Optimization of feeding requirement through manipulating frequency of feeding cum rationing of leaves and its bearing upon yield and quality of cocoon of bivoltine silkworm, Bombyx mori L.

The experiment was conducted in Sericulture Research Laboratory and Instructional Farm of Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, North Bengal Campus, Pundibari, Cooch Behar with a view to standardize optimum quantity of mulberry leaves (variety S₁) to be provided in rearing bed for bivoltine silkworm (P₅×SH₆) through manipulation of feeding number and rationing level to make the sericulture enterprise more remunerative for terai region of west Bengal. It was found that cocoon yield and its economic traits namely, larval weight, cocoon weight, shell weight, silk ratio percentage, effective rate of rationing in number and in weight etc. as well as quality parameters viz., filament length, filament weight, reelability, denier etc. were deteriorated with the increase level of rationing. Yield of cocoon (59.50 kg/100 dfls) and its economic traits, both quantitative and qualitative were found better by four daily feedings without any rationing of leaves, but five daily feedings (55.82 kg/100 dfls) with 20% rationing may also considered on overall performance of yield and quality of cocoon.