Relation among Food Consumption, Conversion and Cocoon Production in Silkworm, Bombyx Mori L. Reared at Different Temperatures

Rearing temperature influences food consumption, conversion and cocoon production in silkworm Bombyx mori L. Young age $({1^st}to{3^rd} instar)$ worms of Pure Mysore, a multivoltine were reared at 26, 28, 30 and $32^{\circ}C$ followed by combinations of these temperature levels during late age $({4^th} and {5^th} instar)$. Food consumption, conversion, larval duration and growth for each instar were recorded. The influence of combinations of these temperature levels during rearing on survival and cocoon production was assessed. Food consumption increased with the temperature up to $4^th$ instar and decreased during $5^th$ instar. Temperature beyond $28^{\circ}C$ during young age followed by higher temperature ($30^{\circ}C$ and above) has shown deleterious effect on cocoon production. The paper discusses the rearing performance in relation to food intake and conversion under the tested temperature levels.