> I do not understand why Canada does not utilize
> their own high class
> breeders of which I am sure there are plenty of.
> Also, I would think that breeding and mating queens
> to improve ones own stock would and should
> be a fundamental practice in being a beekeeper.

I am afraid they are not so many since we are only
about 30 Millions inhabitants in Canada (I believe).
So the beekeepers pool is not as large as in larger
countries with warmer climates.
Moreover, population is dispatched on a large area.
Consequently, in practice, let's say I can rely on 4
to 5 excellent breeders in Quebec and in Ontario. This
does not involve a lot of genetic diversity, does it?
And if I constraint breeding to my few hives,
consanguinity will soon appear.

I can understand one wants to conduct his apiary
according to his own philosopy, but I would find it is
a pity to miss the train offered by best breeders
around the world, unless there are good health and
safety reasons (caution principle). Just considere the
example of the Buckfast bee to enlight my opinion.

Finally, I doubt autarky is good way to developp
efficiency and knowledge. Anyway, if one can import
genetic diversity, it does not prevent others from
breeding in autarky. May be those two approaches can
complement each other since breeders need some pure
races for hybridization.

Hervé



___________________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!? -- Une adresse @yahoo.fr gratuite et en français !
Yahoo! Mail : http://fr.mail.yahoo.com

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
-- Visit www.honeybeeworld.com/BEE-L for rules, FAQ and  other info ---
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::