Effects of hive architecture on Apis mellifera health and productivity

Abstract

This study examined the effects of hive architecture on European honeybee (Apis mellifera) colony health and productivity by comparing two hive designs. The Langstroth is the conventionally used hive design and the Warré is an alternative, bee-friendly design. Temporal changes in honeybee health and productivity were also observed independently of hive design. The past decade has seen significant declines in insect pollinators, such as the European honeybee, which are of significant economic and environmental value. Global colony losses are thought to be the result of various stressors, often heightened by the beekeeping practices used. Variables representing the internal climate of beehives, bee behaviour, colony growth and the condition of the immune system were observed to determine bee colony health and productivity. These measurements were recorded in four hives of each of the two designs over a four-month period in Perth, Western Australia. The study found colonies in Warré hives were healthier but less productive than those in Langstroth hives. Warré hives facilitated better thermoregulation and lower humidity levels. Colonies in Langstroth hives had increased immune responses, likely to be a consequence of stress associated with higher growth rates. No evidence was found to support existing theories that bees in Warré hives are less defensive. This may be because of the short study period or may be a result of management practices associated with Warré hives which were beyond the scope of this study. Defensiveness and immune response in all of the colonies decreased over the experimental period, thought to be associated with a decline in stress from the elevated levels during colony establishment. Because of the small sample size of this study, inference of the results is limited. However, this is the first study examining the effects of Warré hive design on A. mellifera. In providing support for the hypothesis that Warré hives are better for bee health, the author hopes that researchers are encouraged to further explore this subject. By exploring the challenges associated with studying hive design, this study has laid a foundation for much needed future studies. The information presented in this thesis allows beekeepers to make more informed decisions about their beekeeping practices. Show more