The Effect of Zinc Supplementation on the Production Parameters of Bombyx mori L. species

Abstract

This research aimed to evaluate the influence of Zinc, administered as food supplement for silkworm (Bombyx mori L.) on the larvae weight, the weight of the serigene gland, cocoon weight, cocoon shell. The research has been carried out on 5 groups of silkworms one control group (Gr.1) and 4 experimental groups (4 groups receiving zinc), consisting of 50 larvae/group. Zinc was administered in doses of 17, 34, 68 and 136 mg kg-1 larvae - Gr.2-Gr.5. The use of Zinc determined a very significant increase of the larvae weight, to group Gr.5 followed by groups Gr.4, Gr.3 and Gr.2 compared to the control group. The use of Zinc positively influenced the mass of the serigene glands, the cocoon weight, cocoon shell. The Zn content of the pupae from the experimental groups was higher compared to the one recorded in the control group.

Keywords

• pupae
• serigene glands
• silkworm
• zinc