Philippine E-Journals

Refrigeration Humidity: Its Influence on the Weight and Hatchability of Silkworm Eggs and Its Rearing Performance

Janet D. Manuel

 

Abstract:

Quality silkworm egg is the backbone of the sericulture industry. It is an important factor that determines the bumper harvest in cocoon production. Other factors that impede the productivity of superior hybrid include the refrigeration of silkworm eggs. Relative humidity of the refrigerants should be maintained at an optimum level. Thus, the eggs will not be dehydrated or weakened thereby ensuring the production of quality silkworm eggs. Te study determined the degree of viability of silkworm eggs subjected to the refrigerants and the influence of its relative humidity on silkworm eggs and silkworm rearing performance. Silkworm eggs were subjected to 20, 40, 60, and 80 days preservation to the refrigerants. Silkworm eggs were evaluated based on the weight of silkworm eggs after cold storing and hatching percentage. Te rearing performance was evaluated based on the rearing parameters used. Results revealed that storage duration significantly affects the weight of silkworm eggs after cold storing, hatching percentage, and cocoon weight. The relative humidity of the refrigerator significantly affects the weight of silkworm eggs after the cold storing durations. Thus, refrigerator could be used in cold storing the silkworm eggs with its temperature and relative humidity for a longer duration with constant monitoring to ensure the viability of silkworm eggs.