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Feeding Management Technology of Ramie Silkworm
Ramie silkworms, also known as ramie worms, derive their name from their primary diet of ramie leaves. Their cocoons are pod-shaped, with a small opening at the top and a white color. These cocoons are an excellent raw material for silk production. Raising ramie silkworms offers several advantages: first, they make efficient use of natural resources, as they can feed on not only ramie leaves but also cassava and skunk leaves, providing a wide range of food sources. Second, their short life cycle allows multiple generations per year—typically about 18 days from hatching to cocoon formation. Third, they are hardy and disease-resistant, making them easy to manage.
To ensure successful hatching, the temperature must be carefully controlled. Ramie silkworm eggs are sensitive to heat and drying, so the ideal hatching temperature is between 22°C and 28°C. If the temperature becomes too high, cooling methods can be used, such as placing the eggs in small containers and hanging them in a well or submerging them in cool water inside a large container. This helps maintain the right environment for hatching.
When feeding ramie silkworms, fresh and clean ramie leaves are essential. Leaves should be stored for no more than one day and collected in the evening to preserve freshness. The amount of leaves gathered should be based on the previous day's consumption to avoid overstocking, which can lead to leaf aging and reduced quality.
Careful feeding and management are crucial, especially during different growth stages. Young silkworms require finely torn leaves, while larger ones can eat whole leaves. From the second instar onward, it’s important to regularly remove silkworm droppings. Direct handling should be avoided; instead, the silkworms should be guided onto new leaves, and the old ones removed. As they grow quickly, they should be separated into different rearing areas to prevent overcrowding and ensure healthy development.
Before the silkworms begin spinning their cocoons, large leaves like those from fig or aspen trees should be prepared. This makes it easier for the silkworms to feed and spin their cocoons without difficulty.
Once the silkworms have formed their cocoons, they should be removed from the leaves promptly. The remaining cocoons need to be dried quickly to kill the pupae and preserve the silk. After harvesting, which typically occurs around 18 days after the last batch, any leftover silkworms can be allowed to emerge as moths. They will then lay eggs, continuing the cycle. For excess silkworms, small holes can be made in the cocoons to extract the pupae, which can be used as food for livestock or poultry.
Although their lifespan is short, ramie silkworms go through four molts and five instars. Their eggs do not enter diapause, meaning they develop continuously throughout the year. Some species have been domesticated and can even be bred during winter, offering flexibility in breeding cycles.