Carpathian breed of bees: features of the content

The Carpathian bee is a popular species of honey plants, both in Russian apiaries and in foreign ones. Carpathian is considered a universal species. In terms of winter hardiness, the species surpassed all imported bees. In some qualities, he even surpassed the locals. It is bred in the central and northern regions of the European zone of Russia, in Western Siberia.

The origin of the Carpathian bee breed

The Carpathian type was formed in the Carpathian region. Transcarpathia was then part of Czechoslovakia. The local press described insects a hundred years ago as a valuable breed. The honey plants were distinguished by good wintering, low swarming threshold, rapid development at the beginning of the season, and high productivity.

Serious studies of the unique carpathian fish began in the sixties on the basis of the Moscow Agricultural Academy named after V.I. K.A. Timiryazev. Honey plants were not only studied, but also saved from extinction. Scientists beekeepers have improved the breed, brought out promising lines.

Tests carried out in the conditions of the north showed a clear advantage of the Carpathians in collecting honey on the Central Russian and Krajina Austrian populations. During the experiment, the largest daily bribe was recorded at 16 kg. More than good test results of the Carpathian bee became the basis for continuing the study of the breed. Research began on the use of insects in different regions of the Soviet Union. To preserve the purity of the species in Transcarpathia, a solid mass of purebred Carpathians was created.

In order to provide Russian apiaries with a promising type of honey plants, mass reproduction of Carpathian queens began in the 70s. They were taken to Uzbekistan.

Research into the batch business has yielded overwhelming results. The entire technology for the use and production of this process in beekeeping farms has been revised. The mass introduction and reproduction of the Carpathian bee began.

Reference!

The breed has become the most popular. Its importance for beekeeping in the Soviet Union and the Union republics can hardly be overestimated. Many hybrid lines have been developed with unique qualities. For example, it was possible (by 38%) to raise the productivity of new families. A distinctive feature of the individuals was the length of the proboscis. Its increase made it possible to pollinate red clover.

However, almost all lines were lost during the perestroika period. Over time, work resumed. Conservation and reproduction nurseries were established in Transcarpathia. Regional bee nurseries of Ukraine are engaged in improving the purebredness of apiaries.

The demand for pure carpathians is growing, the breed has not lost its popularity. To date, several farms have been established in Ukraine for the reproduction of queens and batch bees for sale abroad.

The appearance of the Carpathian bee

Carpathian breed of bees: features of the content

Carpathian, improved thanks to more than half a century of selection, differs from others in biological, economic and external characteristics:

  • The body of a worker bee is gray. The anterior part of the abdomen is covered with a silvery fringe.
  • The proboscis length varies from 6,5 to 7 mm. The weight of a daily worker bee is 110 mg.
  • The mass of the infertile uterus is 190 mg.
  • “Queen” during the masonry period gains up to 230.

Types

Carpathian breed of bees: features of the content

For several decades, work has been carried out to isolate, preserve and improve the breed. During this time, about ten lines were selected.

Vuchkovsky… It was this Carpathian that was created on the basis of the famous Guba line. Then she brought glory to the whole species. The breed was popular in our country and abroad. In the village of Vuchkovo, Mizhgirya region, there are bee reproducers. Four apiaries support about 500 families.

Kolochakovsky… The species was bred in the nineties of the last century in the same area as Vuchkovsky. The bees were taken to the nursery from the apiaries of the village of Kolochava. Local Carpathians differed from the main line. They stood out for their breed qualities and large wings. The species was massively distributed in the apiaries of Ukraine in the 90s. It was distinguished by unprecedented wax and honey productivity.

Hoverla… The line got its name from the highest mountain in the Carpathians, Hoverla. At its foot there was an apiary, which gave the basis for the local Carpathian. Work on the preservation and improvement of the Carpathian bee did not stop. At the beginning of our century, three more new species appeared.

Rakhovsky… The species began to be created in the apiaries of the region of the same name. The material was purchased and selected from private apiaries. The selected line is distinguished by a single external characteristic. Bees of this species are dull silver.

Synevir… The line got its name from the name of the unique lake, which is located in the territory of the National Natural Park. It was here that the ancestor families were taken. It is distinguished by good winter hardiness, low tendency to swarming and high productivity even in comparison with the famous Vuchkovskaya.

Maikop… The line was developed by Russian breeders. The main differences: the weight of the queen is up to 340 mg, an enlarged proboscis. The print is always white mixed.

Advantages and disadvantages

Carpathian breed of bees: features of the content

The Carpathian bee is a unique breed. It contains more than one quality useful for the honey plant. Main advantages:

  • Carpathian bees – early insects;
  • the uterus has good fertility;
  • the swarm is capable of rapidly growing the family in the spring;
  • excellent performance on various bribes;
  • take nectar with low sugar content;
  • work in any weather;
  • have a low swarming threshold;
  • not aggressive;
  • resistant to diseases and pests;
  • capable of working in a greenhouse and pavilions;
  • easy to carry transportation;
  • winter quietly, but not in the Far North;
  • the bee product is of high quality and excellent presentation;
  • low level of winter submergence.

The disadvantages of the breed include the following properties of the Karpatka:

  • with a weak bribe, they are capable of stealing;
  • do not give propolis;
  • control over reproduction is necessary with small bribes;
  • show aggressiveness in cold regions of detention;
  • lose their ability to work in extreme heat, sun protection is required;
  • vulnerable to wax moths.

Characteristic differences from other breeds

Carpathian breed of bees: features of the content

The climatic conditions of Transcarpathia are distinguished by sharp weather changes, frosty winters. Thanks to this, in the process of evolution, honey plants appeared that can survive in such difficult conditions. Carpathian uterus is fertile. Lays up to 2000 eggs per day.

Purebred families are not prone to swarming. The situation is easily controlled by anti-combat methods. In bee colonies, when swarming, there can be up to 30 queen cells, with a quiet change – up to three. The old uterus gets along with the new one calmly. They can coexist for up to 2 months, up to wintering.

Orientation is a valuable feature of the species. Early emergence allows this breed to be used in greenhouses. Easily switch to different types of honey plants, even those with a low sugar content.

Carpathian bees winter well. They are economical in terms of feed consumption. They are distinguished by their peaceful nature. You can inspect hives without protective equipment. The creation of packages does not affect the rate of honey collection.

Another distinctive quality of the carpathians is the construction of honeycombs. In the spring, they start with an artificial foundation for 5-6 frames. In the season – up to 20. The seal on the honey collection is dry, at the beginning and at the end of the collection – mixed.

Breeding

Carpathian breed of bees: features of the content

You can quickly organize a new apiary or a young family in a short time using the batch method of breeding bees. The batch bee colony immediately creates a new nest and supplies food.

The cost of purchasing the package pays off in 1 year, since by the beginning of the honey collection the family is ready and able to provide marketable honey. Carpathian bee packages are an already formed swarm. By the spring bloom, the bees manage to build a nest, grow a brood and lay a new one. Batch families, thanks to young fetal queens, do not swarm. Carpathian care is pretty simple. Packages are purchased only in spring.

Experienced beekeepers recommend young beekeepers to start with this particular breed. Bees are unpretentious in care, versatile in terms of keeping conditions. Carpathian honey is of low sugar content, therefore healthy and tasty. Justify the costs of the bees quickly.

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Anna Evans

Author ✓ Farmer

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