Hive Type Research Articles

Physico-chemical properties of honey from different beehives and honey sources in selected Districts of Bale Zone, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia

The aim of this study was to assess Physico-chemical properties of honey from different beehives and honey sources in selected District of Bale Zone, Oromia regional state, Ethiopia. A total 18 honey samples were collected from different hive types and honey sources for analysis of physico-chemical properties (color, moisture content, electric conductivity, pH, acidity, ash (mineral), HMF, reducing sugars (glucose and fructose), and sucrose content). Statistical analysis was used to analyse the data collected from laboratory parts. Data related to honey quality were analyzed using General linear model of SAS software (SAS, 2008). Whenever a statically significant difference (p<0.05) is observed, least significant difference (LSD) test was used to separate the means difference. Most of the laboratory results for common parameters were found in the range of the national and international standard limits. The result of physico-chemical properties showed that there was a significance difference (p<0.05) between hive types except for sucrose (g/100mg) (p>0.05). The overall mean of honey sampled from different hive types showed color (optical density) (10.86 mmpfund), moisture content (20.34%), ash (0.29%), electric conductivity (0.65 ms/cm), free acidity (57.66 meq/gm), pH (4.2), hydroxy methyl furfural (9.45 mg/kg), apparent reducing sugar (73.12g/100mg), sucrose content (0.1g/100mg) while the mean values for honey sampled from different honey sources were as follows: color (optical density) (10.65 mmpfund), moisture content (19.41%), ash (0.23%), electric conductivity (0.53 ms/cm), free acidity (45.33 meq/gm), pH (3.93), hydroxy methyl furfural (16.38 mg/kg), apparent reducing sugar (67.49 g/100mg) and sucrose content (0.5 g/100mg). Hive type and honey source had direct effects on physicochemical quality of honey. The findings show that there is a high need for techniques and technology intervention, so as to derive benefit from the large number of beekeepers in Bale zone and in the country in general both in terms of honey quality and quantity.

Physiochochemical Properties of Honey Produced in Gozamen District, East Gojjam Zone, Amhara Region

The research is financed by Ethiopian Meat and Dairy Industry Development Institute and SNV-ASPIRE Project Abstract The study was conducted in Gozamen District, East Gojjam Zone, Amhara Region, Ethiopia, from September 2017 to July 2018 to determine honey quality produced in the area.The effects of Agro-ecological Zones (location) and hive type on honey quality in the study area were assessed.Questionnaires for the survey, laboratory analysis for honey quality were employed. A total of 120 beekeepers (118 males and 2 females) and 25 honey traders (18 males & 7 females) were interviewed for the survey. A total of 22 honey samples (18 samples from six kebeles representing the three beehive types across the three agro-ecologies and 4 samples from market points) were collected and analyzed at Holleta Bee Research Center and Bless Agri Food Laboratory Services PLC .The survey data were analyzed using SPSS version 23. The honey quality analysis indicated that the overall mean value of moisture content (17.22±1.56), glucose (17.22±1.56), sucrose (26.96±4.94), pH (4.28±0.26) and acidity (29.322± 0.2) were significantly different among different locations at (P<0.05).Similarly,the mean values glucose ,sucrose ,ash and water-insoluble solids were significantly different at (P<0.05)between the three types of hives.The honey samples collected from honey traders were with high sucrose level(10.18%) confirming the adulteration of honey with sugar syrups.As a result; inspection, control, and regulatory measures are indispensable tasks to improve the honey quality in the study area. Keywords: Gozamen, Physicochemical properties DOI: 10.7176/FSQM/94-06 Publication date: February 29 th 2020

Architectural design of stingless bee hives

Stingless bee colonies were collected from different altitudes of Upper Subansiri district of Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland. Thirty four colonies of Lepidotrigona arcifera were successfully domiciled. Three hive types were designed, viz., Mo = Natural hive (NH), M1= Bamboo hives (BH) and M2 = Log artificial hive (LAH) for better establishment of colonies. These were kept at two heights [two feet above the ground (Ho) and five feet (H1) above the ground]. Wooden hives yielded 665 ml/hive/season as compared to bamboo and natural hives. The rate of colony establishment was best in wooden hive followed by natural hive. Bamboo hive failed to establish perennial colony while wooden hives performed better.

Honey bee microbiome associated with different hive and sample types over a honey production season.

Western honey bees (Apis mellifera) are important pollinators in natural and agricultural ecosystems, and yet are in significant decline due to several factors including parasites, pathogens, pesticides, and habitat loss. A new beehive construction called the FlowTM hive was developed in 2015 to allow honey to be harvested directly from the hive without opening it, resulting in an apparent decrease in stress to the bees. Here, we compared the Flow and traditional Langstroth hive constructions to determine if there were any significant differences in the bee microbiome. The bee-associated bacterial communities did not differ between hive constructions and varied only slightly over the course of a honey production season. Samples were dominated by taxa belonging to the Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Bartonella, Snodgrassella, Gilliamella, and Frischella genera, as observed in previous studies. The top ten most abundant taxa made up the majority of the sequence data; however, many low abundance organisms were persistent across the majority of samples regardless of sampling time or hive type. We additionally compared different preparations of whole bee and dissected bee samples to elaborate on previous bee microbiome research. We found that bacterial sequences were overwhelming derived from the bee guts, and microbes on the bee surfaces (including pollen) contributed little to the overall microbiome of whole bees. Overall, the results indicate that different hive constructions and associated disturbance levels do not influence the bee gut microbiome, which has broader implications for supporting hive health.

Identification of Honey Bee Floras and Their Flowering Times in Wondo Genet, Southern Ethiopia

The present study focused on identification of honey bee floras and their flowering times in Wondo Genet, Southern Ethiopia. Purposive sampling technique and combination of Rapid Rural Appraisal (RRA) tools were employed to identify the major and minor honey bee floras, and their flowering times. The data were collected from 36 sampled bee keepers in four peasant associations. Descriptive statistics and other statistical parameters were used in organizing, summarizing and describing the data. The average number of traditional, transitional and moveable frame beehives was 10.51±3.80, 2.88±1.85, and 1.12±1.21, respectively. The average honey yield per harvest/colony was 5.1±0.72, 13.20 ±0.92 and 17.2±0.73 kg for traditional, transitional and moveable frame hives, respectively. Hence, there was a highly significant difference (p<0.05) in terms of yield per hive/harvest between the three types of hives. A total of 47 bee flora species belonging to 42 genera and 30 families were identified by the sample respondents. The plant species were comprised of trees (48.94%), shrubs (27.66%), fruit trees (10.64%), herbs (6.38%) and food crops (6.39%). Of the total number of bee flora plants identified in the study area, 17 (36.17%) were major honey bee flora where as 30 (63.83%) were the minor ones. The major parameters that the beekeepers used in identification of bee floras were flowers visited by honey bees. The beekeepers expressed that the frequency and number of bees visiting the flowers can help them to identify as the major and minor honey bee floras. The identified plant species bear flowers mainly from September to November and in March. The current investigation revealed that there are various plant species in the study area with different flowering times, and this will provide basic information for further researches focused on bee flora and their conservation strategies. Keywords : bee flora, flowering time, honey bee, species DOI : 10.7176/JRDM/59-01 Publication date :September 30 th 2019

Estimating the potential of beekeeping to alleviate household poverty in rural Uganda.

Robust evidence underpinning the role of beekeeping in poverty alleviation is currently lacking. This study estimated the production potential for beekeepers in Northern Uganda by quantifying current production assets (equipment and knowledge) and impact on rural income streams range of proposed interventions. Intervention scenarios evaluated the economic benefits to be derived from different hive types combined with year-round provision of a nectar source (Calliandra calothyrsus) planted at varying density. Findings show that the type and number of beehive combinations used influenced the amount of revenue streams generated by the beekeepers. Addition of 20 log hives increased incomes 10 times, 20 KTBs increased revenues 16 times and Langstroth 18 times. Adding Calliandra trees as a forage source to the baseline scenario yielded revenues up to 17.6 times higher than the baseline. Implying that good management plus the introduction of a reliable nectar source, to off-set dry season challenges (absconding), could improve beekeeping productivity in Northern Uganda. Further research is required to validate in situ the impact of modelled scenarios on both honey yield and other ecosystem service benefits.

Comparison of colony performances of honeybee (Apis Mellifera L.) housed in hives made of different materials

Numerous flowering plants rely on bees for pollination. Any natural or anthropogenic factor that threatens colony survival can have a large impact on plant production. This study investigates the effects of manmade hives built from different materials and how these may influence colony growth. Ten each of three hive types were selected, wooden, polystyrene and composite insulated hives. Factors of adult bee numbers, brood development, nectar flow period weight gain, bee flight activity, aggression response, and honey yield were selected markers of hive development. Statistically, each hive type produced significant variation (p < .05). The greatest overall productivity across all factors was for insulated hives made of composite material, with honey production approximately 35% times that of wood, 14% times that of polystyrene and in terms of the development of honeybee colonies, the average of other hives is 10.2 times.HighlightsRelative humidity and temperature are important environmental factors for honeybees.Insulated hives, increased honey yield.High temperature and humidity inside the hive made honeybees more aggressive.

Factors affecting market supply of honey in Chena district, Kaffa zone, Southern Ethiopia

Despite high volume of honey production in Chena district of southern Ethiopia, the market supply of honey is low as compared to its potential due to some socioeconomic, demographic, production, market and institution related factors. This study was initiated to identify factors affecting volume of honey marketed. Data from 154 sample honey producers was collected and analyzed using multiple linear regression model with the aid of STAT version 13. The regression model result reveals that beekeeping experience, hive types used, number of beehives owned, number of extension contact and cooperative membership positively and significantly affected honey market supply while distance from nearest market significantly and negatively affected it. To enhance volume supplied with appropriate market outlet choices which in turn increase producers income generated from honey, all concerned bodies need to focus on promoting farmer-to-farmer knowledge sharing with experienced households, capacity building through training on improved honey production, increasing access to improved beehives, improving poor road facility, strengthening financial capacity of existing and establishment of additional beekeepers cooperatives. Key words: Honey, market supply, multiple linear regression.

Honey-bee production practices and hive technology preferences in Jimma and Illubabor Zone of Oromiya Regional State, Ethiopia

Abstract The study was conducted in two purposefully selected zones of Oromiya Regional State, namely Jimma and Illubabor. The objective of the study was to analyse the honey-bee production and to assess hive technology preferences in the study area. A total of 156 beekeepers were randomly and proportionately selected from four districts (Mana and Gomma from Jimma and Bacho and Yayo from Illubabor). Data were collected through formal survey and secondary sources. Accordingly, the average age of the beekeepers was 40.2 ± 8.13 years with an average of 13.5 ± 6.58 years of experience. The majority of the respondents (53.2%) in the study area got their colonies by catching swarms. Three hive types (traditional, transitional, and frame hive) were found in the study area. More than 70% of the respondents harvested once a year from traditional hives, while 25% of respondents harvested up to three times per year from frame hives. Moreover, an average of 22 ± 4.6 and 16 ± 4.1 kg of honey were harvested from frame and transitional hives per year, respectively. Compared to these two hives, a much lower (7 ± 1.6 kg) amount of honey was harvested from traditional hives. Various honey-bee floras were identified in the study area. Plants such as Vernonia amygdalina, Croton macrostachyus, and Schefflera sp. produce white honey. Half of the respondents’ preferred transitional hive followed by frame hive (37.2%). Factors which affect the use of frame hives were lack of equipment (36.5%) followed by wax quality and availability problems (34%). That is why few beekeepers tried to modify the frame hive to solve the problems of wax in vertical frame hive. In order to adopt and sustain modern hive technology, the focus should be on honey-bee equipment as well as wax quality and availability.

The impact of hive type on the behavior and health of honey bee colonies (Apis mellifera) in Kenya

There has been a long-standing interest in developing approaches to maximize honey production by Kenyan beekeepers. Since honey bees in Kenya are passively managed, the main decision beekeepers make is which hive type to use: traditional Log hives, Langstroth hives, and Kenyan top-bar hives. We found Langstroth hives to be the most attractive to migrating swarms, followed by Log hives, while Kenyan top-bar hives were the least preferred. Pathogen and parasite loads correlated only with colony age and absconding rates were associated only with colony size and weight. We recommend additional studies to understand the factors that drive swarm attraction to hive bodies and highlight practical concerns about Kenyan top-bar hives that need to be addressed to improve their utility to beekeepers. Also, placing apiaries in areas with floral resources may reduce absconding rates; however, periodic breaks in brood production may serve as a mechanism to reduce parasite and pathogen loads.

COLONY DEVELOPMENT AND MANAGEMENT OF THE STINGLESS BEE SCAPTOTRIGONA AFF. POSTICA (APIDAE, MELIPONINI) IN DIFFERENT HIVE MODELS

Meliponiculture, i.e. indigenous beekeeping, is an old activity in the Americas and is widely distributed throughout Brazil. However, since stingless bee keeping is still not entirely standardized, studies are necessary to achieve a better practice. For example, the types of hives used in breeding must be designed to ease the colony management and be suitable for each species, once size, behavior, and nest architecture vary among the meliponines. This study aimed to propose and test a vertical hive for breeding Scaptotrigona aff. postica and evaluated characteristics such as colony development and management, comparing it with a horizontal, traditional, hive. Ten colonies of Scaptotrigona sp. were used, five transferred to each hive type tested. During six months, monthly observations of nest components, hive occupation and hive management were made. The brood disk area, contrasting with the other parameters, were about twice larger in the vertical hive. No significant difference in hive occupation was found among the tested models. Management differences were found among the two hive models, where the vertical hive is highlighted having characteristics that eased colony inspection and division, causing minor damage to the nest structures. Thus, this vertical model hive has some advantages for keeping this Scaptotrigona species.

Occurrence and Distribution of Varroa Mite and Antivarroa Effect of Propolis in Walmara District of Oromia Special Zone Around Finfine, Ethiopia

A cross-sectional study was carried out from November, 2014 to April, 2015 aimed to assess the occurrence, infestation rate and associated risk factors of Varroa mite on Honeybees; investigation of the effect of propolis on varroa mites in Walmara District. Purposive sampling was used in Peasant Association; twelve apiaries and sixty four hives were randomly selected for inspection. Interviews, direct observation and experimental set up were the main data collection techniques used to gather the information. The results revealed the whole (384) bee colonies examined for Varroa mites were Positive with varies infestation range 4%-53% in brood and 4%-36% in adult Honeybees. The highest Adult infestation rate 18.20 ± 7.99% of Varroa mites was observed in Tullu Harbu, while the lowest infestation rate (14.25 ± 5.12%) was observed Wajitu Harbu. on other side The highest Brood infestation rate (22.76 ± 9.64) % of Varroa mites was observed in Nano Suba, while the lowest infestation rate 13.73 ± 5.88% was observed Wajitu Harbu. Infestation levels showed significant relationship with colony type (p=0.006). Weak colony type is highly infested than strong colony, However, associated risk factors including age, sex, educational status, duration of experience of Beekeepers, and site and hive type were not showed statistical significance with Varroa mite infestation (P>0.05). Effect of Propolis against Varroa Mite has been investigated and showed lethal effect. Propolis extracted with 70% ethanol was found to be highly toxic, at 20% (w/v) of propolis resulting in 94.44% mortality with a brief contact time of 5 sec. The study showed that whole bee colonies examined were co-existed with the mites and lethal effect of propolis on Varroa mites. Therefore, improved management system and further research to use propolis extract as a treatment option was recommended.

Botanical origin, colour, granulation, and sensory properties of the Harenna forest honey, Bale, Ethiopia

In this study, the Harenna forest honey samples were investigated with respect to their botanical origin, granulation, colour and sensory properties. Sixteen honey samples were collected from two representative sites (Chiri, C, and Wabero, W) using random sampling techniques. Botanical origin was investigated using qualitative pollen analysis by counting 500 pollen grains using harmonised methods of melissopalynology. Granulation, colour, and sensory properties of honey were determined by visual observation, using Pfund grader, acceptability and preference tests, respectively. Honey samples were also tested for tetracycline. Honey obtained from Wabero is originated dominantly from Syzygium guineense while Chiri was multifloral. The colour of honey ranged from 34 to 85 with light amber and extra light amber colours. The honey samples were free from tetracycline residue and form coarse granules slowly. Significant variation (p>0.05) in sensory preference and acceptability tests not observed due to hive types and locations.

EFFECT OF HIVE TYPE ON STRENGTH AND ACTIVITY RATE OF HONEYBEE COLONIES (Apis mellifera L.) IN EGYPT.

The study was conducted to determine the effect of hive type (wood and foam) on brood rearing, pollen grains and honey production activity during 2011 year with recording averages temperature and relative humidity. Total of eight honeybee colonies, approximately equal in strength with young mated queen was used in this study. Results indicated that honeybee colonies kept in foam hives presented the highest average worker sealed brood areas (407.4 square inch/colony) followed by honeybee colonies kept in wooden hives (286.8 square inch/colony). No significant difference between wooden and foam hives in drone sealed brood with an averages 13.42 and 9.17 (square inch/colony), respectively. It can be concluded that honey bees stored 678.55 and 630.44 g of pollen grains during May for foam and wooden hives with percentages 40.1 and 41.1%, respectively. In relation to foam hives, June was the second of pollen storage followed by July represented by 547.36 and 465.31g with percentages 32.4 and 27.5%, respectively. In contrast, for wooden hives July was the second month of pollen storage followed by June giving 489.994 and 414.141g (31.9 and 27.0%), respectively. The mean areas of clover honey recorded 207.9 and 307.5 (square inch/colony) for the colonies housed in wooden and foam hives, respectively. Statistical analysis showed that there were insignificant differences between wooden and foam hives for drone brood areas, queen cells number, stored pollen areas, honey production areas. On the other hand, there were significant differences between wooden and foam hives for worker brood areas and colony weight. In addition, wooden hives were more suitable for rearing of honeybee than other hive types.

A survey on some factors potentially affecting losses of managed honey bee colonies in Luxembourg over the winters 2010/2011 and 2011/2012

SummaryThe beekeepers of Luxembourg were asked for: 1. the honey bee (Apis mellifera) colony losses they experienced over winter; and 2. aspects of their beekeeping practice in May 2011 and 2012. Results on the magnitude of the winter losses in the managed bee colonies of Luxembourg are reported for the first time, and some factors potentially related to the losses such as varroa control methods, agricultural land use at the level of municipalities and the hive types employed were investigated. The number of managed honey bee colonies lost in Luxembourg was 938 out of 5,580 in winter 2010/11 and 1,172 out of 5,382 in winter 2011/12, corresponding to national loss rates of 16.8% and 21.8%, respectively. Elevated loss rates were observed in the Northern municipalities in both years. The losses reported from apiaries employing the hive types Dadant 10 or Dadant 12 were significantly lower compared to apiaries employing the hive type Deutsch Normal and losses with Dadant 12 were lower compared to hive type Alberti. Varroa control methods were grouped according to similarity concerning timing and treatment combinations. Differences of colony losses (%) between the four largest groups of similar treatment combinations were nonsignificant at P = 0.72, indicating that none of the most common varroa control method combinations reduced colony losses significantly below the average percentage of colonies lost per apiary. Evidence for an effect of the interaction between varroa control methods and hive type as well as for agricultural land use on colony losses is presented and discussed.

Hierarchical Effects Of Local Attractants On Swarms Of Honeybees, Apis mellifera adansonii Latreill In South-West, Nigeria

Most bee farmers in Nigeria attempt to lure bees into different types of hives using a variety of acclaimed local attractants. The study compares these local baits on Apis mellifera adansonii Latreille (1804) using modified Kenyan top-bar hives (KTBH) and an attempt is made to rank their effectiveness.

English

Swaziland has substantial potential in beekeeping with her rich flora, proper ecological conditions and existence of colonies. However, the Swaziland beekeeping sector has not yet efficiently utilized the rich natural resources. The apiculture sector in Swaziland is still faced with challenges in respect to marketing and importation as a result of the quality of honey and competition from South African honey. The objectives of the study were to describe the socioeconomic characteristics of beekeeping farmers and determine the factors affecting honey production among smallholder beekeepers. Primary data was collected from 37 randomly selected respondents from a population of 63 beekeepers. The results revealed that 62.2% of the respondents were married, 32.4% were above the age of 55, and mostly 86.5% used the Swazi top-bar types of hives. The results further showed that honey production was explained by the farmer’s experience and colony size, implying that an increase in the farmer’s experience by 1% would result in 0.41% increase in the amount of honey produced, while a 1% increase in colony size would result in 0.57% increase in honey production. The study has shown that there are plenty opportunities to improve the livelihoods of smallholder farmers by engaging in beekeeping. In order for farmers to improve their honey production, they need to increase the colony size and also use langstroth beehives because of their high productivity. Key words: Beekeeping, honey production, socioeconomic analysis.

Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors of Bee Lice in Holeta and its Suroundings, Ethiopia

A cross sectional study was carried out to determine prevalence of bee lice, and to find out associated risk factors in Holeta and its surroundings, West-Shoa zone of Oromia region. Of 385 bee colonies examined, overall prevalence of 42% lice infestation was observed. The highest prevalence (70.8%) of bee lice was observed in Gemechis, followed by Holeta (50%), while the lowest prevalence (17.1%) was observed in Jaldu. Prevalence of lice observed in bees kept in apiary management system (50.4%) had statistically significant difference (P 0.05) to that of highland areas (40.4%). In conclusion, different level of prevalence of bee lice was observed among the different study sites, between medium land and high altitude areas, between apiary and backyard management system, and between types of hives. Therefore, bee keepers should be informed regarding factors affecting occurrence of bee lice, including altitude, management system, and type of hives to control bee lice in their hives. Further study on the distribution and magnitude, and financial impact of bee lice was suggested.

Physicochemical Properties of Honey Produced in the Homesha District of Western Ethiopia

Physicochemical Properties of Honey Produced in the Homesha District of Western Ethiopia This study was conducted to characterize honey produced in the Homesha district in Western Ethiopia. The effects of location and hive type on the quality of honey produced in the area were assessed. A total of 20 honey samples were collected from four locations in the district. The overall mean (±SD) contents of reducing sugars, sucrose, pH, moisture, ash, hydroxymethylfurfural, acidity and water-insoluble solids of the honey samples analyzed were 65 ± 3.02%, 6.1 ± 3.4%, 4.02 ± 0.26, 16.4 ± 1.07%, 0.17 ± 0.07%, 1.8 ± 0.24 mg/kg, 23.9 ± 7.4 meq/kg and 0.09 ± 0.14%, respectively. The sucrose content of honey samples purchased from the market was significantly higher (p&lt;0.05) than the sucrose contents of honey samples collected from other locations. Hive type significantly (p&lt;0.05) influenced the contents of moisture, HMF and water-insoluble solids of honey samples. It can be concluded that honey produced in the Homesha district is of good quality and can meet the national and international market demands.

Beekeeping in Csongrád

According to the evidence of linguistics, the Hungarians brought the knowledge of beekeeping with them to the Carpathian Basin. Beekeeping and the consumption of honey must have been a common practice in Csongrád (historically the county seat in the early Middle Ages), a settlement surrounded by water, as records show that in 1138 the people here were required to pay a tax in márc (mead). In Turkish times, mid-16th-century defters (taxation lists) provide evidence of beekeeping during that period. After the Turks were driven out of Hungary, a record dating from 1731 shows that as part of his economic organising activity the Hungarian landowner Sándor Károlyi wanted to make beekeeping a taxable activity. Notitia , an 18th-century description by Mátyás Bél (minister of religion, teacher, historian), and the survey ordered in the time of Joseph II record the endowments for beekeeping (extensive natural stretches of water and melliferous wildflowers) as well as the man-made conditions (cultivated melliferous plants such as tobacco, grapevines, fruit trees). 19th-century sources also confirm the existence of local beekeeping. Material collected orally in 2004 shows that folk and peasant beekeeping was practised at several places in the area in the late 19th and the 20th centuries. In addition to establishing the locations, in a few places the researchers also obtained a description of the place occupied by beekeeping in the peasant economy. The oral data record the traces of beekeeping in live trees and of harvesting honey in the wild, the process of transition from skep to box hive in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the various types of hives, the method of making mead and the occasions on which honey was eaten.