Abstract

The study was conducted at Adami Tulu Agricultural Research Center to compare the performance of kacha (Aloe sp.) and bamboo (Arundinaria alpine) top-bar. For this study a total of six bee colonies were kept in kacha (Aloe sp.) top-bar hive and bamboo (Arundinaria alpine) top-bar hive with three replications. The collected data were analyzed using T-test. Mean comparisons was done using the least significant difference (LSD) for parameters significant difference at (p<0.05).The mean amount of honey produced per kacha top-bar hive and bamboo top-bar hive were 14.5 kg and 12.2 kg respectively. The mean amount of honey produced of kacha and bamboo top-bar were 1.32 kg and 0.91 kg respectively. The study result showed significant different in average of honey yield per hive per year, honey yield per top-bar, number of combs developed, top-bar with brood (p<0.05).However, the study result showed none significant in comb with pollen and tendency of colony absconded (p>0.05).The strength honeybee colonies in the present study found to be higher in kacha top-bar hive compared to bamboo top-bar hive. Considering honey yield per hive, honey yield per top-bar, number of combs developed, frames with brood and colony strength, kacha tree (aloe spp.) is suitable for making top-bar for transitional hive.