Breeder queens: Myth or reality

[foghornleghorn]

For the UK, is it a bit silly to splash out on queens that were tested in Europe?
Much better to buy more and test at home.

Edit to say b+'s queen that built up slow wouldn't have reduced yield here because all our honey is late.

 

[B+.]

For the UK, is it a bit silly to splash out on queens that were tested in Europe?
Much better to buy more and test at home.

Edit to say b+'s queen that built up slow wouldn't have reduced yield here because all our honey is late.

No.
They are first compared to full-sibs in the same apiary (so environment is a constant) then against related individuals in other apiaries.

I don't regard the yield as an insurmountable problem. I can easily increase this in the next generation by carefully selecting the drone side of the pedigree. Its the other traits (particularly docility/varroa management) that I am interested in.
I have one in mind that I think would be perfect but she isn't tested yet. Her mother has an excellent pedigree/performance profile and was selected as the 4a sire on Vlieland this year (so this years virgins will all mate with her drones). I'd be taking a bit of a punt by using this queen without breeding values (her expected breeding value is 133% so she should do well). If I can't find anything better, I'll talk to Pim about using her. The expected breeding value of the progeny would be (113 + 133)/2 = 123% so they should still be about 2 sd above the mean.

 

[TooBee...]

£300?... £500....
I have never paid that.... but that would be the price for a tested Cornish ( DNA certifies and field tested) Amm... and before any one asks... I do not have any for sale !!

From where can one buy such a bee?

https://beekeepingforum.co.uk/showpost.php?p=660786&postcount=71

 

[Ian123]

From where can one buy such a bee?]

Same place as you buy the unicorns....or possibly that Greek importer


I will now get my coat

 

[For want of a better word]

Same place as you buy the unicorns....or possibly that Greek importer


I will now get my coat

Muppet !

 

[For want of a better word]

Muppet !

I meant My Pet......

 

[TooBee...]

Same place as you buy the unicorns....

so you too have heard of their existence ...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EsNVTFMpNfg

 

[For want of a better word]

so you too have heard of their existence ...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EsNVTFMpNfg

I believe there is to be a rewilding of such beasts in Ireland

 

[TooBee...]

I believe there is to be a rewilding of such beasts in Ireland

good one