E}A]\GALORE

It may be seen from the above that spacing' is required to be increased
systematically at every stage of growth of the chawki worms. For example, in the case
of 3'x2' x3" wooden tray with 10 layings brushed, the spacing is increased from a bed
size of 6"x9' to that of 9"x12" over a period of 24 hours from the time of brushing.
This is achieved gradually by increasing the spacing at every feed during lhe24 5ours.
period' ln this way, spacing is increased every day of the rearing. The object in doing
so is to ensure maximum development of all the larvae .uniformly by providing required
space as they grow. Further, it helps to keep the bed thin (i.e., less than 1/2,, in height)
and this assists in the drying of beds prior to every feeding. lt is well to remember here
that thick beds, which cannot be dried easily and which tend to build up bed humidity
beyond 90 per cent will lead to the outbreak of Muscardine and Grasserie diseases.
H. Feeding:
As already pointed out in Bulletin No. 2 on the 'New Technology of Silkworm
Rearing', the young age silkworms are led thrice or four times during fhe day
depending upon the seasonal weather conditions. ln wet weather, when the
atmospheric humidity as well as moisture content in the leaf are on the higher side,
only three feeds need be given at 6 a.m. 1 p.m. and B p.m. During othei seasons
including summer months, however, four feeds may be found necessary, which may be
given at 6 a.m., 11 a.m., 3 p.m.and B p.m. As regards the quantity of leaf to be fed
to the chawki worms, it has already been indicated (Bulletin No. 2) that the leaf
requiremenl for 100 layings (with average of 400 eggs per laying) during the first age
will be about 2 to 2'5 kg. for the improved multivoltine hybrids and about 2.5 to 3 kg.
for the new bivoltine hybrids. For the second age worms, the leaf requirement will be
6 to 7 kg. for the improved multivoltine hybrids and 8 to 9 kg. for the new bivoltine
hybrids.
ln the case of rearing ol chawki worms, great care and attention have to be
given to the method of feeding as well, in addition to the correct way of chopping,
optimum quantity of feed, number of feedings to be given etc. Unless the correct
method of feeding is adopted, the oblectives of chawki rearing, namely raising of
vigorously growing larvae of robust health and unilorm development will not be fully
realised. The correct method of feeding is described below:
lmmediately after brushing, the rearing bed is made up, with due spacing
prescribed (as already described) and covered with paraffin paper. lf required, the wet
paper or wet foam rubber band is placed around the rearing bed in between the paraffin
paper sheets. The trays are later piled up one over the other to a convenient height.
Thereafter, prior to every feeding that is to follow, the procedure described hereunder
should be meticulously adopted.
Half an hour prior to feeding, the paraffin paper cover should be removed and so
also the wet paper or wet foam rubber band from the tray. Then the tray is placed on
20