|
|
Post by Deleted on Mar 26, 2012 22:38:53 GMT -5
I might be totall off base so please let me know but I breed sugargliders and while I understand the dietary needs are very different. I know that bee pollen has major benefits for sugargliders and humans alike. So it made me wonder, do you think it could be beneficial for ferts?
Here is some info on bee pollen....
Did you know?
• Bee pollen contains more protein than meat
• It contains more calcium than milk
• Is good for digestion and stimulation of appetite
• Stimulates internal organs especially the brain
• Boosts the immune system
• Is considered to be a potent healer having antibacterial and antiviral properties
Bee pollen is made by bees (lol), they collect pollen from flowers, it's taken back to the hive and mixed with the bees digestive enzymes which the young bees then eat.
Bee pollen is approx 25% complete protein (complete proteins are easily assimilated), and contains at least 18 amino acids. It also contains a full spectrum of vitamins and minerals yet is low in calories!
Bee pollen is a superb addition to a diet, it does however contain iron, so feed alongside fruits and veg with only small amounts of vitamin C.
|
|
|
|
Post by Heather on Mar 26, 2012 22:44:51 GMT -5
Ferrets cannot eat or process fruit or veggies and because they're true carnivores manufacture their own vit C. I would have to do some major research, I think Jennifer might actually know something of this, before trying this. It would depend entirely on how bee pollen affects BG in ferrets and if they could metabolise this at all. I know that it carries many benefits for humans and I'm sure sugargliders would probably reap many rewards but ferrets...I don't know.
ciao
|
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Mar 26, 2012 22:50:49 GMT -5
I know that ferrets can't have fruits and veggies but thought maybe the protien in bee pollen could hold some beneifts.
|
|
|
|
Post by Heather on Mar 26, 2012 22:58:25 GMT -5
It's possible but not all proteins are created equal...not that the protein isn't there and good. Veggies have proteins, but ferrets can't metabolise them. Even plastics (think melanine) have proteins that were and are used in foods, it doesn't mean that it can be used but the animal eating it. Bee pollens do indeed have proteins and are useful to those that can metabolise them but to be honest I don't know if ferrets can use the proteins, does that make sense.
ciao
|
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Mar 26, 2012 23:16:42 GMT -5
Marshalls uses pulverized bee pollen in their duck soup mix. I don't think it would hurt them.
Sent from my SCH-M828C using ProBoards
|
|
|
|
Post by Heather on Mar 27, 2012 1:43:36 GMT -5
Somehow agreeing with something that goes into Marshals foods does not give me confidence  I'm hoping that Jennifer sees this post and pops in. She has a holistic vet who might actually offer some insight into the use of this or not ciao |
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Mar 27, 2012 6:10:24 GMT -5
Heather, I understand what you are saying. Hopefully Jennifer will come along and explain more about it. Thanks  |
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Mar 27, 2012 12:18:01 GMT -5
I see the blood sugar concern now. This article (for humans) suggests ". Diabetics sometimes have to reduce the amount of medication (insulin or metformin) when taking bee pollen as it can have a blood sugar balancing effect so it is important that you monitor your blood sugar very carefully if your doctor ok's you taking it. Bee pollen is high in protein and healthy fats which don't spike blood sugar like a sugar will." www.bee-pollen-buzz.com/is-bee-pollen-raw-honey-safe-for-diabetics.htmlSent from my SCH-M828C using ProBoards |
|
|
|
Post by Sherry on Mar 27, 2012 13:14:54 GMT -5
Lowering the bg in an insulinomic ferret would certainly be a concern.
|
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Mar 27, 2012 17:30:33 GMT -5
Ok, but my ferret is not insulinomic... would it still be a concern?
|
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Mar 27, 2012 19:04:45 GMT -5
I do not recommend bee pollen for ferrets for a couple of reasons, some of which are probably just my paranoid reasoning. However, I will stick with my primary concern....bee pollen is commonly used as to increase energy and metabolism - essentially, it stimulates adrenal cortical tissue, which is what happens with in ferret adrenal disease. As such, bee pollen is something a ferret owner does not want to risk. -jennifer Source: www.newlifecoolsprings.com/articles.cgi?article_id=13"Pollen contain large quantities of acetylcholine, which plays a varied and important role in the functional capabilities of the entire organism by provoking increased adrenaline secretions. It also acts as a chemical mediator for the transmission of nerve impulses, which may explain why pollen stimulates increased glandular secretions while acting as a tonic to the entire nervous system. By stimulating the secretion of hormones from the adrenal cortex, bee pollen assists in regulating (1) salt and water metabolism, (2) neuromuscular function, (3) carbohydrate, fat and protein metabolism, (4)resistance to many physical and chemical agents or infections, and (5) increased activity upon hair growth, skin and sexual functions. Bee pollen stimulates both adrenal and liver secretions in order to allow the liver to secrete additional quantities of glycogen, thereby elevating the blood sugar levels (which greatly benefit a hypoglycemic)." |
|
|
|
Post by Heather on Mar 27, 2012 19:12:55 GMT -5
Thank you Jennifer. I knew there was something that was sticking in the back of my mind but no matter what I looked up it would not come out ...thanks. Your paranoia....sorry...but if there's any reason for a ferret to avoid something, the possibility of adrenal or insulinoma is a reason
ciao
|
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Mar 27, 2012 19:39:21 GMT -5
Heather that's not the paranoid part....here are my other concerns... Some recommend against bee pollen for women who are pregnant or breast feeding. That always makes me question regular use of a product. Since Pollen allergies are common, and ferrets seems to be good at developing sensitivities/allergies, I'd be concerned about the possibility of allergy development t. Bee pollen typically induces a histamine response in those who are allergic....so I envision a very itchy ferret with lots of mast cell tumors - or perhaps worse.  Again, those are just my paranoid concerns that may be unfounded. I think the adrenal concern is probably the biggest issue. Bee pollen is over 50% carbohydrate, although it would be taken in very tiny amounts, so it's probably not a major concern for sugar-related issues. But the adrenal thing alone is significant in my mind. Even intact ferrets do not need adrenal stimulation. -jennifer |
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Mar 27, 2012 19:46:43 GMT -5
Ok, no to bee pollen then. Thank you everyone for explaining it to me. |
|
|
|
Post by Sherry on Mar 27, 2012 21:27:12 GMT -5
Thanks Jennifer! I was hoping you'd weigh in on this topic.
|
|
