Effect of a Soybean Powder Additive on some Characteristics of Bulgarian Silkworm (Bombyx mori L.) Hybrid.

The present study aimed to assess the influence of soybean powder as a protein source added to mulberry leaves at three concentrations (1, 1.5, and 2 g / L water) on the biological and economic parameters of the silkworm, Bombyx mori. The experiments began from the beginning of the 4th larval instar and extended to egg hatching that the emerged adult laid during spring season 2023. The obtained results showed non-significant difference between the three concentrations of soybean on silkworm characters. The weight of 4th and 5th larval instar was higher when larvae fed on 1.5 g and 1g of soybean respectively. The duration of 5th larval instar was shorter when larvae fed on soybean 1g. Additionally, soybean 1.5 g gave the highest cocoon shell weight, while, 2g soybean gave the highest values of silk ratio and cocoon %. Furthermore, hatching percentages were high at soybean concentrations of 1.5 and 2 g, respectively. From the results obtained, it can be concluded that soybean with a concentration of 2g is the best concentration, as it gave the highest number of cocoons and silk ratio.