Services to Beekeepers
KRTP offers hands-on support and guidance to Manitoba beekeepers, helping to improve hive health, enhance productivity, and navigate industry challenges.
Syrup Testing Services
Wondering if your syrup is safe to feed to your bees?
We can test its titratable acidity for you.
- $15.00/sample
- 120g (1 cup) of syrup per sample
For more information, see the registration form.
Find information on Dr. Currie’s and the KRTP’s syrup studies in the video section (BMPs sheet coming soon).
Breeder Colony Hygienic Behaviour Assessments: freeze-kill brood assays and UBeeO
Would you like to increase confidence on your breeder selections?
We offer support with UBeeO and freeze-kill brood testing.
Freeze-Killed Brood Assays VS UBeeO: What’s the difference?
FKB: The freeze-killed brood assay helps select for genetics with hygienic behaviour by identifying bees that are effective at removing dead pupae. Hives with high scores have shown that they are resistant to diseases such as AFB and chalkbrood. This can also be correlated to hygienic behaviour that is somewhat resistant to mites. This method was used to develop the Minnesota Hygienic Bees and has been tested and used for selection over decades.
Method: The FKB assay is done by using liquid nitrogen to freeze small patches of brood. The frame with the frozen brood is returned to the colony and checked again at 24 hours. If bees remove 95-100% of the pupae they are classified as hygienic stock and are an excellent option for breeder queens if you wish to improve that trait.
(See FKB factsheet above)
UBeeO: The recently developed UBeeO (unhealthy brood odour) test is thought to specifically target mite resistance as the brood tested is not dead and only appears “unhealthy”. In their studies, they have shown that a high UBeeO score may be related to lower mite and virus loads.
Method: The UBeeO assay is performed by spraying UBeeO on a small area of brood using a specially designed applicator. Frames are returned to the hive and checked after 2 hours. A photo is taken before and after the test and scored by how many cells have been uncapped. There are three levels of scoring to help you select your breeder stock: 0-39% low score; 40-59% medium score; 60-100% high score.
(See UBeeO factsheet above)
Regarding: 2025 KRTP Full Hygienic Trait Screenings
- Regular fees still apply for freeze-kill brood tests
- UBeeO tests will be free (up to 15) as we had this covered by a grant, however there will be a $75 charge for the KRTP to perform the UBeeO tests to cover fuel and other costs. If you wish to test more colonies with UBeeO regular fees apply. The beekeeper is expected to purchase the UBeeO vials if needing more than the 15 provided by the KRTP, as the KRTP does not stock extra. However, with sufficient advance notice we could pick it up for you from Dancing Bee.
Bee Health Monitoring Plan 2025 - Register now
Need support getting a handle on the status of pests and pathogens in your apiary? Get in touch with us or sign up for our Bee Health Monitoring Program. We can adapt our services to your needs. Early requests for services ensure our availability.
Email: krtpmb@gmail.com
We are working to get the registration form and list of options online in the coming days.