Mulberry excellent food not only for silkworms
Zdravko Petkov
Abstract: Mulberry (Morus spp.) is the only one food for the silkworm (Bombyx mori L.), and because of this
is spread throughout the world and lives in many different environments. Mulberry leaves are highly palatable and digestible to herbivorous animals. Protein content in the leaves and young stems varies from 15 to 28%, depending on the variety. Mineral content is high and no toxic compounds have been identified. Leaf production is harvested by leaf picking or mainly by cutting of whole branches. Mulberry is one of the few plants, that lives many years with removing of all vegetative mass every year. Yields depend on variety, location, plant density and agrotechnics applied. In terms of digestible nutrients, mulberry could produce traditional forages. The leaves can be used as supplements replacing concentrates for dairy cattle, as the main feed for goats, sheep and rabbits, and as an ingredient in monogastric diets.
is spread throughout the world and lives in many different environments. Mulberry leaves are highly palatable and digestible to herbivorous animals. Protein content in the leaves and young stems varies from 15 to 28%, depending on the variety. Mineral content is high and no toxic compounds have been identified. Leaf production is harvested by leaf picking or mainly by cutting of whole branches. Mulberry is one of the few plants, that lives many years with removing of all vegetative mass every year. Yields depend on variety, location, plant density and agrotechnics applied. In terms of digestible nutrients, mulberry could produce traditional forages. The leaves can be used as supplements replacing concentrates for dairy cattle, as the main feed for goats, sheep and rabbits, and as an ingredient in monogastric diets.
Keywords: diets; forage; herbivorous animals; Morus spp.; mulberry; supplement
Date published: 2017-02-09
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