Current Approaches to Short and Long-Term Storage of Honey Bee Semen

Abstract

There are many studies on the storage of honey bee semen. Due to its unique structure, bee semen varies according to the storage period but is suitable for short-term storage conditions. However, in terms of long-term storage conditions, developments in mammals have not been caught. It is known that more studies are needed on this subject. The great advantages of semen storage are its effective role in eliminating the problems of inbreeding after a while in pure breed enterprises, increasing the yield characteristics and preventing gene pollution. To solve these problems, beekeepers have to buy breeding queens from abroad with very high costs, and the expected results cannot always be obtained from the bees brought. Especially considering the genetic risks faced by regional breeds in Turkey, it is necessary to preserve semen, to protect colonies in pure breed enterprises, as well as to develop genetically yield characteristics and to prevent inbreeding. It can also prevent the spread of diseases compared to natural mating by contributing to artificial insemination. By improving the storage conditions of honey bee semen, long-term use of semen from well-known colonies will be possible. Producers will be able to benefit from the advantages of artificial insemination at a cheaper cost, with the semen being sent to distant regions as in mammals under appropriate storage conditions. The purpose of this review is to give information about the storage conditions of honeybee semen.