe for bees to consume.
All ingredients in HiveAlive and the manufacturing process are compliant with EU and FDA animal feed regulations. HiveAlive is suitable for organic beekeeping as per EU Council Regulation (EEC) 834/2007.
Seaweeds for healthy bees
HiveAlive is largely composed of a unique blend of scientifically selected Irish seaweed extracts called OceaShield.
Seaweeds are routinely fed in animal feeds to help reduce the need for antibiotics.
- Increased production
- Improved general health
- Improved gut health
- Enhanced immune function
- Improved nutrition
- Reduced disease levels
- Reduced medicine use
The reason seaweeds are so beneficial is due to their anti-microbial, anti-viral, anti-fungal, immune boosting properties and prebiotic activity as well as high levels of vitamins and minerals i,ii,iii,iv.
The benefits are not only seen in animals; research on seaweeds and their extracts on humans have shown significant benefits in digestive health and tackling diseases such as diabetes, osteoporosis and cancers.v
Trials carried out on HiveAlive reveal the benefits of feeding seaweeds for honeybee health. A massive 89% increase in colony population was observed when colonies were fed HiveAlive activated syrup in autumn and spring. This was accompanied by a decrease in Nosema spore counts and a reduction in over winter mortality.vi
The seaweeds found in HiveAlive are harvested from the clean, pure waters of the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of the west of Ireland. These seaweeds are then processed to carefully extract all the bioactives to ensure maximum efficacy.
Seaweeds as prebiotics
In recent years, the importance of gut bacteria has come to light.vii A healthy, balanced population of gut bacteria is key to ensuring digestive health, defence against pathogens of the gut, creating a strong intestinal barrier and it also contributes to the production of some vitamins. Diet plays a major role in maintaining the proper functioning of gut bacteria. A prebiotic is any ingredient that is able to change the gut bacteria/probiotics in a way that is beneficial to your health & wellbeing. Seaweeds are an excellent source of prebiotics and have been used in human nutrition for numerous years for a plethora of health benefits.viii
Learn more about the uses and benefits of seaweeds by clicking on the link below to read a review article on seaweeds.
Thyme
Lemongrass Oil
HiveAlive contains thyme which is recognised as a key substance in the fight against Nosema. We have developed a unique emulsification process to ensure it blends easily into sugar syrup and does not cause separation or re-crystallisation.
HiveAlive contains a precise amount of lemongrass in order to increase attractiveness of syrup but does not contain enough to induce unwanted robbing. Lemongrass also has a calming effect on bees.
Fleurence, J. (1999). Seaweed proteins: biochemical, nutritional aspects and potential uses. Trends in Food Science & Technology ii Kovač, D (2013) Algae in food and feed. Journal of the Institute of Food Technology in Novi Sad iii Løvstad Holdt & Stefan Kraan, Bioactive compounds in seaweed... iv Mayer, A., & Hamann, M. (2004). Marine Pharmacology in 2000: Marine compounds with antibacterial, anticoagulant, antifungal... v Brown et al (2014) Seaweed and human health. Nutrition Reviews.viCharistos, L, Parashos, N & Hatjina, F (2015) Long term effects of a food supplement HiveAlive™ on honey bee colony strength and Nosema ceranae spore counts, Journal of Apicultural Research.viiMarchesi JR, Adams DH, Fava F et al (2016) The gut microbiota and host health: a new clinical frontier. Gut. viiiO' Sullivan et al (2010) Prebiotics from Marine Macroalgae for Human and Animal Health Applications. Marine Drugs
What do beekeepers think of HiveAlive?
“We had a very wet Spring and had to feed longer than usual since the bees could not get out. So instead of just syrup and pollen patties we used HiveAlive this year in our syrup to help boost our hives. It has really made a Huge difference in our brood production. Our hives are full and we are seeing an astounding difference in our honey production this year already. I will definitely will be using when we feed over winter to help keep the colonies healthy."
LM, USA
“I have been very impressed with the product so far. I work closely with another local beekeeper and we generally follow similar treatment protocols. Early in the fall, both of us had losses of around 20 percent, but by late November, we noticed his hives were not as strong as mine, and he has since incurred greater losses. The one main difference in our operations: I use HiveAlive.”
Steve S., 200 colonies, Michigan, USA
"I swear by this product for building strong healthy hives. My mite counts have been extremely low as well on all my hives. This is the only product I have fed my bees for the past 2 years and will continue to do so going forward."
Elizabeth B, USA
"I contacted some of the bee keepers in my area (Southern Mountains of Colorado) to see how their colonies are building up. No one is seeing the colony build up like I am seeing with my colonies. But then again, no one else in the area is using HiveAlive."
D.M., Beekeeper, Colorado, USA
"When I first used it, it worked. I saw an eruption in hives the first spring I used it. Life expectancy is longer, they're stronger and they build up quickly. I'm using it 3 years."
Chris, Beekeeper, Maryland, USA
"I feed hive alive In fall to boost hive size going in to cold weather. It seems to strengthen the hive to handle colder weather. It’s important to make sure that the varroa count is at an acceptable level."
Milcamp65, USA