Effect of Agro-Ecology, Source, and Beehive Type on Beeswax Quality

Abstract

Beeswax is produced by honeybees used for various purposes. This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of agro-ecology, hive type and beeswax source on beeswax quality. A total of 18 samples were collected from different sources, altitudes, and hive types. Data were collected on 7 major quality parameters (melting point, refractive index, ash content, total volatile content, acid content, saponification value, and ester content). We followed the Ethiopian laboratory standard to analysis the beeswax quality parameters. The study evaluated beeswax quality in comparison with the national and international standards. The mean values of the parameters were 62.42 ± 0.44 0C, 1.44 ± 0.01, 0.14 ± 0.07%, 1.44 ± 0.3%, 25.43 ± 2.15 mg/g, 95.42 ± 5.1 mg/g, and 70.9 ± 6 mg/g for melting point, refractive index, ash content, total volatile matter, acid value, saponification value, and ester value, respectively. Majority of the parameters were within the acceptable limits set by Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, and European standards. However, ester value from crude honey extract (68.68 mg/g) and lowland (66.7 mg/g) were lower than the lower limit (70 mg/g) set by the standards. Hive type did not show difference in quality among the samples (p≥0.05); however, agro-ecology and beeswax sources had effects on some of the quality parameters (p≤0.05). Beeswax of the study area generally was good quality, meeting most of the national and international standards. The sub-standard in ester value indicated quality threat requiring further investigation using advanced techniques.