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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.
No cost, but you must mail or drop it off. See form below. This service is typically most relevant for leftover syrups that have been held over from spring for use in the fall.

  • For one sample we need
  • 120grams (~1 cup) of syrup

For more information, see the registration form.
Find information on Dr. Rob Currie’s and the KRTP’s syrup studies in the video section under “Resources” tab. 

Download Form

Hygienic Behaviour Testing Services 2026

If you wish to sign up for FKB, please fill out the form. 
Click here: REGISTRATION FORM COMING SOON. 

Cost and requirements

  • $15 per colony
1) Beekeepers must have their breeders in one yard, or worst case, a nearby second yard for the FKB testing 
2) Beekeepers must visit the tested colonies exactly 24 hours after the FKB test to take a photo and send to the KRTP. 
 
First-come first-serve, it’s best to contact us early with your preferred dates included. 
Contact: krtpmb@gmail.com for more info.
Learn more about UBeeO Learn more about Freeze Kill Brood

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 liquid nitrogen freeze-kill brood assays.
In previous years, we offered field support on UBeeO. While we can still review best practices and discuss UBeeO with you we do not offer testing services for UBeeO.
In 2026, we intend to provide tools or options for pin-kill assays. Stay tuned or get in touch.

KRTP photo of freeze-kill brood assay

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)

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