Comparative analysis of Indoor and Outdoor Rearing Performance of Indian Temperate Tasar Silkworm, Antheraea Proylei Jolly in Sub-Himalayan Region

Abstract

Studies were conducted to evaluate the rearing performances of Oak tasar silkworm, Antheraea proylei under indoor and outdoor condition at Ahju farm, at Middle altitude (About 1600 to 3600 ft. AMSL). Experimental results have shown significant difference in case of cocoon yield per dfl between indoor and outdoor rearing. Recorded cocoon yield per dfl was 41.44±0.63 in outdoor as against 23.13±0.53 in indoor in Ahju farm. Similarly, 40.52±0.62 in outdoor and 03.20±0.28 cocoons per dfl in indoor at Chauntra farm. Further ERR was also found to be higher in outdoor conditions (30.02±0.34% @ Ahju farm and 57.73±0.47 @ Chauntra farm) as compared to indoor rearing (16.76±0.37 @ Ahju farm 02.51±0.31 at @ Chauntra farm). Other rearing parameters like average weight of matured larvae, larval period, single cocoon weight, single shell weight and SR % were significantly different between outdoor and indoor rearing condition in both the study locations. Poor rearing performance under indoor condition was surprising, yet it might be highly due to cross infection of viral disease in indoor condition due to frequent handling and also higher humidity inside rearing house might have aggravated the viral infection.