LOW-COST ARTIFICIAL DIETS FOR POLYPHAGOUS SILKWORMS

This paper describes the development of low-cost artificial diets for the silkworm using a linear programming method as well as the breeding of polyphagous silkworm races with a high adaptability to the diets. On the basis of the results of nutritional studies, low-cost artificia l diets for the silkworm have been developed by applying a linear prog ramming method to the formulation of the composition of artificial die ts. In parallel with the development of low-cost artificial diets, stu dies on the feeding response of the silkworms to the diets and its inh eritance have been carried out polyphagous silkworm races with a high adaptability to the diets have been bred. Development of a new type of silkworm rearing system based on these methods is deemed important.