Performance Evaluation of Mulberry Leaf Size Reduction Technology Suitable for Different Silkworm Growth Stages

Abstract

This study aimed to analyze the relationship between the size of mulberry leaves at different silkworm growth stages and the performance of the leaf size reduction process. The analysis was conducted under controlled conditions, keeping the blade rotation speed and feed rate constant. The study focused on examining how the leaf size at each silkworm stage affects the quantity of mulberry leaf output from the size reduction process. Each stage was tested in triplicate. The results showed that the average leaf output in the first stage was 97.67 kg/hour, in the second stage was 102.33 kg/hour, and in the third stage was 100.00 kg/hour. The overall average across all stages was 100.00 kg/hour, indicating a consistent performance with slight variations due to the characteristics of the mulberry leaves at each stage. These findings can serve as a guideline for determining the appropriate raw material size for each silkworm stage and can help improve the efficiency of mulberry leaf preparation processes at the community enterprise or industrial level.