Silkworm rearing involves several critical steps to ensure healthy development and high-quality silk production. The process begins with the selection and storage of mulberry leaves, which are essential for silkworm nutrition. During spring, when silkworms are in their first or second instar, leaf color and position are used as primary indicators to choose ripe leaves. For storage, three common methods are employed: cylindrical storage, sand storage, and collar storage. These methods help maintain leaf freshness and prevent spoilage.
When feeding silkworms, the "spraying, mixing, and replenishing" method is often used to ensure even distribution and uniform thickness of mulberry leaves. If no fresh leaves are available, previously stored ones can be used. For third-instar silkworms, leaves are placed face up, and the silkworms are fed accordingly. Proper feeding ensures that silkworms grow uniformly and remain healthy.
The environment where silkworms are raised plays a crucial role in their development. Overcrowding can lead to poor growth, increased risk of disease, and reduced silk quality. On the other hand, underpopulation may result in wasted resources and higher humidity, which can promote disease. To manage this, silkworms must be regularly expanded into larger areas. The recommended area per age includes 0.7 square meters for the first instar, 1.6 square meters for the second, and 4.0 square meters for the third. Expansion can be done manually using chopsticks or feathers, or by rolling out nets to increase space.
Cleaning is another important aspect of silkworm care. Regular removal of sand, excrement, moltings, and debris (called "sand removal") helps maintain hygiene and reduce the risk of infection. This should be done during the day, avoiding disturbance to the silkworms. After sand removal, the area must be disinfected, and waste should be properly disposed of, not left in or around the silkworm room.
Sleep treatment is also vital. Before sleep, silkworms need to be controlled to ensure they rest at the same time. This is managed through temperature and feeding schedules. For example, first-instar silkworms should finish feeding before 8 a.m., while second and third instars have specific feeding times to align their sleeping patterns. Adding a sleeping net is necessary when silkworms begin to show signs of resting, such as color changes or body enlargement.
During sleep, the environment should be carefully controlled. Temperature should be slightly lower than during feeding, and humidity should be adjusted to keep the silkworms dry and comfortable. Fresh air and even lighting are also important to create a calm and stable environment.
Feeding after sleep must be timely. Silkworms should be given fresh, tender mulberry leaves soon after waking, usually within 10 hours. Early feeding prevents mouth damage, while late feeding can cause hunger. Careful observation of silkworm behavior, such as head color and appetite, helps determine the right time to feed.
Environmental conditions, including temperature and humidity, must be maintained throughout the silkworm’s life cycle. First instar silkworms thrive in 27–28°C with a small dry-wet difference, while second and third instars require slightly cooler temperatures. Airflow should be adequate, and light should be evenly distributed to avoid direct sunlight, which can stress the silkworms.
Overall, proper management of feeding, cleaning, expansion, and environmental conditions is essential for successful silkworm rearing. Each step contributes to the health and productivity of the silkworms, ultimately leading to better silk quality and higher yields.
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