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Collaborative project: Development of cryo-techniques fort the breeding of honey bees – Subproject 2
Project
Project code: 2813500508
Contract period: 01.03.2009
- 31.03.2012
Budget: 197,513 Euro
Purpose of research: Experimental development
Honey bee biodiversity is under massive threat from the uncontrolled introgression of imported bees into native populations. Between 2009 and 2013, the Bee Research Institute in Hohen Neuendorf, Germany, and the company AMP-Lab GmbH have therefore developed techniques for the cryopreservation of drone semen. The first step was the development f reliable quality tests, which were then used for the optimization of a new type of cryoprotocol, using dialysis for the addition of cryoprotectant to the semen. This offers the advantage of preserving native sperm-sperm interactions, and allows a significant increase of the fertility of cryopreserved semen and of the fertile period of inseminated queens. Additionally, we developed a method for the removal of cryoprotectant after thawing. This means that the exposure of sperm and queen to this potentially harmful substance is reduced. Two patents were filed concerning inventions from the project, and AMP-Lab has already developed several products based on these inventions. It is planned to use the new methods for the creation of a cryobank for drone semen.
Section overview
Subjects
- Beekeeping and health
- Genetic Resources
