Development of a service for cryopreservation and cryobanking of bee semen

Project

Production processes

This project contributes to the research aim 'Production processes'. Which funding institutions are active for this aim? What are the sub-aims? Take a look:
Production processes

Project code: 2813504308
Contract period: 01.05.2016 - 31.12.2018
Budget: 155,516 Euro
Purpose of research: Experimental development

The cryopreservation of bee semen offers beekeepers the opportunity to store the genome of various bee lines for years and to use it for insemination of queens regardless of the drone season. The scientific and technical foundations for this technology were laid down in the project "Development of cryotechnics for the breeding of honeybees (LaBis)" (FKZ: 2813500508) in cooperation with the State Institute for Bee Science Hohen Neuendorf e.V. In this follow-up project, the process was advanced into a service, so that breeders have the option of cryopreserving bee semen at AMP-Lab GmbH. To this end, the freezing process was optimized by a new and flexible dialysis system, which significantly reduced the loss of semen samples. We check the cryoprotectant that is added to the dialysis medium for toxic by-products and remove it again before insemination to below 0.1%. Tested thermoboxes with barcode-labeled test tubes are made available to the breeders for sending in bee semen samples. The samples sent in are subjected to an input quality check and if the semen is suitable for freezing, it can be stored after dialysis until it is called up by the breeder. Of particular interest to breeders is the possibility that different sized portions of a sample can be called up. Upon order by the breeder, the desired portion is thawed, subjected to an exit check and again delivered in a thermobox. Due to unexpected experimental difficulties, the data on the success of fertilization with cryo-stored bee semen at the end of the project is still uncertain. The proportion of female brood fluctuates between 40% and 90% after semen storage for two years. Further inseminations are planned to expand the success that has now been achieved. Beekeepers are expressly encouraged to participate in the further development and to send samples for storage.

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