SILKWORM (Bombyx mori L.) FED ON MULBERRY LEAVES (Morus alba L.) AND COW'S MILK SILKWORM FED ON MULBERRY LEAVES AND COW'S MILK

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Objective: In this research, the effect of cow's milk as a protein supplement to improve the growth and expression of productive parameters in the B. mori silkworm was evaluated.

Design / methodology / approach: Four silkworm treatments were fed with mulberry foliage supplemented with milk, as well as a control treatment that was fed with only fresh mulberry leaves. Feeding was determined for the last two larval instars. The groups were: Treatment 1: V instar- TD, Treatment 2: V instar-DI, Treatment 3: IV and V instar- TD, and Treatment 4: IV and V instar- D1.

Results: The larvae fed with milk supplemented foliage obtained increased growing and larval weight rates, as well as spinning a cocoon sooner than the ones in the controlled treatment. Additionally, differences were also noticed on the weight of the cocoon, silk percentage and weight of the pupae, relevant characteristics for the production of silk.

Limitations of the study / implications: In the literature review, it was found that there are very few published works on the silkworm fed with cow's milk and mulberry leaves.

Findings / conclusions: We conclude that supplementing has a positive effect over the growing rates and evaluated characteristics, directly influencing on the enhancement of the performance for silk production.

Keywords: silkworm, milk, mulberry, economic parameters, supplementation.