Impact of Probiotic Soy Supplementation on Silkworm Growth and Development

Silkworm growth and production are significantly influenced by diet and gut microbiota which is essential for cocoon formation and producing high-quality silk. This study aims to investigate the effects of soy probiotics on silkworm growth, larval development, and overall cocoon production. Effects were likely mediated by changes in the intestinal digestive enzyme activity and nutrient provisioning (e.g., Soy) of the host, improving nutrient digestion and assimilation. Silkworms were divided into two groups: a control group and a probiotic soy-supplemented group. Fresh mulberry leaves were sprayed with distilled water for control and mulberry leaves were sprayed by each concentration of soy and were fed to silkworms, from 3rd to 5th instar. Silk yield was measured. Biochemical assays were conducted to assess digestive enzyme activity. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA. The results showed that probiotic soy supplementation significantly improved larval weight, feed efficiency, and silk production compared to the control and soy-only groups. These findings highlight the potential of probiotic soy as a dietary supplement to optimize sericulture practices and improve silk quality.