In a message dated 96-07-23 12:20:07 EDT, you write:
 
<< I wonder how often Drone laying can be traced back to the use of
 artificially inseminated queens. If AI queens are only used as breeders
 it won't matter if they run out of sperm, if you try and run them for a
 year or so they will and it does. I'm not convinced AI gives you the
 longevity even if it gives you the quality. >>
 
 
As a rule Instrumentally Inseminated Queens do not store as much seman as
open mated queens. However this in no way effects the proginey or daughters
of the I.I. Queens. Much study has been done along these lines and while the
results have been variable they tend to be conclusive that  I.I. mated queens
store less semen.
I have seen Queens that were Instrumentally Inseminated with the seman from
one drone last in full sized colonies for well over one year, And NOT become
drone layers. I have also seen Queens inseminated with 8 micro-Liters of
semen begin drone laying in less than a year. A lot depends on how well the
insemination goes.
 
I would never advise running Instrumentally Inseminated Queens in ones hives
as honey producing units.
 
First due to the high cost of the queens it is money not well spent.
 
Second I.I. Queens due not respond the same as Naturally mated Queens. This
was shown in trials By the USDA in Baton Rouge La. in a study done By Dr.
John Harbo
 
 
Dean M. Breaux
Executive Vice President
Hybri-Bees
"Breeding Better Bees"