At the start of the trial, the bee colonies were carefully standardized to ensure uniformity in strength and composition. Each colony originated from 5-frame nucs, transferred into deep singles and arranged in pairs with entrances facing different directions. The colonies were headed by recently-mated queens from the same mother, displaying healthy brood patterns. To maintain consistency, all colonies were equalized to contain three frames of brood, one frame of honey/pollen, and one drawn comb. This setup provided a balanced foundation for the trial, ensuring that any observed changes could be attributed to the experimental conditions rather than initial disparities.
Key Points Explained:
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Colony Origin and Setup
- The trial began with 30 colonies derived from 5-frame nucleus colonies (nucs), which were transferred into deep single boxes.
- Colonies were paired, with entrances splayed in different directions to minimize drift and competition between neighboring hives.
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Queen Characteristics
- All colonies were headed by recently-mated queens sourced from the same mother, ensuring genetic uniformity.
- The queens exhibited good brood patterns, indicating healthy reproductive performance and colony viability.
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Equalization of Colony Strength
- Colonies were standardized to contain:
- Three frames of brood (eggs, larvae, and pupae) to ensure similar population growth potential.
- One frame of honey/pollen for consistent nutritional resources.
- One drawn comb to provide space for brood rearing and honey storage.
- Equalization was achieved by swapping combs between colonies and adjusting bee coverage to ensure uniformity.
- Colonies were standardized to contain:
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Initial Colony Assessment
- Colony strength was graded early in the morning by tipping the boxes and counting the number of interstices filled with bees.
- This method ensured accurate assessment before daily activity disrupted the clusters.
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Nutritional Status
- The presence of honey/pollen frames and pollen substitute patties indicated that colonies had adequate nutritional resources at the start.
- The fact that pollen patties were not fully consumed suggested natural pollen sources were sufficient, reducing reliance on supplements.
This meticulous standardization at the trial's outset ensured that all colonies began under comparable conditions, allowing for reliable evaluation of their development and responses throughout the study.
Summary Table:
| Aspect | Initial Condition |
|---|---|
| Colony Origin | Derived from 5-frame nucs, transferred into deep singles, paired with splayed entrances. |
| Queen Genetics | Recently-mated queens from the same mother, exhibiting healthy brood patterns. |
| Colony Strength | Standardized to 3 brood frames, 1 honey/pollen frame, 1 drawn comb per colony. |
| Nutrition | Adequate honey/pollen stores; pollen patties provided but not heavily relied upon. |
| Assessment Method | Bee coverage measured by counting interstices in early morning for accuracy. |
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