FACTORS AFFECTING COCOON SHELL SILK CONTENT IN DIFFERENT BREEDS OF THE MULBERRY SILKWORM

This abstract analyzes the main factors affecting cocoon shell silk content in different breeds of the mulberry silkworm (Bombyx mori). Cocoon shell silk content is one of the key selection and technological indicators that determine productivity in sericulture. The study theoretically and practically examines how the genotypic characteristics of the silkworm, feeding conditions, mulberry leaf quality, temperature and humidity regimes, rearing density, and cocoon reeling conditions influence cocoon shell silk content. The results show that different breeds, reared under identical agrotechnical conditions, differ in cocoon weight, cocoon shell weight, and silk content, which confirms the important role of genotype.