Design Resource
Cocoon Formation
The Making of Silk Thread
by
Introduction
Silk is a natural animal protein fiber, which spells the class of excellence in the fiber domain. Raw silk is broadly classified into two types: plant silk and animal silk, based on its origin. The plant silk is obtained from the plant family Bombacaceae, while the silk from the animal is from mulberry and non-mulberry sources. Mulberry silk is derived from domesticated moths. A simple technique is used for the collection of matured worms.
Mulberry branches with green leaves are put over the rearing bed and when the worms crawl onto them. The branches are taken out along with the mature worms. The branches are then shaken off over a mat to dislodge the worms and the worms are collected in a bamboo basket. After feeding, the mature worms which do not feed anymore will come out and crawl onto the net. The net is taken out and shaken off over a mat to dislodge the matured worms that are collected in a basket.
