Instrumental Insemination & Bee Breeding June 14, 15 & 16, 2000

An intensive three day course on the technique of instrumental insemination and bee breeding is offered at the Ohio State University Rothenbuhler Honey Bee Research Laboratory in Columbus, Ohio every summer. The three day course is scheduled Wednesday through Friday. The class is designed for commercial beekeepers who are involved in a breeding program or who want to improve upon an existing program. It is also designed for laboratory personnel requiring the skill for research purposes.

A practical hands-on approach to instruction is provided with emphasis on individual attention. Participants become familiar with the assembly and alignment of equipment and sterilization methods. Various types of insemination instruments are available for comparison and review of their features.

The preparation and care of virgin queens and drones, post-insemination care and introduction of inseminated queens will be discussed in detail. Basic bee genetics and various breeding systems will be presented. Demonstration materials, virgin queens and drones will be provided. Participants receive a booklet of reprints reviewing methods of bee breeding and the technique of instrumental insemination.

Prerequisite:
Knowledge of queen rearing experience is required. Beekeepers must provide their own insemination equipment. Microscopes and lights will be provided for use.

Registration:
Registration is $350. Lodging, meals and transportation are not included in the registration fee. Information on lodging will be included in the registration packet. Enrollment is limited and will be based upon beekeeping experience. Deadline for registration is May 15th.