Im vorliegenden Beitrag wird gezeigt, dass die Gesundheit der Bienenvölker zu
einem beträchtlichen Teil auch von der imkerlichen Praxis abhängt. Nach einer
Charakterisierung der wesensgemässen Bienenhaltung, wie sie aus den Äusserungen
Rudolf Steiners von den Pionieren der biodynamischen Bienenhaltung entwickelt
worden sind, werden eine Reihe von Untersuchungen vorgestellt, welche die
drei fundamentalen Lebensäusserungen des Bienenvolks – Vermehrung im
Schwarmtrieb, Errichtung des Wabenwerks im Naturbau und Standbegattung (keine
künstliche Königinnenzucht) – wissenschaftlich geprüft haben.
Es zeigt sich, dass die Berücksichtigung dieser drei fundamentalen Äusserungen
tatsächlich Möglichkeiten schafft, Gesundheit und Wohl der Bienen nachhaltig zu
verbessern. Deshalb wird nicht nur aus tierethischer Sicht empfohlen, sie in alle
Betriebsweisen als Standard zu integrieren. [...]
This paper shows that the health of bee colonies largely depends on beekeeper
management. Firstly it characterises a way of beekeeping that accords with the
nature of the bee, as has been developed by the pioneers of biodynamic beekeeping
based on the indications of Rudolf Steiner. Secondly a series of investigations
is presented which have scientifically tested the three fundamental features of
the life of the bee colony: reproduction through the swarming instinct; natural
(foundationless) construction of the comb; and local queen mating (no artificial
queen breeding).
It is clear that paying attention to these three fundamental features creates real
possibilities for sustainable improvement of the health and wellbeing of the bee.
Therefore it is recommended, not just on animal ethics grounds, that these features
be incorporated as standard in all management systems. [...]
This paper shows that the health of bee colonies largely depends on beekeeper
management. Firstly it characterises a way of beekeeping that accords with the
nature of the bee, as has been developed by the pioneers of biodynamic beekeeping
based on the indications of Rudolf Steiner. Secondly a series of investigations
is presented which have scientifically tested the three fundamental features of
the life of the bee colony: reproduction through the swarming instinct; natural
(foundationless) construction of the comb; and local queen mating (no artificial
queen breeding).
It is clear that paying attention to these three fundamental features creates real
possibilities for sustainable improvement of the health and wellbeing of the bee.
Therefore it is recommended, not just on animal ethics grounds, that these features
be incorporated as standard in all management systems. [...]