Effect of Methods of Nutritional Administration on the Development of Silkworm Bombyx mori L.

The effect of nitrogen in different concentrations (0.1, 0.2, 0.3 and 0.4 %) through soil, foliar application and dipping of mulberry leaves on food consumption, larval development and cocoon weight of silkworm (Bombyx mori L.) was studied. Larvae when fed on wet mulberry (Morus alba laevigata) leaves dipped in 0.2% N concentration proved the best, as it consumed maximum food (5726.26 mg), gained significantly more weight (3182.30 mg) and produced heavier cocoons (424.65 mg) as compared to all other treatments. Food efficiency ratio (FER: 4.43) and coefficient of utilization (CU: 67.61) were also maximum for the leaves dipped in 0.2% N.

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Effect of Antibiotics on the Haemocyte Count and Rearing Performance of Silkworm Bombyx mori L.

Current Journal of Applied Science and Technology ◽

10.9734/cjast/2020/v39i4831274 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 528-538

Author(s):

Iqra Rafiq ◽

Z. I. Buhroo ◽

K. A. Sahaf ◽

N. A. Ganie ◽

M. F. Baqual ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Bombyx Mori ◽

Economic Traits ◽

Silkworm Larvae ◽

Mulberry Leaves ◽

Survival Percentage ◽

Bombyx Mori L ◽

Ceftiofur Sodium ◽

Antibiotic Agents ◽

Silkworm Bombyx Mori ◽

Total Haemocyte Count

Background: Antibiotic agents have been used in recent years to increase the growth of silkworm larvae and to improve production. In this context, the present investigation reported the effects of ceftiofur sodium, oxytetracycline and enroflaxcin on total haemocyte count (cells/mm3), survival percentage and economic characteristics in silkworm Bombyx mori L. at various concentration levels. The study regarding the effect of antibiotics was conducted on the silkworm breed APS-45. Three concentrations (0.05%, 0.10% and 0.15%) were prepared for each antibiotic. The worms were reared upto 3rd instar without any treatment. After third moult silkworms were supplemented with antibiotic fortified mulberry leaves. Results: The experimental results showed that the effect of different antibiotics on economic parameters like larval weight, larval duration, cocoon weight, shell ratio and raw silk percentage were significantly increased in the treated lines in comparison to the control. Antibiotics also increased survival percentage and the most effective result was obtained at 0.15% of ceftiofur sodium followed by oxytetracycline and enroflaxcin. In the present study highest THC value of 9157.33 mm/cm3 was recorded in treatment ceftiofur sodium treated batch at concentration C3 0.15%. An increment in the total haemocyte count was observed in other treatments as well and the cell count increased with an increase in concentration of antibiotic dosage and the effectiveness of the antibiotics followed the order ceftiofur sodium, oxytetracycline and enroflaxcin. Conclusion: This research outlines that there is a significant improvement in the total haemocyte count and economic traits in silkworm with the supplementation of antibiotic fortified mulberry leaves. The antibiotic treatment has significantly improved the raw silk percentage and has been found to be effective in reducing the mortality of silkworms. So, this antibiotic fortification can be further exploited for higher raw silk production.

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