Final Report for FNE07-619
Project Information
Results summary
The results from the original five hives are as follows:
• 20% hives died in late January. Reason not established. Head count was small and this may have been a factor
• 40% colonies are strong and each ready to be split, increasing the colonies by 20%
• 40% colonies are OK, but somewhat low in head count.
In summary, over this one wintering period we achieved a 0% net stability; losing and gaining colonies at the same rate. With a normal New England overwintering loss of between 25%-50% this result is promising.
Our expectation is that by reviewing effectiveness of feed, greenhouse/hive adaptation and colony selection, we will at least be able to achieve predictable nett gain stability with the possibility of increase in real terms.