Effect of Supplemental Feeding on The Weight of Silk Glands And Larval Development of Mulberry Silkworm (bombyx Mori)

Abstract

The study aimed to revive the Sericulture in our area after three decades of absence and to investigate the role of supplemental feeding on silk glands, larval growth, and some economic traits of cocoons of mulberry silkworms (Bombyx mori). Larvae of 5th instar fed on vitamin C during their 4 th and 5 th instars showed a significant increase in their length (6.953 ± 0.248 mm). Mature larvae fed on vitamin C showed a significant increase in their weight (3.690±0.129 g). Vitamin C was the most effective supplement for the stimulation of silk gland growth. Larvae fed on vitamin C showed a significant increase in their cocoon weight (2.158 ± 0.131 g) followed by those fed on honey (2.126 ± 0.156 g). Only cocoons fed as larvae on vitamin C showed a significant increase in their length (3.793 ± 0.125 cm). Larvae fed on vitamin C showed a significant increase in their cocoon width (1.873 ± 0.050 cm). Feeding silkworms during their 4 th and 5 th instars on mulberry leaves sprayed with vitamin C was more effective in stimulating larval growth, silk glands and improving economic characteristics of silk cocoons.

Potential of Egg Albumen as a Source of Amino Acids and Protein Supplement on the Production of Silkworm Bombyx mori L.

“…Furthermore, Muzamil et al (2023) confirmed the addition high concentrations of amino acids in feeding of mulberry silkworm leads to the toxicity so, it is important to use specific concentration of amino acids for normal growth. Helan and Zahra (2023) reported mulberry leaves smeared with 4% honey increasing 5 th larval weight. The overall growth rate increased (8.3%) at honey (2%) Sharma et al, (2023).…”