Method for improving silkworm artificial feed and mulberry leaf conversion breeding uniformity

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for improving silkworm artificial feed and mulberry leaf conversion breeding uniformity, and mainly solves the technical problems that in a mode of converting artificial feed breeding into mulberry leaf breeding, silkworm population development in a feed breeding period has individual size differentiation, and the uniformity is difficult to improve due to adaptability difference after first feeding of mulberry leaves. The method comprises the following steps: formulating a feed and mulberry leaf feeding conversion mode, timely screening out slow-development weak individuals in a silkworm group at a specific time before the feeding mode is converted, and screening out weak individuals with poor ingestion due to incapability of quickly adapting to mulberry leaves at a specific time after first feeding of the mulberry leaves. The method is different from'green increasing batch 'operation which is based on sleep time difference, depends on artificial naked eye recognition and is fed in batches in an existing mulberry leaf breeding method, the method solves the special development and differentiation problem of feed breeding and mulberry leaf breeding in a new industry mode through combination of a standardized time window and physical aperture screening, and the silkworm group uniformity is effectively improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of silkworm breeding technology, specifically relating to a method for improving the uniformity of silkworms raised on artificial feed and mulberry leaves. Background Technology

[0002] The existing model of "artificial feed co-rearing for young silkworms + mulberry leaf rearing for older silkworms" has the core advantage of standardizing and saving labor during the young silkworm stage while conserving valuable mulberry leaf resources. Simultaneously, the use of mulberry leaves during the older silkworm stage ensures excellent cocoon quality. However, even with highly standardized feed ratios and environments during the artificial feed rearing stage, individuals with weak feeding abilities and slow development will still emerge due to inherent differences in breed, egg quality, and the physical condition of the silkworms, forming an initial "weak silkworm" population. These individuals, in the high-density co-rearing environment, are less competitive and experience persistently slower growth. They not only become the "weakest link" in the group but also, due to their weak constitution, are highly susceptible to pathogen infection and spread. Therefore, the weak silkworms produced during the artificial feed rearing stage are the fundamental starting point for severe differentiation and increased disease risk in the subsequent transition period, creating hidden dangers for the management and efficiency of the entire rearing process. Furthermore, the critical period of transitioning from artificial feed to natural mulberry leaf rearing can trigger severe physiological stress due to differences in individual adaptability, leading to uneven development within the group. The resulting phenomenon of "large and small silkworms" makes the weaker, slower-developing individuals in the high-density co-breeding environment extremely vulnerable to becoming sources of pathogens. Through the "barrel effect," these individuals pollute the environment, drag down overall health, and ultimately lead to inconsistent cocoon quality and unstable yields, partially offsetting the cost-saving advantages of the model itself.

[0003] The existing method is the batch-based raising method in whole mulberry leaf rearing, which targets the problem of prolonged dormancy caused by slow development in whole mulberry leaf rearing. In terms of selection criteria, the judgment standard is the developmental state of "dormant and non-dormant". In terms of technical purpose, this method separates silkworms with different developmental progress for rearing, so that the silkworms in the same batch can be relatively uniform in subsequent management, which facilitates unified operation such as feeding mulberry leaves and removing sand. Its core goal is "batch management" rather than "individual culling".

[0004] Existing silkworm rearing and batch separation techniques are effective in the all-mulberry leaf rearing model. However, when applied to the new model of "artificial feed rearing for young silkworms + mulberry leaf rearing for older silkworms," ​​the selection criteria, timing of operation, and technical objectives are incompatible with the two core challenges of "feed adaptability differences" and "mulberry leaf transition stress" in this new model. This fails to address fundamental issues such as severe population differentiation, weak individuals becoming sources of pathogen transmission, and difficulty in improving uniformity within the silkworm population. Furthermore, when existing silkworm rearing and batch separation techniques utilize silkworm tropism for automatic separation, the silkworm nets used are only temporary isolation tools. The mesh size of the nets allows all silkworms to pass through, and the selection criterion is the ambiguous state of "molting versus not molting," with the timing of selection relying on manual experience. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The technical problem to be solved by this invention is to provide a method for improving the uniformity of silkworms raised on artificial feed and mulberry leaves. This method addresses the uneven development caused by individual differences in adaptability to feed during artificial feed rearing in the emerging industry model of "small silkworm artificial feed rearing + large silkworm mulberry leaf rearing", as well as the decrease in group uniformity caused by the differentiation of feeding ability after mulberry leaf feeding.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows: A method for improving the uniformity of silkworms raised on artificial feed and mulberry leaf conversion includes the following steps: Step 1: Develop a feed and mulberry leaf feeding conversion model; Step 2: Choose one of the established feed or mulberry leaf feeding conversion models for silkworm rearing; Step 3: Based on the selected feed and mulberry leaf feeding conversion mode, screen the silkworms in the same batch before the feeding conversion, and screen out the weak individuals for centralized feeding or harmless treatment. Step 4: Based on the selected feed and mulberry leaf feeding conversion mode, and building on Step 3, after the feeding conversion, screen the remaining silkworms again to select the weak individuals for centralized feeding or harmless treatment. Step 5: Based on step 4, feed the remaining healthy silkworms with mulberry leaves.

[0007] Furthermore, in step 1, the established feed and mulberry leaf feeding conversion model is as follows: Mode A: The first two years are raised entirely on artificial feed, and the third year is raised on mulberry leaves. Model B: The first 1-3 years are raised entirely on artificial feed, and the 4th year is raised on mulberry leaves.

[0008] Furthermore, in step 2, when selecting mode A for silkworm rearing, in step 3, the same batch of silkworms is screened for weak silkworms 36 hours after the second instar molt or 6 hours before the third instar feeding; in step 4, the silkworms remaining after the screening in step 3 are screened again for weak silkworms 24 hours after the third instar feeding.

[0009] Furthermore, in step 3, it is preferable to screen for weak and small silkworms in the same batch at 36 hours after the silkworms have completed their second instar molting.

[0010] Furthermore, in step 2, when selecting mode B for silkworm rearing, in step 3, the same batch of silkworms is screened for weak ones 36 hours after the third instar molt or 6 hours before feeding the fourth instar; in step 4, the silkworms remaining after the screening in step 3 are screened for weak ones again 24 hours after feeding the fourth instar.

[0011] Furthermore, in step 3, it is preferable to screen for weak and small silkworms in the same batch at 36 hours after the third instar molt of the silkworms.

[0012] Furthermore, the specific steps for screening silkworms in steps 3 and 4 are as follows: Step a: Prepare mulberry leaves and cut them into long strips; Step b: Disinfect the silkworms and their nests; Step c: Lay the entire sieve over the silkworm rearing seat; Step d: Spread a small amount of long mulberry leaves evenly on the sieve, ensuring that the mulberry leaves are evenly spaced on the sieve. Step e: Wait 1-2 hours, collect the long mulberry leaves on the screen, lift and gently tap the screen to knock the silkworms under the screen into the silkworm tray. Collect the weak silkworms on the mulberry leaves, and then feed or dispose of the collected weak silkworms in a centralized manner.

[0013] Furthermore, in step 2, when selecting mode A for silkworm rearing, the mulberry leaves prepared in step a are the 4th-5th leaves from the top of the branch, which are used in steps 3 and 4 to screen for weak silkworms.

[0014] Furthermore, in step 2, when selecting mode B for silkworm rearing, the mulberry leaves prepared in step a are the 5th-6th leaves from the top of the branch, which are used in steps 3 and 4 when the silkworms are harvested in batches.

[0015] Furthermore, after screening the silkworms in step 3 for 4-6 hours, the remaining silkworms in the silkworm rearing area are fed with mulberry leaves.

[0016] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects: This invention addresses the unique developmental differentiation issues inherent in feed-reared and mulberry-leaf-reared silkworms under the new industrial model. By combining standardized time windows with physical aperture screening, it is the first to use "head physical size" as an objective screening benchmark. It scientifically identifies two golden windows: "36 hours after feed-reared dormancy" (peak period of body size difference) and "24 hours after mulberry-leaf feeding" (period of strong / weak differentiation during feed-to-mulberry-leaf transition). This transforms empirical agricultural operations into a quantifiable and replicable standardized process, avoiding reliance on manual experience and non-obvious methods. By combining standardized time windows with physical aperture screening to screen silkworms, it not only solves the unique developmental differentiation problems of feed-reared and mulberry-leaf-reared silkworms under the new industrial model but also achieves full-process non-destructive automation, cutting off the disease transmission chain at the source. This significantly improves the uniformity of the silkworm colony, the rate of healthy pupae, and economic benefits, completing a technological upgrade from "batch management" to "group optimization." Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the steps of the method of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0018] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are merely some embodiments of this invention, and not all embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this invention without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this invention.

[0019] like Figure 1 As shown, the present invention provides a method for improving the uniformity of silkworms raised on artificial feed and mulberry leaves. Compared with the existing technology that relies on manual visual identification and batch feeding in whole mulberry leaf rearing, the present invention solves the developmental differentiation problem unique to feed rearing and mulberry leaf rearing under the new industrial model by combining standardized time windows with physical aperture screening, thereby improving the uniformity of the silkworm population and realizing the technological upgrade of "group optimization".

[0020] The method of the present invention includes the following steps: Step 1: Develop a feed and mulberry leaf feeding conversion model; Step 2: Choose one of the established feed or mulberry leaf feeding conversion models for silkworm rearing; Step 3: Based on the selected feed and mulberry leaf feeding conversion mode, before the feeding conversion, screen the weak silkworms in the same batch and select individuals with slow development for centralized feeding or harmless treatment. Step 4: Based on the selected feed and mulberry leaf feeding conversion mode, after the feeding conversion in step 3, the remaining silkworms after screening are screened again to identify the weak ones and those with slow development are screened out for centralized feeding or harmless treatment. Step 5: Based on step 4, feed the remaining healthy silkworms with mulberry leaves.

[0021] In step 1, the established feed and mulberry leaf feeding conversion model is as follows: Mode A: 1-2 year olds are raised entirely on artificial feed, and after 3-year olds wake up from hibernation, they are raised on mulberry leaves; Model B: The first 1-3 years are raised entirely on artificial feed, and after the 4-year-olds wake up from hibernation, they are raised on mulberry leaves.

[0022] In some embodiments, when silkworm rearing is carried out in mode A in step 2, in step 3, the weak silkworms in the same batch are screened out at 36 hours after the second instar molt or 6 hours before the third instar feeding; in step 4, the weak silkworms left after the screening in step 3 are screened out again 24 hours after the third instar feeding.

[0023] In step 3, it is preferable to screen for weak silkworms in the same batch at 36 hours after the silkworms have completed their second instar molting.

[0024] In some embodiments, when silkworm rearing is carried out in mode B in step 2, in step 3, the weak silkworms in the same batch are screened 36 hours after the third instar molt or 6 hours before the fourth instar feed; in step 4, the weak silkworms left after the screening in step 3 are screened again 24 hours after the fourth instar feed.

[0025] In step 3, it is preferable to screen for weak silkworms in the same batch at 36 hours after the third instar molt.

[0026] In some embodiments, the specific steps for screening silkworms in steps 3 and 4 are as follows: Step a: Prepare mulberry leaves and cut them into long strips, with the strips being more than 1cm wide. Step b: Use an isolation and preservative to evenly disinfect the silkworm body and the silkworm bed, requiring the inside of the silkworm bed to have a thin frost-like appearance, and the disinfection time is 15 minutes; Step c: Lay the entire sieve on top of the silkworm bed. The sieve is made of corrosion-resistant, non-stick, reusable, and non-toxic materials such as nylon. Step d: Spread a small amount of long mulberry leaves evenly on the sieve, ensuring that the mulberry leaves are evenly spaced on the sieve. Step e: Wait 1-2 hours, collect the long mulberry leaves on the screen, then collect the small silkworms on the mulberry leaves. After that, collect the small silkworms and feed them in a centralized manner or treat them in a harmless way. Lift up and gently tap the screen to knock the silkworms under the screen into the silkworm seat.

[0027] In some embodiments, when selecting mode A for silkworm rearing in step 2, the mulberry leaves prepared in step a are the 4th-5th leaves from the top of the branch. These leaves are used in steps 3 and 4 to screen for weak silkworms. When using them, the amount of mulberry leaves used per silkworm egg is 300-300g.

[0028] In some embodiments, when selecting mode B for silkworm rearing in step 2, the mulberry leaves prepared in step a are the 5th-6th leaves from the top of the branch. These leaves are used in steps 3 and 4 to screen for weak silkworms. When using them, the amount of mulberry leaves used per silkworm egg is 300-300g.

[0029] In some embodiments, when silkworm rearing is carried out in mode A in step 2, the mesh size of the screen used for screening weak silkworms in steps 3 and 4 is 700-1000 μm (20 mesh).

[0030] In some embodiments, when silkworm rearing is carried out in mode B in step 2, the sieve mesh size used for screening weak silkworms in steps 3 and 4 is 2000 μm (10 mesh).

[0031] In step e, during the 1-2 hour waiting period, healthy individuals are trapped below the screen because their head size is larger than the screen mesh size, while slow-developing and weak individuals pass through the mesh above the screen to eat mulberry leaves.

[0032] After screening the weak silkworms in step 3 for 4-6 hours, feed the remaining silkworms in the silkworm rearing area using mulberry leaves.

[0033] This invention addresses two crucial periods in silkworm rearing where significant population differentiation occurs: 36 hours after molting on feed and the critical period of transitioning from feed to mulberry leaf rearing. Silkworms are screened at these times. The first period utilizes the characteristic that healthy silkworms have completed molting and their body walls have fully hardened by 36 hours after molting, resulting in the peak size difference between them and weaker silkworms at this age. The second period, the critical transition from feed to mulberry leaf rearing, sees some individuals with poor adaptability, leading to poor feeding, decreased digestion and absorption, and a clear differentiation between strong and weak individuals. This double screening process effectively identifies weaker individuals at each stage, ensuring thorough removal of weaker individuals and guaranteeing that the final silkworm population consists of healthy, adaptable individuals, thus improving the uniformity of the silkworm colony.

[0034] This invention uses "head physical size" as an objective screening standard and scientifically identifies two golden windows: "36 hours after feed acclimation" (peak period of feed acclimation body size difference) and "24 hours after mulberry leaf feeding" (period of strong and weak differentiation between feed and mulberry leaf). It transforms empirical agricultural operations into a quantifiable and replicable standardized process, avoiding reliance on manual experience and non-obviousness.

[0035] Using the mesh size as the sole screening criterion ensures the consistency and accuracy of sorting. Furthermore, the sorting is completed by utilizing the silkworm's autonomous crawling behavior, which reduces mechanical damage and physiological stress to the silkworm and is beneficial to the healthy development of the silkworm in its later stages.

[0036] This invention combines standardized time windows with physical aperture screening to screen silkworms, which not only solves the developmental differentiation problems unique to feed-reared and mulberry leaf-reared silkworms under the new industrial model, but also achieves non-destructive automation throughout the entire process, cutting off the disease transmission chain at the source, significantly improving the uniformity of silkworm flocks, the rate of healthy pupae and economic benefits, and completing the technological upgrade from "batch management" to "group optimization".

[0037] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and are not intended to limit the invention, nor are they intended to limit the patent scope of the present invention. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features therein. These modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention. That is to say, any changes or refinements made to the main design concept and spirit of the present invention that are not of substantial significance, but whose technical problems are still consistent with the present invention, should be included within the protection scope of the present invention. In addition, the direct or indirect application of the technical solutions of the present invention to other related technical fields are similarly included within the patent protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for improving the uniformity of silkworm rearing by switching between artificial feed and mulberry leaves, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: Step 1: Develop a feed and mulberry leaf feeding conversion model; Step 2: Choose one of the established feed or mulberry leaf feeding conversion models for silkworm rearing; Step 3: Based on the selected feed and mulberry leaf feeding conversion mode, screen the silkworms in the same batch before the feeding conversion, and screen out the weak individuals for centralized feeding or harmless treatment. Step 4: Based on the selected feed and mulberry leaf feeding conversion mode, and building on Step 3, after the feeding conversion, screen the remaining silkworms again to select the weak individuals for centralized feeding or harmless treatment. Step 5: Based on step 4, feed the remaining healthy silkworms with mulberry leaves.

2. The method for improving the uniformity of silkworm rearing by switching between artificial feed and mulberry leaves according to claim 1, characterized in that, In step 1, the established feed and mulberry leaf feeding conversion model is as follows: Mode A: The first two years are raised entirely on artificial feed, and the third year is raised on mulberry leaves. Model B: The first 1-3 years are raised entirely on artificial feed, and the 4th year is raised on mulberry leaves.

3. The method for improving the uniformity of silkworm rearing by switching between artificial feed and mulberry leaves according to claim 2, characterized in that, In step 2, when selecting mode A for silkworm rearing, in step 3, the same batch of silkworms is screened for weak silkworms 36 hours after the second instar molt or 6 hours before the third instar feeding; in step 4, the silkworms remaining after the screening in step 3 are screened again for weak silkworms 24 hours after the third instar feeding.

4. The method for improving the uniformity of silkworm rearing by switching between artificial feed and mulberry leaves according to claim 3, characterized in that, In step 3, it is preferable to screen for weak and small silkworms in the same batch at 36 hours after the silkworms have completed their second instar molting.

5. The method for improving the uniformity of silkworm rearing by switching between artificial feed and mulberry leaves according to claim 2, characterized in that, In step 2, when silkworms are raised using mode B, in step 3, the same batch of silkworms are screened for weak ones 36 hours after the third instar molt or 6 hours before feeding in the fourth instar; in step 4, the silkworms remaining after the screening in step 3 are screened for weak ones again 24 hours after feeding in the fourth instar.

6. The method for improving the uniformity of silkworm rearing by switching between artificial feed and mulberry leaves according to claim 5, characterized in that, In step 3, it is preferable to screen for weak and small silkworms in the same batch at 36 hours after the third instar molting.

7. The method for improving the uniformity of silkworm rearing by switching between artificial feed and mulberry leaves according to claim 2, characterized in that, The specific steps for screening silkworms in steps 3 and 4 are as follows: Step a: Prepare mulberry leaves and cut them into long strips; Step b: Disinfect the silkworms and their nests; Step c: Lay the entire sieve over the silkworm rearing seat; Step d: Spread the long strips of mulberry leaves evenly on the sieve, ensuring that the mulberry leaves are evenly spaced on the sieve. Step e: Wait 1-2 hours, collect the long mulberry leaves on the screen, lift and gently tap the screen to knock the silkworms under the screen into the silkworm tray. Collect the weak silkworms on the mulberry leaves, and then feed or dispose of the collected weak silkworms in a centralized manner.

8. The method for improving the uniformity of silkworm rearing by switching between artificial feed and mulberry leaves according to claim 7, characterized in that, In step 2, when selecting mode A for silkworm rearing, the mulberry leaves prepared in step a are the 4th-5th leaves from the top of the branch, which are used in steps 3 and 4 to screen for weak silkworms.

9. A method for improving the uniformity of silkworm rearing by switching between artificial feed and mulberry leaves, as described in claim 7, characterized in that, In step 2, when selecting mode B for silkworm rearing, the mulberry leaves prepared in step a are the 5th-6th leaves from the top of the branch, which are used in steps 3 and 4 when the silkworms are harvested in batches.

10. A method for improving the uniformity of silkworm rearing by switching between artificial feed and mulberry leaves according to claim 7, characterized in that, After screening the silkworms in step 3, the remaining silkworms in the silkworm rearing area are fed with mulberry leaves.

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