Feed consumption and conversion efficiency in male and female bivoltine silkworms (Bombyx mori L.) –a comparative study

Abstract

Food consumption, assimilation and conversion efficiency of male and female silkworm of the two Indian bivoltine hybrids (CSR2 × CSR4 and CSR18 × CSR19) were studied. Ingesta and digesta were not significantly different in male and female silkworm of both the hybrid races. The parameters like approximate digestibility percentage, reference ratio was recorded higher in males. However, the feed conversion efficiency parameters such as efficiency of conversion of ingested and digested food into larvae, cocoon and shell were significantly higher in the female sex of both races. Ingesta and digesta required to produce one gram of cocoon and shell were recorded higher in the male sex.