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In a message dated 07/01/2010 00:31:56 GMT Standard Time,
[log in to unmask] writes:
Bill T wrote: I continually am amazed that organically grown horses and
cows can be
treated with non-organic practices if they come down with problems. Might
it
be the investment represented by that horse or cow? Why then voice concern
when a commercial beekeeping operation with an even greater investment does
the same?
The modern distinction between 'organic' and 'non-organic' husbandry is
not relevant - and easily very confusing. All life-forms are organisms, and
all are subject to the same need for selection of the fittest, and
elimination of the weakest in every generation.
The most important aspect of husbandry (by which I mean _all_ forms of
keeping stock - and the same goes for plants) is that parents are selected for
health and against pests and diseases. This is how bloodlines are kept
strong.
With cows, sheep etc this is simply standard practice, and it is simple to
exclude vulnerable individuals from contributing to the next generation.
Rule of thumb: if you need to get the vet out, they go to market - out of
the possibility of breeding. The selection of the best parents is
undertaken as a high art.
With bees no such control is possible. If you keep duffers alive by
treating, they will push their genes into the next generation. That will weaken
your own future bees, local wild bees and your neighbours' bees.
Since a great many beekeepers have done this for several decades now,
there has been a global weakening of stocks, to the point where there is a
continuous health crises. That's why the greater concern.
Do you see the difference? It has nothing to do with levels of investment
(or with the modern distinction between 'organic and 'non-organic'
approaches to husbandry. It is about the universal need to be selective about
parentage in order to keep populations healthy in the face of constantly
evolving pests and diseases.
Beekeepers must learn the cardinal rule of husbandry: put best to best and
eliminate the weak. Selective breeding must occur in every generation, or
increasing weakness will continue. The 'medical' model of beekeeping is
quite simply misbegotten, unviable.
Mike Bispham
http://www.suttonjoinery.co.uk/CCD/
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