Influence of Antibiotic on Growth and Development of Silkworms (Bombyx mori L.)

Sericulture is an agro-based rural industry plays an important role in transformation of Indian rural economy, improving the socio-economic status of farmers. In this study different antibiotics at two concentrations (0.05% and 0.10%) was used. Mulberry leaves dipped in antibiotics were fed to silkworm larvae once in third, fourth and fifth instar as a first feed. It was carried out at ARS Hagari, UAS, Raichur during 2023-24. The experimental results revealed that the silkworm larvae fed with ceftiofur sodium (0.10%) recorded significantly superior of full grown larval weight (41.16 g/10 larvae), fifth instar larval duration (163.25 h), Total larval duration (615.9 h) cocoon weight (23.24 g/10 cocoons), shell weight(5.24 g/10 shells), Shell ratio (22.55 %), pupal weight (18.64 g/10 pupae), pupal duration (212.36 h), pupation rate (92.64%), single cocoon filament length (1200.06m), single cocoon filament weight (0.39g), denier (2.42), moth emergence (90.57 %) and fecundity (572 eggs/laying) as compared to control. Ceftiofur sodium (0.10%) showed significantly enhances the silkworm growth and development in turn increases the cocoon and silk traits.