Susan Cobey of Ohio State University has a new 25 minute training
video that might be of interest to some list members:
 
INSTRUMENTAL INSEMINATION OF HONEY BEE QUEENS
With Susan Cobey
 
This training video presents the technique of instrumental
insemination in specific detail. It is designed for the beginner as
well as the beekeeper who wants to refresh and update their
technique. The Schley instrument and the Harbo large capacity syringe
are used for demonstration purposes. In addition, a review of various
types of instruments is presented.
 
In step by step detail; eversion of the drone, semen collection,
positioning the queen, bypassing the valve fold and insertion of
semen are explained and demonstrated. Key aspects of each of these
topics are reviewed with trouble shooting sections focusing on common
problems.
 
Working with stored semen is also featured. To check your technique
and success, the video also shows a simple field dissection method of
the queen's spermatheca.
 
Available from:  Susan Cobey
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http://iris.biosci.ohio-state.edu/honeybee/breeding
 
I've read a very favourable review of the video written by Dr Harry
Laidlaw, Jr, and have no doubt it would be worth viewing, whether you
are beginning in instrumental insemination, well-practiced, or even
just a 'wannabee', so to speak...
 
 
  (\      Nick Wallingford
 {|||8-   [log in to unmask]
  (/      NZ Beekeeping http://www.beekeeping.co.nz
 
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Feeding Sugar to Bees?  Email to: [log in to unmask]