Abstract

                                Studies were undertaken to assess the effects of amino acids on the food intake, silk gland, and protein content of silkworm, Bombyx mori L. Three amino acids, namely Glycine, Alanine and Serine at various concentrations viz., 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200 ppm were used for the investigations. The silkworm larvae were supplemented with amino acids, once daily in the morning from first day of fifth instar to spinning. Experimental results showed that irrespective of the concentrations studied, the amino acids had positive influence on the food intake, silk gland, and protein content of silkworms. Though all the treatments were found to significantly increase different parameters namely co-efficient of food utilization, weight and length of silk gland, protein content in silk gland, haemolymph and cocoon the enhancement was highest at concentration of 10 ppm, 100 ppm and 100 ppm, respectively in Glycine, Alanine and Serine

Key words : Bombyx mori; Food intake; Protein; Haemolymph; Silk gland; Amino acids