Seasonal Variations in Nutritional Composition of Honeybee Pollen Loads

Honeybee pollen loads from the Al-Ahsa Oasis exhibit significant seasonal variations in nutritional composition, with spring and winter samples showing the highest levels of fructose, crude protein, lipids, and ash—indicating their potential as valuable food supplements. The study analyzed pollen collected over a year from five apiaries, revealing that rapeseed, summer squash, date palm, sunflower, and alfalfa dominated botanical composition. While spring and winter loads were richest in key nutrients, autumn samples had higher glucose and moisture content, while summer loads excelled in total and available carbohydrates, as well as crude fiber. This research highlights the seasonal nutritional dynamics of pollen, offering insights for dietary and agricultural applications in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Al-Kahtani, S., & Taha, E.-K. A. (2021). Seasonal Variations in Nutritional Composition of Honeybee Pollen Loads. Journal of the Kansas Entomological Society, 93(2). https://doi.org/10.2317/0022-8567-93.2.105