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Food intake and utilization efficiency in silkworm Bombyx mori L. (Pure Mysore) reared at different temperature combinations

  • E. MunirajuEmail author
  • B. M. Sekharappa
  • R. Raghuraman
Article
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Abstract

Rearing temperature has an important influence on the efficiency of food utilization by larvae of the silkworm Bombyx mori L. To assess food intake and utilization efficiency in B. mori reared at different temperature combinations, larvae of Pure Mysore race were fed ad libitum on M5 mulberry leaves and reared at four different constant temperatures, viz. 26, 28, 30 and 32°C during instars I to III and combinations of these temperatures during later instars (IV and V). The larvae reared at 28°C (T2) when young and combinations of temperatures 26-26, 28-26, 30-26 and 32-26°C later were taken as controls. The amount of dry food consumed was significantly higher, but a significant decrease in conversion efficiencies (K1 and K2) was noticed in silkworms reared young at 28°C than at the other temperatures. However, the dry food consumed, food converted, assimilation rate and assimilation efficiency increased with the increasing temperature, and larval duration and conversion efficiency decreased significantly with the rise in temperature during both young- and late-instar rearing. Comparisons between these two ages with regard to food utilization parameters were carried out and the factors responsible for these changes are discussed.

Key words

Bombyx mori silkworm rearing temperature conversion efficiencies 

Résumé

La température d’élevage a une grande importance sur l’efficacité de l’utilisation de la nourriture chez les chenilles du ver à soie Bombyx mori L. Afin d’évaluer la nourriture ingérée et l’efficacité de son assimilation chez le ver à soir élevé à différentes températures, des larves de la race pure Mysore sont nourrit sur des feuilles de mûrier M5 à trois températures constantes, 26, 28 et 32° pour les stades I à III et avec une combinaison de ces températures pour les derniers stades (IV et V). Les chenilles élevées à 28°C (T2) et ensuite avec les combinaisons 26-26, 28-26, 30-26 et 32-26°C constituent le témoin. Lorsque les jeunes chenilles sont élevées à 28°C, on constate que la quantité de nourriture sèche ingérée est significativement plus importante mais s’accompagne d’une diminution significative de l’assimilation (K1) et (K2). Cependant, la nourriture sèche ingérée, la nourriture convertie, le taux d’assimilation et l’efficacité de l’assimilation augmentent avec l’augmentation de la température et, la durée de développement larvaire et l’efficacité de la conversion diminuent lorsque la température augmente aussi bien pendant les stades jeunes qu’âgés. Les deux classes d’âges ont été comparés au regard des paramètres d’utilisation de la nourriture et les facteurs responsables de ces changements sont discutées.

Mots clés

Bombyx mori ver à soir température d’élevage conversion efficacité 
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© ICIPE 2004

Authors and Affiliations

  1. 1.Karnataka State Sericulture Research and Development InstituteBangaloreIndia

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