RELEVANCE OF FEEDING SCHEDULE IN BIVOLTINE SEED CROP REARING

摘要

The study evaluated the relevance of existing practice of four feeds per day (6 a. m., 10 a. m., 4 p. m. and 10 p. m.) in raising seed cocoons. Assessment was made by skipping continuously specific feed daily. The study revealed that, under tropical conditions, four feeds per day are essential for bivoltines. Among the four feeds, it was observed that 10 a. m. feed is the most crucial followed by 10 p. m. feed. Deprivation of feed at 6 a. m. or 4 p. m. daily had minimum deleterious effect. The negative effect recorded when feed is deprived at 10 a. m. is continued in the subsequent generation even under normal four feed system. The results are discussed under the background of the status of the parent and its influence in the subsequent generation.