The effect of different feeding methods on the biological and cocoon productivity indicators of silkworm

Abstract

This article investigates pathological conditions observed during the cocoon formation stage of the silkworm and evaluates the effects of different feeding methods on biological and economically important characteristics. The study was conducted on the "Japan × China" industrial hybrid under the conditions of Ohangaron and Piskent districts of Tashkent Region and at the Silk Research Institute. Conventional feeding was used as the control treatment, while mulberry leaves supplemented with serine and vitamin C at two different concentrations were used as experimental treatments. Silkworm viability, disease incidence, cocoon weight, cocoon shell weight, and silkiness were evaluated as the main biological and economic indicators. Differences in biological and productivity indicators were observed depending on the feeding method and rearing conditions. Under the institute conditions, higher viability and cocoon productivity-related indicators and a lower disease incidence were observed. No cases of cocoon non-spinning were recorded during the observation period. The results indicate that the use of mulberry leaves supplemented with serine and vitamin C, together with appropriate rearing conditions, may contribute to improving the biological condition and cocoon productivity of the silkworm.