Immobilization is required for the examination and manipulation of honey bees (Apis mellifera), and many techniques have been developed to render honey bees immobile until this date. Among them, two methods, which are carbon dioxide (CO2) and low-temperature narcosis, have been commonly used to induce anesthesia on the bees. Although CO2-induced anesthesia changes the behavior and physiology of honey bees, the anesthesia induced by cold is considered commonly as non-damaging for the bees. There are a very limited number of studies on the effects of different chilling protocols in honey bees. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of different chilling procedures on the survival rate and depth of anesthesia in honey bees. A total of 4 groups were formed, one of which was the control group. Three temperatures (+4°C, -20°C and -80°C) were applied to three different experimental groups. Furthermore, four different exposure times were implemented on each experimental group (n=20 worker bees in each trial). The depth of anesthesia was assessed and scored based on the movements and anesthesia recovery time in honeybees. There was a statistically significant relationship between duration and survival/death rate in the applications at +4°C, -20°C and -80°C (P<0.001). The method that was applied for 5 minutes at -20°C was the most ideal chilling method (P<0.03) and showed the lowest mortality in addition to the high depth of anesthesia. This study may assist in selecting the safest and deepest anesthesia method required in any study on honey bees.
Primary Language | English |
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Subjects | Veterinary Surgery |
Journal Section | Research Article |
Authors | |
Publication Date | June 3, 2020 |
Published in Issue | Year 2020 |