Silkworm Farming
Comprehensive resource for silkworm farming
Silkworm Lifecycle
Egg Stage
Silkworm eggs are small and light yellow, changing to purple or gray when close to hatching. This stage lasts approximately 10-12 days, depending on temperature and humidity.
Larva Stage
During this stage, silkworms eat mulberry leaves and grow, divided into 5 instars with 4 molts. It takes about 25-30 days, with silkworms eating the most in the 4th and 5th instars.
Cocoon Stage
When fully grown, silkworms stop eating and begin to spin cocoons. They secrete silk from glands in their mouths and spin around themselves, taking about 2-3 days. Cocoons are usually white or yellow.
Pupa Stage
Inside the cocoon, the silkworm transforms into a pupa (metamorphosis stage), taking about 7-10 days. For silk production, farmers collect cocoons at this stage before pupae emerge as moths.
Moth Stage
If allowed to complete their lifecycle, pupae develop into moths and emerge from cocoons. Silkworm moths cannot fly and do not eat, living only 5-10 days to mate and lay eggs. Female moths lay about 300-500 eggs.
Silkworm Care
Temperature Control
The optimal temperature for silkworm rearing is 24-28°C for eggs and young larvae, and 22-26°C for mature larvae. Temperatures that are too high or too low will affect growth and cocoon quality.
Humidity Control
The ideal relative humidity is 75-85% for eggs and young larvae, and 65-75% for mature larvae and cocoon formation. Proper humidity prevents mulberry leaves from drying out and reduces disease risk.
Hygiene
Always maintain cleanliness in the rearing area. Remove silkworm droppings and mulberry leaf residues 1-2 times daily. Disinfect rearing trays and equipment before use. Good hygiene prevents disease outbreaks.
Feeding
Provide fresh, clean mulberry leaves. Young larvae need tender leaves, while older ones can eat more mature leaves. Feed 3-4 times daily for young larvae and 4-5 times for mature ones. Fifth instar larvae consume the most.
Rearing Space
Silkworms need more space as they grow. Separate them with appropriate spacing, especially in the 4th-5th instars. Overcrowding causes stress and increases disease risk. In the 5th instar, 100 silkworms need approximately 1 square meter.
Lighting
Silkworms dislike bright light. Rear them in dim light conditions and avoid direct sunlight. Appropriate lighting is about 15-20 lux. During cocoon formation, provide dimmer conditions to help silkworms spin better cocoons.
Common Problems
Grasserie Disease
A common viral disease. Infected silkworms have shiny skin, swollen bodies that rupture and release milky white fluid.
Prevention: Maintain cleanliness, control temperature and humidity, immediately isolate silkworms showing symptoms.
Flacherie Disease
A bacterial disease of the digestive system. Silkworms lose appetite, have soft, flaccid bodies, and emit a foul odor.
Prevention: Provide clean food, avoid overly wet mulberry leaves, maintain cleanliness in the rearing area.
Muscardine Disease
A fungal disease that causes silkworms to die and turn white like chalk or green, depending on the type of fungus.
Prevention: Control humidity to prevent excessive levels, disinfect the rearing area with formalin or appropriate disinfectants.
Harvesting Cocoons
Right Timing
Harvest cocoons about 7-8 days after silkworms complete their cocoons, when pupae inside have hardened but before they emerge as moths. Harvesting too early results in insufficiently strong silk, while harvesting too late may allow moths to emerge and damage cocoons.
Cocoon Collection
Carefully remove cocoons from mounting frames, avoiding damage. Separate quality cocoons (perfect shape, strong, unstained) from defective ones.
Pupa Killing
Kill pupae inside cocoons to prevent them from developing into moths and damaging cocoons. Popular methods include dry heat treatment at 60-70°C for 4-5 hours or steam treatment at 95-100°C for 10-15 minutes.
Storage
Store cocoons in a dry, cool place with humidity below 70% and temperature below 25°C to prevent mold and insects. Well-stored cocoons can be kept for several months without quality deterioration.
Grading
Sort cocoons by quality, size, weight, and appearance. High-grade cocoons are oval-shaped with smooth, even surfaces, thick shells, and no stains. Good grading helps fetch appropriate prices when selling.