Supplementary effect of spirulina, on protein profiles of silkworm, Bombyx. Mori L.

Abstract

Silkworms need higher protein in their diet to help its body repair cells and to make fiber exclusively at Vth instar. As spirulina, a marine algae, contains an unusually high amount of protein with, between 55% and 77% by dry weight, depending upon the source, the effect of Spirulina on protein metabolic status of silkworm was studied based on total soluble, structural proteins, aminoacides and the enzymatic activities of protease, alanine amino- tranferase (AlAT), aspartate aminotransferase (AAT) ammonia and urea at V ^th instar. Silkworms were fed 6 differ- ent doses of spirulina along with mulberry leaf (50 ppm, 100 ppm, 150 ppm, 200 ppm, 250 and 300 ppm foliar spray) and one control at 1^st 2^nd and 3^rd days. Significant differences were observed in the protein fractions and spirulina did not significantly alter the normal level of aminotransferase,GDH and urea and ammonia levels, when compared to controls. The changes were dose and time dependent. Spirulina appears to be effective in improving the protein metabolic status of silkworms during V^th instar feeding.