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The Missing Link in CCD

CSEF · 2010 Zoology Honorable_mention Award

Aubryn R. Butterfield · Bakersfield Christian High School, Bakersfield, Kern County

Overview

Objectives/Goals To determine if the fat content of a Honey Bee, Apis mellifera, can be a factor contributing to colony collapse disorder. Methods/Materials I used a CardioChek Portable Blood Test System to analyze the fat content in various different preparations of bee abdomens. Throughout this 2 year study my method progressed from utilizing 25 bee abdomens in a paste form to 60 in a slurry form. After 92 different tests I developed a standardized operating procedure that I am comparing to the current procedure utilized by the USDA Honey Bee Reseach Unit Laboratory in Weslaco, Texas. Results Year 1- Honey Bees from strong hives had 21.5% more fat than Honey Bees from weak hives. Year 2- Based upon suggestions from the USDA Laboratory, I refined my standardized operating procedure utilizing the CardioChek Portable Blood Test System. These refinements resulted in lowering my standard deviation from 20.7 to 2.5. Conclusions/Discussion High fat bees correlated to strong hives and low fat bees correlated to weak hives. The CadioChek Portable Blood Test System can be a rapid and easily accessible tool allowing beekeepers to monitor the fat in their bees.

Summary statement

To determine if the fat content of a bee is a factor contributing to colony collapse disorder.

Help received

I received financial assistance and quality control guidance from my parents.

Awards (1)

  • Honorable Mention

Competition history

  • CSEF 2010 Zoology · Entry S2403

Resources

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