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The standard for high-quality and high-yield silkworm cocoons includes a high crusting rate, large size, and superior quality. However, in actual sericulture practices, several challenges often arise that affect the final yield and quality of the cocoons. First, the crusting rate may be low due to various factors such as disease, pests, or human error during the egg hatching, feeding, and cocooning stages. For example, even with 25,000 eggs, the final harvest might fall below 20,000, resulting in losses as high as 25%. Second, some silkworms may be small or underdeveloped due to poor nutrition, unsuitable environmental conditions, or improper handling techniques. This can lead to less than 1,000 worms per kilogram of mulberry leaves. Third, the use of outdated or improperly operated equipment, along with incorrect temperature and humidity control, can negatively impact the cocoon's thickness, lid quality, and overall integrity, leading to lower quality output.
To achieve high-quality and high-yield cocoons, it is essential to focus on what is known as the "three good" principles: living well, eating well, and being well.
**1. Live Well**
1.1 **Silkworm Room Conditions**
Each silkworm should be raised in a room of approximately 15 square meters, with good ventilation and uniform lighting. This environment helps in maintaining hygiene and allows for better control of temperature and humidity. It’s also important to prepare the silkworms properly before starting the rearing process.
1.2 **Temperature and Humidity Control**
During the early stages of silkworm development, the temperature should be maintained between 26–28°C, with a dry-wet bulb difference of 0.5–1°C. As they grow, the ideal temperature range shifts to 23–25°C, with a dry-wet bulb difference of 2–3°C. These conditions help ensure optimal growth and reduce the risk of disease.
1.3 **Disinfection and Disease Prevention**
Before raising silkworms, the rearing area must be thoroughly disinfected. Regular disinfection and the use of preventive medications are crucial to avoid common diseases like pebrine or flacherie. After the rearing cycle ends, it’s important to disinfect again to prevent any residual pathogens from spreading.
**2. Eat Well**
2.1 **Planning and Management**
A well-structured plan is essential for successful sericulture. The number of silkworms to be raised should be determined based on available mulberry leaves, space, and labor. A general rule is that for every 35 kg of cocoons, about 650–700 kg of mulberry leaves are needed in spring, and 600 kg in summer and autumn.
2.2 **Quality Mulberry Leaves**
Using fresh, well-cooked, and nutritious mulberry leaves is key to producing high-quality cocoons. The method of leaf collection varies depending on the stage of the silkworm. For example, young silkworms (1st to 2nd instar) should be fed top leaves with buds, while older ones (3rd to 4th instar) require more mature leaves. It’s important to collect leaves early in the morning and late in the evening, avoiding midday when the leaves become too hot.
2.3 **Feeding Practices**
Silkworms should be fed at least four times a day during the early stages, with the amount adjusted according to their size. In the later stages, feedings should increase to 5–6 times. Proper management of feeding, including timely expansion of the rearing space and cleaning of the area, is vital for healthy growth.
**3. Be Well**
3.1 **Cooking Equipment**
Each type of silkworm requires appropriate cooking tools, such as a 75kg grid or 50 cages, to ensure proper processing after cocooning.
3.2 **Rearing Environment**
It is best to avoid using the same room for all silkworm species. Instead, choose a well-ventilated, light-filled room that allows for easy temperature and humidity control. Each species should have 25–30 square meters of space.
3.3 **Environmental Control**
The ideal temperature for the cocooning phase is 22–25°C, with a dry-wet bulb difference of 2–3°C. Maintaining stable conditions during this critical period ensures better cocoon quality.
3.4 **Timely Harvesting and Handling**
After the last molt, the silkworms will turn reddish-brown, indicating they are ready for harvesting. They should be collected within seven days and handled gently. Avoid using woven bags; instead, use baskets or containers to protect the cocoons from damage.