Impact of Outcross Mating on Brood Rearing Activity and Honey Production of Local Honey Bees in Libya

Document Type : Research articles

Authors

1 Department of Zoology, Faulty of Arts and Science, University of Benghazi, Tokra, Libya

2 Department of Animal Production, Faulty Agriculture, University of Benghazi, Soluq, Libya

3 Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, University of Benghazi, Libya

Abstract

    This research aims to perform outcrossing mating on 60 beehives with virgin queens, followed by an investigation into the impact of hybrid vigor on both spring brood rearing activity and honey production. This outcrossing experiment was conducted with two beekeepers hailing from Tukra and Jirdinah in Lybia. The 60 beehives were divided into four groups to facilitate the investigation, with measurements taken on spring building and honey production. It was observed that bee colonies with outcrossing mating had significant increase in brood rearing activity compared to colonies that did not receive the outcrossing treatment. The results showed that colonies with outcrossing mating increased in hybrid vigor of 32.78% in spring brood rearing activity and 23.61% in honey production. The outcomes of this investigation have bestowed upon male honey bees a heightened level of power during the mating periods, allowing for the manipulation of mating through the alteration of the distance between colonies. This research ultimately provides profound insights into the complex mechanisms of honey bee mating and carries significant implications for beekeeping. It furthers our understanding of male honey bees' vital role in reproducing honey bees. It highlights the importance of manipulating the distance between colonies to optimize the mating process. This study also underscores the need for beekeepers to prioritize the selection of honey bees with desirable traits, as this will produce high quality offspring with improved characteristics.

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Egyptian Journal of Agricultural Sciences
Volume 75, Issue 1 - Serial Number 1
14th International Conference of Arab Beekeepers Union, 13-15 November, 2023, Cairo Egypt
January 2024
Pages 60-66

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