UTTAR PRADESH JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY

The mulberry silkworm, Bombyx mori L., is a monophagous insect that depends exclusively on mulberry (Morus spp.) leaves for its nutritional requirements, which are critical for optimal growth, development and silk production. The nutritional quality of mulberry leaves directly influences larval performance, cocoon characteristics and silk yield. This review highlights the fundamental role of essential nutrients viz., carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, amino acids, vitamins, minerals and water in silkworm physiology. Deficiencies or imbalances in these components can adversely affect metabolic efficiency, increase disease susceptibility and reduce cocoon productivity. Recent advancements in feed fortification strategies, including the supplementation of mulberry leaves with probiotics (Lactobacillus, Bacillus spp.), plant extracts (Aloe vera, Ocimum nctum and Tinospora cordifolia), amino acids, vitamins, minerals and protein-rich additives, have shown significant improvements in larval weight, cocoon quality and silk gland development. Nutritional indices such as food consumption, digestibility and conversion efficiency provide quantitative measures of dietary effectiveness. Furthermore, nutritional interventions have been found beneficial in silkworm disease management, enhancing resistance to pathogens and reducing mortality. The synthesis of current findings underscores the importance of nutrient-enriched feeding protocols in sericulture, aiming to optimize rearing performance and improve the economic traits of silkworms. This comprehensive review provides insights into the nutritional requirements and supplementation strategies to support sustainable and high-yield sericulture practices.