BIBBA Conference 2008
Last Updated on Thursday, 16 October 2008 12:52
My work colleagues think I'm mad already so telling them I was going to spend the weekend at a beekeeping conference on bee breeding and genetics would, I think, only further confirm my status as the "bee nutter". However like most beekeepers who are suffering from beekeeping disease once the quieter months arrive, its a perfect oppurtunity to undertake some study. It was by this thought process, that I booked to attend the BIBBA Autumn conference 2008.
Currently, I think only their are only two members of BIBBA in RBKA, Bob Maurer and myself. BIBBA stands for the Bee Improvement and Bee Breeders' Association. BIBBA has an underlying aim of reinvigorating the native British Black Bee (Apis Mellifera Mellifera) which at this time is beyond both my interest and capability, (academically and practically) both in terms of experience but also in terms of time. However, as with most beekeepers, for a much more limited effort it would seem that bee improvement and a better knowledge of genetics would prove some valuble results.
BIBBA disseminates its aims through "producing and distributing publications and literature, encouraging the formation of local Bee Breeding Groups, holding Conferences, Workshops and Lectures along with cooperating with similar organisations and scientific institutions". As an organisation BIBBA is possibly the most pro-active organisation currently that is encouraging the more advanced methods of beekeeping (i.e queen rearing techniques). During one of the lectures it was stated than until you start rearing queens, you haven't yet made the progression from a bee owner, to a bee keeper. Although I took that statement with a pinch of salt, I could see the thinking behind it. Breeding queens under your own conditions and timings allows improvements in your stock as you can select desirable characteristics such as temper, disease resistance, etc etc. Thats a world away from popping a few sealed queen cells you find in a swarming hive in an apidea or nucleas (which saved my bacon several times this year)
I've been keeping bees for a few years so have settled down to the number of colonies I want to keep - no more than 5 in a busy year (at work or family) and no more than 10 in a quieter year. I've sorted out my equipment, beekeeping shed and have mastered the basics of swarm control, and "reading the hive" etc etc. Thus this is an ideal time to turn attentions to some further study and through that, to achieve an aim of having some nice gentle bees. I've already decided that the only method of achieving this aim should be by using selective breeding from what I have (or is local) as importation of foreign queens seems to be unnessarily disruptive through introduction of foreign genetic material for little benefit and possibly a large cost (aggressive 2nd generation bees, virus introudction, varroa/small hive beetle risks etc)
Now I'm not claiming to be a whizz beekeeper, or indeed to have done any queen rearing before, but I like to have an aim, and undertake full preperations and study before I put my plan into action. Most beekeeping books will provide a summary of the main genetic difference between other animals and bees: -that the drones are created from an unfertilised egg, (e.g. they have no father) so all their genetic material comes from their mother (the queen). Workers however, are a combination of both the egg from the female and the sperm from the drones on her mating flight.
The conference was wide ranging in both the depth and variety of lectures. It certainly didn't just dwell on only the genetics and transfer of characteristics between generations, but branched into the types and varieties of nucleas hives, selection, morphometry (the study of external characteristics such as positions of viens on wings etc), setting up club bee breeding groups and on the Sunday, included a range of practicals including use of mini-nucs, Instrumental Insemination, and theory/computer use of morphometry.
Clive de Bruyn presented the lecture on nucleas hives, followed by the following days practical sessions on mini-nucs. Undoubtably, it was a highlight for me to see suggestions & tips. I've heard Clive speak previously, and he has a real ability to see through the promotional gimmicks of all sorts of gadgets/new techniques and provide concise, practical and realistic advice which is effective and does not involve purchasing any unneccasary equipoment.
So what did I get out of it?
It confirmed my thoughts that I should be breeding from my best stock, and culling my worst queens. I've already kept detailed records throughout this year to allow selection of a breeder queen. My records included scores for for stinging, running/quiet on the comb, following etc, although with the normal things such as frames of brood, stores etc.This knowledge, together with information gleaned at the conference means I'd like to start raising some queens next year.
As with all conferences its a wonderful opportunity to soak up loads of information in a short space of time, and, as an organisation which is promoting bee improvement, the focus on both the thoery and practrice of bee breeding has provided me with a solid base to work from
Perhaps more importantly, it prepared me for the fact the disasters are inevitable such as queens hatching too early, poor weather for mating etc. This insight into what can go wrong, along with the lessons learnt of those that have tried before you is very useful in identifying why things might not go to plan.
So... all I need to do now is a few winter preperations... get a few more polystyrene mating hives, a grafting tool, make some wax cups anda couple of nursery frames.
