Estimate how much protein supplement to mix into a bee-feed batch to reach a chosen crude-protein target. Enter the total batch size, the protein content of the base feed and supplement, and the number of colonies. The calculator returns supplement and base-feed weights, finished feed per colony, and supplement per colony for practical batch preparation.
The main result is the supplement weight needed in the finished batch. Remaining weight is the base feed.
Protein percentage alone does not establish a complete or seasonally appropriate bee diet. Check ingredient suitability and local apiary guidance before feeding.
For a 100 lb batch, 5% base feed, 50% supplement, and a 15% target, mix 22.22 lb supplement with 77.78 lb base feed. Across 40 colonies, that is 2.5 lb finished feed and 0.56 lb supplement per colony.
A two-ingredient blend cannot be weaker than its lower-protein ingredient or stronger than its higher-protein ingredient.
Yes. All mixture percentages and amounts are weight based.
Yes. Use the same weight unit for the batch; all weight results will be in that unit.
No. Enter comparable as-fed protein percentages unless you have converted both ingredients to a dry-matter basis.
No. Colony needs and ingredient suitability vary with season, forage, and management goals.
| Input | Meaning | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Finished feed batch | Total weight of the finished mixture. | lb |
| Colonies to feed | Colonies sharing this batch. | colonies |
| Base feed protein | Crude-protein percentage before supplementation. | % |
| Target mixture protein | Must fall between the base and supplement percentages. | % |
| Supplement protein | Protein percentage printed for the supplement ingredient. | % |