Probiotics Supplementation to Mulberry Silkworm B. mori

Abstract

This paper evaluates the importance, characteristics, mechanisms, and effects of probiotics added to silkworm B. mori feed. Scientific databases (PubMed, Science Direct, Google Scholar, MDPI, Elsevier) were screened. We are searching for alternative solutions to improve the nutritional quality of the mulberry leaves. Probiotics present properties such as non-pathogenetic or non-toxicity, adhere to epithelial cells, can be reproduced, stimulate immune response, have a positive influence on the host, can survive in intestinal mucosal surface, etc., and perform various functions that recommend them as natural feed supplements in silkworm nutrition. Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Bacillus, Streptococcus, and Saccharomyces species are the most evaluated probiotics used in insects. In addition to producing lactic acid, probiotics also lower intestinal pH, inhibit pathogen populations, alleviate inflammation in the gut, boost immunity, and improve overall intestinal health. Silkworm gut contains various bacterial phylotypes (Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Actinobacteria, and Bacteroidetes) that are crucial in nutrients metabolism and exhibit metabolites and enzymes indispensable for growth. This review highlighted that supplementing mulberry leaves with probiotics represents an eco-friendly strategy to improve the silkworm's performance, economic traits, and health.

Keywords

• b. mori
• gut microbiota
• probiotics
• performance
• health