Subject: | |
From: | |
Reply To: | |
Date: | Sun, 2 Jan 2022 15:34:33 -0500 |
Content-Type: | multipart/mixed |
Parts/Attachments: |
|
|
Currently the cluster estimation approach is very simple and uses a strictly temperature profile approach along with hemisphere geometry, using 12-14C as the outer surface. I am reviewing a few cluster models using a thermal isotherm bee packing factor (still working it out). I make a September estimate on bee numbers typically 15000 to 25000 bees in a single brood box format. I use the Southwick curve Metabolic rate curve with the temperatures below the cluster instead of outside temperatures to help visualize trends (Watts/h with honey and excess water equivalents). I also attached a chart from a Mobus article on water retention after glucose consumption based on local temperature (Taken from a Altmann/Gontarski study) that is interesting.
I am currently more interested in understanding relationships between variables than getting exact answers. By the way, there are a crazy number of variables (environmental, biological and physical).
For example, a couple of days ago in one of my larger double colonies, I noticed a bee mortality event (aftermath) where there was 200-400 fresh dead bees out in front of one hive. I grabbed about 30 of them to sample for Nosema and check on their gut content in general. Most had very small abdomens. I did notice ameoba disease in my combined 10 bee test (1ml H20 per bee mash) with very minor Nosema. I also sampled a few bees individually where I noticed their feces was very "thick" and dry. Guts were full of misc pollens from early June to August, a couple had amoeba disease (my interpretation), ameoba like globes all measured about 7um and looked very similar to reference pictures I had. As I understand it, Amoeba disease grows in the Malpighian tubules and is transmitted like Nosema through feces. I hadn't really read up on the Malpighian tubules function but now I more familiar with their purpose and location. They function like our kidneys and are very important in the internal bee gut water management process.
I did make a video of my preparation and microscopy session - https://youtu.be/LpE5hD1wKq0 (Amoeba -> 11:30 + 12:52 + 36:23 in an individual bee gut)
These types of events have happened before and seems to only happen in my doubles. Bees typically have Nosema. I received a video from another local beekeeper where the bees were very agitated and flying out to die (he collected samples for me). My mass mortality events of 2017 are looking more like a thirst issue exacerbated by Nosema and possibly Amoeba diseases. They also happen when temperatures are below -30C. Every year, I have about one colony out of 10 that exhibits these symptoms. The key is those with continued "multiple" high hive front mortality + high Nosema are doomed by June. They just can't get over the spring population crash.
If anyone has a procedure for beginners on dissecting out the bee guts, I would like one. (I like pictures :)
***********************************************
The BEE-L mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned
LISTSERV(R) list management software. For more information, go to:
http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html
|
|
|