Investigating the Natural Bee Space and Comb Cell Dimensions of an Ethiopian Honeybee Race (<i>Apis Mellifera Scutellata</i>) in Borana Zone, Southern Ethiopia

Wayema Amano; Dereje Woltedji; Abebe Jenberie Wubie

doi:doi:10.11648/j.css.20200502.11

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Investigating the Natural Bee Space and Comb Cell Dimensions of an Ethiopian Honeybee Race (Apis Mellifera Scutellata) in Borana Zone, Southern Ethiopia

Wayema Amano, Dereje Woltedji, Abebe Jenberie Wubie

Published in Colloid and Surface Science (Volume 5, Issue 2)

Received: 30 September 2020 Accepted: 24 November 2020 Published: 11 December 2020

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Abstract

A study to determine bee space and comb cell dimensions for local honeybee race (Apis mellifera scutellata) was conducted in two districts of Borana zone, Oromia regional state, Southern part of Ethiopia during 2017. Data regarding bee space, worker bee comb cell dimensions, comb thickness and comb space were measured in traditional log hives using digital caliper. Comb length and comb width were measured and the number of worker bee cells per unit area were marked and counted from the combs. The collected data was fitted in GLM procedure of SAS version 9 to identify the effect of agro-ecology and comb type on the considered parameters. The race maintained an average 11.30±1.99mm bee space and 18.78±3.0mm comb thickness. The overall worker bee cell width and depth of the race were 4.65±0.30mm and 10.28±0.74mm respectively. It was observed that the race can construct a comb with an average of 44.80cm long and 20.51cm wide in their nest. The mean number of worker bee cells count per 100cm² is 539.44 cells (ranging from 441-621). This finding shows variations in bee space (11.30mm), cell diameter (4.65mm) and cell depth measurements (10.28mm) from other similar studies in the other parts of the country. Based on the analyzed data, it is understood that ecological differences (climate, vegetation type, altitudes, etc.) between the midland and lowland has got significant variation in biological diversity of the honeybee races of the study area compared to the other zones of the region/ country. Thus, it is suggested that further study on these measurements is required as parameters for the honeybee geographical races of the zone and the surrounding areas to come to a reliable recommendation to use this specification in improved hive construction.

Published in	Colloid and Surface Science (Volume 5, Issue 2)
DOI	10.11648/j.css.20200502.11
Page(s)	13-21
Creative Commons	This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.
Copyright	Copyright © The Author(s), 2024. Published by Science Publishing Group

Keywords

Apis mellifera scutellata, Bee Space, Comb Cell Dimensions, Comb Length, Comb Space, Comb Thickness, Comb Width, Traditional Log Hive

References

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APA Style

Wayema Amano, Dereje Woltedji, Abebe Jenberie Wubie. (2020). Investigating the Natural Bee Space and Comb Cell Dimensions of an Ethiopian Honeybee Race (Apis Mellifera Scutellata) in Borana Zone, Southern Ethiopia. Colloid and Surface Science, 5(2), 13-21. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.css.20200502.11

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ACS Style

Wayema Amano; Dereje Woltedji; Abebe Jenberie Wubie. Investigating the Natural Bee Space and Comb Cell Dimensions of an Ethiopian Honeybee Race (Apis Mellifera Scutellata) in Borana Zone, Southern Ethiopia. Colloid Surf. Sci. 2020, 5(2), 13-21. doi: 10.11648/j.css.20200502.11

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AMA Style

Wayema Amano, Dereje Woltedji, Abebe Jenberie Wubie. Investigating the Natural Bee Space and Comb Cell Dimensions of an Ethiopian Honeybee Race (Apis Mellifera Scutellata) in Borana Zone, Southern Ethiopia. Colloid Surf Sci. 2020;5(2):13-21. doi: 10.11648/j.css.20200502.11

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@article{10.11648/j.css.20200502.11,
  author = {Wayema Amano and Dereje Woltedji and Abebe Jenberie Wubie},
  title = {Investigating the Natural Bee Space and Comb Cell Dimensions of an Ethiopian Honeybee Race (Apis Mellifera Scutellata) in Borana Zone, Southern Ethiopia},
  journal = {Colloid and Surface Science},
  volume = {5},
  number = {2},
  pages = {13-21},
  doi = {10.11648/j.css.20200502.11},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.css.20200502.11},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.css.20200502.11},
  abstract = {A study to determine bee space and comb cell dimensions for local honeybee race (Apis mellifera scutellata) was conducted in two districts of Borana zone, Oromia regional state, Southern part of Ethiopia during 2017. Data regarding bee space, worker bee comb cell dimensions, comb thickness and comb space were measured in traditional log hives using digital caliper. Comb length and comb width were measured and the number of worker bee cells per unit area were marked and counted from the combs. The collected data was fitted in GLM procedure of SAS version 9 to identify the effect of agro-ecology and comb type on the considered parameters. The race maintained an average 11.30±1.99mm bee space and 18.78±3.0mm comb thickness. The overall worker bee cell width and depth of the race were 4.65±0.30mm and 10.28±0.74mm respectively. It was observed that the race can construct a comb with an average of 44.80cm long and 20.51cm wide in their nest. The mean number of worker bee cells count per 100cm2 is 539.44 cells (ranging from 441-621). This finding shows variations in bee space (11.30mm), cell diameter (4.65mm) and cell depth measurements (10.28mm) from other similar studies in the other parts of the country. Based on the analyzed data, it is understood that ecological differences (climate, vegetation type, altitudes, etc.) between the midland and lowland has got significant variation in biological diversity of the honeybee races of the study area compared to the other zones of the region/ country. Thus, it is suggested that further study on these measurements is required as parameters for the honeybee geographical races of the zone and the surrounding areas to come to a reliable recommendation to use this specification in improved hive construction.},
 year = {2020}
}

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TY  - JOUR
T1  - Investigating the Natural Bee Space and Comb Cell Dimensions of an Ethiopian Honeybee Race (Apis Mellifera Scutellata) in Borana Zone, Southern Ethiopia
AU  - Wayema Amano
AU  - Dereje Woltedji
AU  - Abebe Jenberie Wubie
Y1  - 2020/12/11
PY  - 2020
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.css.20200502.11
DO  - 10.11648/j.css.20200502.11
T2  - Colloid and Surface Science
JF  - Colloid and Surface Science
JO  - Colloid and Surface Science
SP  - 13
EP  - 21
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2578-9236
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.css.20200502.11
AB  - A study to determine bee space and comb cell dimensions for local honeybee race (Apis mellifera scutellata) was conducted in two districts of Borana zone, Oromia regional state, Southern part of Ethiopia during 2017. Data regarding bee space, worker bee comb cell dimensions, comb thickness and comb space were measured in traditional log hives using digital caliper. Comb length and comb width were measured and the number of worker bee cells per unit area were marked and counted from the combs. The collected data was fitted in GLM procedure of SAS version 9 to identify the effect of agro-ecology and comb type on the considered parameters. The race maintained an average 11.30±1.99mm bee space and 18.78±3.0mm comb thickness. The overall worker bee cell width and depth of the race were 4.65±0.30mm and 10.28±0.74mm respectively. It was observed that the race can construct a comb with an average of 44.80cm long and 20.51cm wide in their nest. The mean number of worker bee cells count per 100cm2 is 539.44 cells (ranging from 441-621). This finding shows variations in bee space (11.30mm), cell diameter (4.65mm) and cell depth measurements (10.28mm) from other similar studies in the other parts of the country. Based on the analyzed data, it is understood that ecological differences (climate, vegetation type, altitudes, etc.) between the midland and lowland has got significant variation in biological diversity of the honeybee races of the study area compared to the other zones of the region/ country. Thus, it is suggested that further study on these measurements is required as parameters for the honeybee geographical races of the zone and the surrounding areas to come to a reliable recommendation to use this specification in improved hive construction.
VL  - 5
IS  - 2
ER  -

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Author Information

Wayema Amano

Yabello Pastoral and Dry land Agriculture Research Center, Oromia Agricultural Research Institute, Yabello, Ethiopia
Dereje Woltedji

Oromia Agricultural Research Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Abebe Jenberie Wubie

Department of Animal Production, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia

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APA Style

Wayema Amano, Dereje Woltedji, Abebe Jenberie Wubie. (2020). Investigating the Natural Bee Space and Comb Cell Dimensions of an Ethiopian Honeybee Race (Apis Mellifera Scutellata) in Borana Zone, Southern Ethiopia. Colloid and Surface Science, 5(2), 13-21. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.css.20200502.11

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ACS Style

Wayema Amano; Dereje Woltedji; Abebe Jenberie Wubie. Investigating the Natural Bee Space and Comb Cell Dimensions of an Ethiopian Honeybee Race (Apis Mellifera Scutellata) in Borana Zone, Southern Ethiopia. Colloid Surf. Sci. 2020, 5(2), 13-21. doi: 10.11648/j.css.20200502.11

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AMA Style

Wayema Amano, Dereje Woltedji, Abebe Jenberie Wubie. Investigating the Natural Bee Space and Comb Cell Dimensions of an Ethiopian Honeybee Race (Apis Mellifera Scutellata) in Borana Zone, Southern Ethiopia. Colloid Surf Sci. 2020;5(2):13-21. doi: 10.11648/j.css.20200502.11

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@article{10.11648/j.css.20200502.11,
  author = {Wayema Amano and Dereje Woltedji and Abebe Jenberie Wubie},
  title = {Investigating the Natural Bee Space and Comb Cell Dimensions of an Ethiopian Honeybee Race (Apis Mellifera Scutellata) in Borana Zone, Southern Ethiopia},
  journal = {Colloid and Surface Science},
  volume = {5},
  number = {2},
  pages = {13-21},
  doi = {10.11648/j.css.20200502.11},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.css.20200502.11},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.css.20200502.11},
  abstract = {A study to determine bee space and comb cell dimensions for local honeybee race (Apis mellifera scutellata) was conducted in two districts of Borana zone, Oromia regional state, Southern part of Ethiopia during 2017. Data regarding bee space, worker bee comb cell dimensions, comb thickness and comb space were measured in traditional log hives using digital caliper. Comb length and comb width were measured and the number of worker bee cells per unit area were marked and counted from the combs. The collected data was fitted in GLM procedure of SAS version 9 to identify the effect of agro-ecology and comb type on the considered parameters. The race maintained an average 11.30±1.99mm bee space and 18.78±3.0mm comb thickness. The overall worker bee cell width and depth of the race were 4.65±0.30mm and 10.28±0.74mm respectively. It was observed that the race can construct a comb with an average of 44.80cm long and 20.51cm wide in their nest. The mean number of worker bee cells count per 100cm2 is 539.44 cells (ranging from 441-621). This finding shows variations in bee space (11.30mm), cell diameter (4.65mm) and cell depth measurements (10.28mm) from other similar studies in the other parts of the country. Based on the analyzed data, it is understood that ecological differences (climate, vegetation type, altitudes, etc.) between the midland and lowland has got significant variation in biological diversity of the honeybee races of the study area compared to the other zones of the region/ country. Thus, it is suggested that further study on these measurements is required as parameters for the honeybee geographical races of the zone and the surrounding areas to come to a reliable recommendation to use this specification in improved hive construction.},
 year = {2020}
}

Copy | Download

TY  - JOUR
T1  - Investigating the Natural Bee Space and Comb Cell Dimensions of an Ethiopian Honeybee Race (Apis Mellifera Scutellata) in Borana Zone, Southern Ethiopia
AU  - Wayema Amano
AU  - Dereje Woltedji
AU  - Abebe Jenberie Wubie
Y1  - 2020/12/11
PY  - 2020
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.css.20200502.11
DO  - 10.11648/j.css.20200502.11
T2  - Colloid and Surface Science
JF  - Colloid and Surface Science
JO  - Colloid and Surface Science
SP  - 13
EP  - 21
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2578-9236
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.css.20200502.11
AB  - A study to determine bee space and comb cell dimensions for local honeybee race (Apis mellifera scutellata) was conducted in two districts of Borana zone, Oromia regional state, Southern part of Ethiopia during 2017. Data regarding bee space, worker bee comb cell dimensions, comb thickness and comb space were measured in traditional log hives using digital caliper. Comb length and comb width were measured and the number of worker bee cells per unit area were marked and counted from the combs. The collected data was fitted in GLM procedure of SAS version 9 to identify the effect of agro-ecology and comb type on the considered parameters. The race maintained an average 11.30±1.99mm bee space and 18.78±3.0mm comb thickness. The overall worker bee cell width and depth of the race were 4.65±0.30mm and 10.28±0.74mm respectively. It was observed that the race can construct a comb with an average of 44.80cm long and 20.51cm wide in their nest. The mean number of worker bee cells count per 100cm2 is 539.44 cells (ranging from 441-621). This finding shows variations in bee space (11.30mm), cell diameter (4.65mm) and cell depth measurements (10.28mm) from other similar studies in the other parts of the country. Based on the analyzed data, it is understood that ecological differences (climate, vegetation type, altitudes, etc.) between the midland and lowland has got significant variation in biological diversity of the honeybee races of the study area compared to the other zones of the region/ country. Thus, it is suggested that further study on these measurements is required as parameters for the honeybee geographical races of the zone and the surrounding areas to come to a reliable recommendation to use this specification in improved hive construction.
VL  - 5
IS  - 2
ER  -

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