Sericulture is an ancient practice that originated from china and has spread to various parts of the world. Silk worms are the larvae of silk moth and feed on the leaves of mulberry trees.
Sericulture
Sericulture involves careful management of silk worms from eggs to cocoon, extraction and processing.
Silk worm farming begins from securing silk worm eggs from a reliable source or producing them on your own. The eggs are laid by adult moth and are collected and stored under controlled conditions until they hatch.
To hatch the eggs, put them on clean trays or paper ensuring proper ventilation, and maintain suitable temperature and humidity for incubation usually around 25 to 28 degrees and 75 to 85% humidity. The eggs will hatch in to silk worm larvae in about 10 to 14 days.
The rearing containers need to be clean and spacious for the silk worm larvae. These should have adequate ventilation and easy to clean.
Ensure there is enough space for the larvae to move and feed comfortably. Feed the silk worms fresh and tender mulberry leaves several times a day.
Remove any left over feed and maintain cleanliness all way through.
Gradually increase the quantity of leaves as the larvae grow.
larval stage care
Monitor the larval stage silk worms closely for their growth and health.
Maintain suitable temperature and humidity for the larval stage which lasts 25 to 30 days.
Protect the larvae from pests and diseases by maintaining a good hygienic environment.
When the larvae is fully grown, it will stop feeding and begins spinning cocoons. Provide appropriate conditions for cocoon formation like dry and quiet areas.
The cocoons are ready for harvest after about a week. Carefully collect the cocoons without damaging them. These can be used for extracting silk or for breeding purposes to produce more silk worms.
Silk extraction
This is done by first boiling the cocoons in water to loosen the gummy substance, and then the silk filaments are unwound.
The silk thread obtained is then processed further to remove impurities and enhance its quality.
The processed silk is available for various use including textile application.
