UTTAR PRADESH JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY

This study explored how different doses of lactic acid influence the physiology and silk yield of the mulberry silkworm, Bombyx mori L. Larvae were fed diets supplemented with 0.1%, 0.5%, and 5% lactic acid, and changes in biochemical characters (uric acid, protein, carbohydrate, and cholesterol) along with cocoon characteristics (cocoon weight, shell weight, and shell ratio) were evaluated. Supplementation at 0.5% proved most effective, significantly boosting uric acid (5.24±0.20) and protein levels (18.04±1.17) compared to the control (2.72±0.20 and 15.75±0.34, respectively). Carbohydrate and cholesterol contents dropped in treated groups, reaching their lowest values at 0.5% (13.23±0.45 and 19.80±0.50) relative to the control (15.65±0.25 and 25.66±0.20). Cocoon productivity also improved, with the heaviest cocoons (2.72 g) recorded at 0.5%. Interestingly, while shell weight (0.80g) and shell ratio (34.03%) peaked at 5% concentration, these were still markedly higher than the control (0.57 g and 26.35%). Overall, lactic acid showed a clear dose-dependent effect. The 0.5% concentration offered the best balance between improved biochemistry and cocoon productivity, while 5% specifically favored shell deposition. These findings highlight lactic acid as a promising dietary additive for enhancing silk yield in B. mori.