Study regarding the use of mulberry leaves (Kokuso 21 variety) by Bombyx mori (Triumf hybrid)

Abstract

In order to assess how efficient is the use of Mulberry leaf by the Bombyx mori Triumf larvae hybrid, some determinations were made regarding the nutritional value and digestibility of the worm leaf administered as food (leaves from a Japanese variety, Kokuso 21), during a series of summer growth. The results showed that ongoing vegetation and growth process of this hybrid, the Mulberry leaves suffer an aging phenomenon, revealed by diminishing its chemical composition quality. According to this, most of the nutritional substances from Mulberry leaves, except cellulose, manifest a continuous decline during the growth period. The digestibility of these nutritional components registered a value of 55.4%, the raw energy value was 4216 kcal/kg dry substance, the digestive energy was 2156 kcal/kg (DS), while the metabolic energy was 1993-2010 kcal/kg (DS). The efficiency of converting ingestion into silk had a value of 10.1% and the digestion was 17.88%.