CS ysuru

Design an d Construction of I

Silkworm Rearirg Houses I

' Satish Verma . V Sivaprasad

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ral Training tnstitute (eSRTl)

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Centralsilk Board, Ministry of Textiles : Govt. of lndia
Manandavadi Road, Sriram pura, Mysuru-570008, lndia
I
Design and Construction of
Silkworm Rearirg Houses

Satish Verma
V Sivaprasad

Central Sericultural Research & Training lnstitute (CSRTI)

ISO 9001: 2015 Certified
Central Silk Board, Ministry of Textiles : Govt. of lndia
Manandavadi Road, Srirampura, Mysuru-570008, India
Design and Construction of
Silkworm Rearing Houses

First Edition: March 2018

Copies:500

Language: English

@ A11 rights reserved

Authors
Satish Verma
V Sivaprasad

CAD Diagrams
C. Nagaraj

BookDesign Concept
J Justin Kumar

Printing Support
JB Narendrakumar

Publishedby
Dr. V. Sivaprasad, Director
Central Sericultural Research & Training Institute (CSRTD
Central Silk Board (CSB), Ministry of Textiles: Govt' of India
Manandavadi Road, Srirampura, Mysuru-S70 008, Karnataka

i
 PREFACE

f\ ilkworm-rearing house is the place where silkworms are raised to produce cocoons. The quality and yield of cocoons depend on the
\.fenvironmental conditions provided to grow the silkworms. Exclusive and independent silkworm rearing houses have brought
r tremendous improvement in the quality and the productivity of silk cocoons during last two decades. The silkworm rearing house models
designed and developed by CSRTI-Mysuru are very popular and adopted by farmers. The models designed and developed by CSRTI,
Mysuru during nineties were based on the climatic conditions prevalent in southern Karnataka. This region is bestowed with moderate
indoor temperature and relative humidity for most of the times during the day, which is around 24-28"C and 60-70%,respectively. These
are conditions almost ideal for silkworm rearing.

Today, sericulture in southern India has spread to many new areas in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Tamil Nadu, which
have climatic conditions different from that oftraditional areas, where sericulture is practiced. The new areas are located in central and
northern parts ofKarnataka, central and western parts ofAndhra Pradesh, central and southern parts ofTamilnadu, etc. These areas have
high temperature and very low relative humidity during most parts of the year. The atmospheric air in these areas contains more heat
energy comparedto traditional areas ofsericulture in Karnataka,Andhra Pradesh and Tamilnadu. In past 10 years, the sericulture has also
spread rapidly in the coastal areas ofAndhra Pradesh, which has very hot and humid climatic conditions.
The basic difference between traditional and non-traditional areas of sericulture is that in traditional areas the farmers should
conserve heat and evacuate humidity from rearing house whereas in non-traditional areas arrangements should be made to evacuate heat
from rearing houses and simultaneously add moisture to raise relative humidity. Therefore, the rearing house designs for non-traditional
areas ofsericulture require facilities for creating and maintaining appropriate rearing conditions suitable to produce good quality silk
cocoons.

This guide will help the sericulturists in design and construction ofan appropriate silkworm rearing house for production ofquality
silk cocoons under different climatic conditions oftraditional and nontraditional areas ofsericulture.

Satish Verma
V Sivaprasad
 ChaPter

1 -2
of Silkworm
1 Environmental and Rearing Requirements
3-5
Chawki Rearing Centre]
2 Young-Age Silkworm Rearing House [CRC-
6-22
3 Late-Age Silkworm Rearing House
23-28
rearinghouse
4 Planning and construction ofa silkworm
29-30
silkworm rearinghouse
5 Costreduction in construction ofa
31-40
houses
6 Construction of silkworm rearing
 I

L. Environmental
for S
I

ulberry silkworm, Bombyx mori L. is fully domesticated and Optimal temperature and relative humidity to be
M reared in silkworm rearing house to produce cocoons. The
maintained for different stages of silkworms

cocoon quality and yield are adversely affected, if the recommended Instar Temperature Relative Humidity
optimal environmental conditions i.e. temperature, relative ('c) (o/o)

humidity, ventilation, illumination, light, hygiene etc. are not I 27-28 B5-90
provided to the silkworms. The rearing house should be designed II 27-28 85-90
rationally in order to maintain the micro-climate for rapid and III 26-27 75-80
healthy growth of silkworms. It should, therefore possess facilities IV 25-26 70-75
for creation and maintenance of optimal environmental conditions
V 25-26 70-75
inside the silkworm rearing house. The rearing house should also
Now-a-days, mulberry sericulture is spreading rapidly into
facilitate healthy environment for the personnel attending the
several new districts such as Central and North Karnataka; Southern,
silkworm rearing.
Central and Coastal regions of Andhra Pradesh, all districts of
Optimal Environmental Conditions for Silkworms
Telangana and Tamil Nadu including parts of Maharashtra and
The environmental conditions r.e., a temperature of around
Madhya Pradesh which have climatic conditions very much different
25qC and 70% relative humidity are considered ideal for late-age
from the traditional areas of sericulture. Most of the non-traditional
silkworm rearing, but most of times these conditions need to be
areas of mulberry sericulture fall under hot and dry zones with
arranged to create and maintain optimal environmental conditions
temperatures going up to 40eC and above and lower relative
in a rearing house for facilitating proper growth of silkworms. humidity as low as 15-20%. Similarly, in the coastal areas of Andhra
r,r,si:;t,.4rI;r.r: 1
llesign md Ccrsiructron oi Silkwolm Realrlg l{ouses

I I
 most part Combinations of temperature and relative humidity
Pradesh, temperature and humidity are very high during
Management to be maintained for Providing
of the year. CSRTI-Mysuru developed an Environment
comfortable environment to silkworms
System based on the overall heat ofthe air [called Enth alpy) forlate-
[optimal Enthalpy
: a3kI/keof moistairJ
age silkworms. The overall enthalpy of air at 25qC
temperature and
63 kJ/kg of air' Based on enthalpylevel of 63
75% relative humidity is Relative HumiditY EnthalpY of Air
kl/kg of ai4, various combinations of temperature and relative to be maintained (k)/kg ofair)
(o/o)
humidity for comfortable environment inside the sillaivorm rearing
a
sensible heat 100 57.47
house have been worked out' In fact, balance between 20

of air and latent heat of water vapour is made for

providing 2l 100 60.88

comfortable environment for silkworms by maintaining the 95 62.3L

22
degree ofraise 6L.32
enthalpy atthe level of 63 kf/kg ofmoist air' For each 23 85
be decreased by 62.34
in temperature >25qC, the relative humidity should 24 80
<25eC' the relative 63.19
5%. Similarly, for each decrease in temperature 25 75
be increased by 5% to maintain enthalpy at 63 k|/kg 70 63.85
humidity should 26
of moistair. 65 64.30
27
the
When the temperature and relative humidity inside 28 60 64.53
kJ/kg of moist
rearing house are below optimal enthalpy level [63 29 55 64.50
relative humidity should be artificially raised
air), temperature and 30 50 64.19
electric heaters and humidifiers' When
through charcoal burners or 31 45 63.59
and relative humidity are above the
the rearing room temperature 32 40 63.66
optimal enthalpy, arrangements for cooling through natural
63.85
33 35
air
ventilation or forced cooling through wet curtains on windows' 30 64.06
the 34
covering
coolers or air-conditioners should be made; besides 25 62.23
35
roof top with mats made of coconut fronds, grass etc'
Light or illumination
Light intensity influences the distribution of larvae
in the
bed. Young silkworms prefer dark or dim light [15-
rearing [chawkiJ
Sillnvorms getcrowdedinthe rearingbedunderthe
darkas
30 lux].
2 ---- gps-gn dd ColsrlL' .ion ol S llvorm B'a'rq Houses
compared to lighted areas.
\(,,ttjl;,r1iotr
2.
A silkworm rearing house should be well ventilated' Poor
ventilation leads build-up of humidity and accumulation of gases like
carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, ammonia etc, which adversely
affect the growth of silkworms and make them susceptible to
diseases.
.r .....!i: :,,.rltil--.,..,rir t, ;.., .,:

The rearing bed area required for the silkworms during

tTtt. Young age silkworm rearing houses are called as Chawki
different stages of growth is given below for 100 dfls [2 boxes;
I Rearing Centres [CRCs)' Proper temperature, relative humidity
approximately 50,000larvae). Bivoltine hybrids require much larger
and hygienic conditions should be provided to young age silkworms
space than crossbreeds
for good and healthy growth. The micro-climate to be provided to
young age silkworms is different from late age silkworm rearing'

Bed Area Required CSRTI-Mysuru designed and developed a model CRC, which is
Instar/Stage followed widely throughout the county.
Multivoltine Bivoltine
First 2/20 2/20 A CRC for brushing 5000-6000 dfls per batch consists of a

Second 6/60 7 /70 rearing hall of 30'x30', leaf storage room [10'x20') with an ante-

Third 77/Lto Lsltso room (10'x10')' Adequate ventilation to the rearing hall is

Fourth 30/300 40/400 recommended. A continuous water channel inside the rearing hall
Fifth 75/7so 100/1000 along the walls helps in keeping the ants away from silkworms and
also maintaining the humidity. Windows should be fitted with wire
mesh. The ceiling should be kept at 9-10' from the floor' In case of
CRCs with higher roof height, a false ceiling at B'-9'from the floor

helps in reducingthe volume of air in the rearinghall so thatrequired

temperature and humidity can be maintained conveniently'

DDsiCo ard Corsilu.rlion ol Stlhqotm ReatingJ Houses

,--
 -.{*q+ N

[- ImBE -*-- 5' X ?'

sl " Il[tBR ---- 3' X f
\d* wlNDuv -- 3', X 4',

t.:
t.,
[:.: :

T-*,ry

TT.ry
1
Capacity; 5000 dfls Per batch !
$

Farm size: 1 acre

Climate: Moderate

:ti
 1'

View of a CRC

Desrgn an.l Construction of Silkworm Reanng House5

r
 trt: x 90,
*lei x e0'
le'Xrg
7rl.x#
*-
HrlEHT tlF IISE VALL 1A'.0'
HEIGHI (TF CENTRE I5'-O'

! -* $x7 -.
:.::. i
!! -- 5i17r;-
0t -- 3x?'--
-- 3X?'--
[::

Capacity: 125 dfls

Farm size: 1 acre
Climate: Moderate
srs,ffiB@ffi1*3srwrMffiM$*

7
Rearlrg Houses
:ltirl
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1:i{r
 A-ETARfffi HALL ,0'
E-sHullT tTmAEE e0'
c-strE Sutlr{ a'
V}I* I'AFANB*H x6'

€I6Hr {n SM IJALL ** l?-8"

HTIGHT EF CSI{TRE 16'*0'

0 _; 5rr(r *-
Ilt *- 5.i$'=.
*-
Ie -- 3'x7'
[3 *- 3'X7t :-'
tc -- irx3,--
v .- E Xl,3'-

!
h
I

I
$EGlIgt{ - lA
Capacity: 500 dfls
Farm size: 4 acres
Climate: Moderate
 t EAAI(i {ALL -- g4g x af
i--sffi s1eAe ffiff - t4'x lo
a-ArrE nofi -- l? x E E
U{-V,PA}IDAH -869xA
ItlgHI DF iflE r4ALr -- la'{'
}tlerrf CElr?it - lS'-8
$ -- y*r --

pe.g*4

rooo En'r sep*cllY ot%f$jffffi -* murbsr? frrm mod.rl

i$ifli{:

I
Capacity: 1000 dfls
Farm size: B acres

Climate: Moderate

i.,l.r,l:,, :r, 1", .,,',:;,.1..r1.l.irs,

' I i..,.-:. ",i;1i... ::.i:i.lr l::.r . li:i,,:..: ri' :'
..: t:'..;. ";.:i 11,.1- :'; 1:;.: r: rll r, .i- r .,.' ' :-
-.
-: li .:
 :A-REARII{6 ttALL -: : .ta'
.50' x
e0'
BiSilIlT STTRGE nffnl x e0,
G.AilTE RMH IE', xg
lx-vmAil$At{ -- 7a. ll 3':

t]r SISE \fALL **

frEl&!r?
}{!s{T Ir cI}llBf *-
lI -- 3'X7'-- !10[UfX 9A#(LLED SffiJTTERS ],fITH
.

rLY PRMT VIRE }4gSH SHUTTERS

EI *- 5'x7'-- rLY FSU{F \flRC FIESI{ SHUTTf,S*
$a .. 3'X?, -. TLY FRIMF L/IRE I4ESH SruIIEfiS
s$ -- 3',X?' -- U[Efie* PAT.TCLLEA SF{r.tTIfRS
lit -- gX6' -- VIRS HESH FIXED VIN&IV
*- 6'x€'- r.{Ht }{f,SH FIXES VENTIL*TBQ

Capacity: 125 dfls

Farm size: 1 acre
Climate: Hot & Dry

Desialr ar C!ls:ruartror af Siika{orn Realng Houses _11

 60'x 30'
pIrH *te. x:mf:
-r la'x E
;* 74'X 6'

I}
... 5'X?' ** \CENNEH PANTLLEE 3HU?TSRS VITI*
r__; -
t_-
i"i#**#-- rLY PilxItr VIRE T.:ESI{ S}{J}YENS
&l *- $-x?' -* ruY FAUSF UlnE $ESH Stfi.lTTtR5
*- **
#*-#*s Be 3x?', rLY PRmr vlp6 llE$l{ s}at}T?EFs
*E*RIiIG H*LL A D3 ** 3A7' .* UUEMH FANTLLTT S}{IJTTTRS
v -* *'xdr -- YIH€ HES$ flXf,Il vINnnL,
\r -- 4'xt,5'- v:rE HESH rIXE& VENIlLeTffi

:rl

250 dfls
Farm size: 2 acres
Climate: Hot & Dry
|wqeiserri@&xw.Ntul3]sirrrasi{efii

ConstrucLlon oi Houses
 A'REARm6 HALL ;* 60',X PO
. E.SHMT STTAAGE RS,I- .ta' X EO'
G-ANTE RMil .:'-;. IP' X S
ukvt*Al{leil -- 13+ X.6'

}€I6HT {rf SIDE Vf,LL ': le'*B'

lgltrlT tF CEt't?RE *- 15'-tl'
E :- 5'!(7' -- lf[XBSEf{ P*ilEt-LED S}lt ?TEFS VITf{
tr.LY P*EflT VIRE }{E'H SIITJ?TE&S
Dt -- 5'x7. -* FLY F*IIItf UIRE lrEst{ SI{UTTEP$
[e -- 3'x7' -- F:Ly PEOff utRE $iES]r SilWTTF$
m -- 5'x7" **** \,/XnSEH FAHE|-LE8 SHUITERS
\f -- 6'x4' IIHE r{e*H rlXfn $t6l!EV
V -- tl-X1.5'- slm HESH TIxgS VENTILAT{IP

3ED

fcet

.a
,l
SE(TIOH.-sA

Climate: Hot & Dry

Design
t3
 ** - H'1ff
i:!f$fi\,ffi* -- lr x E
c-aris RBr
Vfi-v*RalIlAH -- a68 X 6i
t€r6lfi f SIE YALL -- l3'Xr
l€l6Ht tr Cf,$TRE '- r5'-0|

I
3BeffEH.Ii

Capacity: 1-000 dfls

Farm size: B acres
Climate; Hot & DrY

14 .-Design md Constluctior cl Sillff{olfi Realing Houses

 A-REARING HALL 68 X EO'
ElSll0ET STIItAGf, RXlIlll *lA. X Ftr
C-ANTE ffr$r: ii'i e
VN{*V*Btttl0f,H -- i4, X 6- :

HEIGHT 0r StoE vltl -;. la,-0"

ilEIGI{? or cEit?RI . **: 16.*6'
D -- 5,x7, ;*
n, --
Ile--
s3 --

SIEEL TRU$S

t:

ssgrxsfl -AA
Capacity: 125 dfls *
$
Farm size: 1 acre
Climate: Hot & Humid $

Deslgn ol Silkworn
 r: .tl

A.RIARII{G HALL ': 60'

B-SHMT SIT]EAGE r&r.{ -te,
c-trill{ nB0n l
re'
lrll:VARAI{DAH -_ ?at

l'.

I 8l -i
;*

r
B3
ftEAn${E }t*LL n :
as --

Capacity: 250 dfls

$
Farm size: 2 acres
Climate: Hot & Humid j
$

Feanng Houses
il:
:il
 .l

l*At"L
*-REARING &, Xl
SllrnAGE ROS{ -lE' *
B*alUBI
Hmr : --
C-sJtE t8f x
YH-V*AilllAl{ :-- ISit*
l€lsHTr ttr $m[ vfi.L -* Ier-s,
EIGHT I]r CE}TTRE 16'-0'

!l ;*
De -*
I!3 --
v-- 't;
1:i

r.1

&!
fBat

Capacity: 500 dfls *

Farm size: 4 acres $
6
d
Climate: Hot & Humid *

Design an.1 L,olsiruct:on oi SlkaJornt Hearing

 ftSSIt&E--'Pxt
E-E{tE'xmtt
-#J#
* 8.6 16-
,*ttg.illtfl{
HErO{f tr sIlf \JiLL '-*- l8'-0'
I{IEFI If CE UP€ l5i-E'

&;?*r--

Capacity: L000 dfls

Farm size: B acres
Climate: Hot & Humid

Silkworn Rearing Houses

 A-REAEI'6 HALL 60' x
&-srE0T STEFAC€ RgtH -r' X
C;AilTE RT]{$I IE' x
Y}|-VARAN0AH '- ?{:
stsE Y*t-L -*
CEi.ITRE t. :Jii

I' ** 51(7' -- t {lEnEN pef{ELLtB slfllTER! uIlH

FLY FRSOF ICIRS }ICSH S}IUTTE*S
!r -- sx7' -- rLY P*lffi tdIE[ l.ltsH s]erEgBl
ne -* s't{?' -- rLY PFUtr vtRf ltc$H sHirrrERs
f os -- 3'xz' -- v{x!!E}l FAilELLEtr ${UITERS
v -* 4':(3'-- L,IRE lu$ll rIXE0 vEilllL$TER
v -- rxls'- vtrRc }€sH rlxEs
\rlHll&,

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&

BE!
Feet

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I
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SECfIOil'llA

Capacity: 125 dfls 6

$
Farm size: 1 acre . :[i

Climate: Cold & Humid $

g
;-"!

ConstrLciica
i
It
 H{LL
.A.REAEINC
's--sFs!or 60' t,
SIERAGE RIltFl 'ta'
C-ANIE RtE,{ le
vH-lrAftANtrAH , t- z*'
HE$Hf ff :uALL -* tg-0'
$tffi
I.EIGHT IIFCENTNT 16'-0'
I! -* 5'X7' --
Dl --, 5'X?f --
De -- 3r?' --
B3 -- 3'x7 --
REARI!'16:IHLL A 4'X3'--
v-- e'xI.5"-
t_____---

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I
I

$ESfIOll - AA
Capacity: 250 dfls
B

Farm size: 2 acres

Cold & Humid
 A-REARIHG itAI;L lao'x e0' :

B.SHTIDI STtnAff -l8x*ff

te'* 8' E
:

e-s{lg BtlUU '

VTI* VARA}IDAH 13{. X 6',

Hfl6}l? {!r $l$e :VALL ** 1t'*0'

HEIGI{T NTTTHTR !6*-tr

B *- 5'x?' --
Dr *- B'x?' --
ns -- 3',X?',-*
ffi-- 3,X?. --
v *- {,x9--
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: :ll :

SgCrrgn -a*
Capacity: 500 dfls
Farm size: 4 acres
Climate: Cold & Humid
 ! -- $'!t?'*-
$1-^',5'Xr' - "
ir -- 3'r?' ""
!3 -- 3'r?"--
d"E3!-
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sEcYISlt - jt \
ELf,Vt?loit

Capacity: 1000 dfls

Farm size: B acres
Climate: Cold & Humid

ZZ md Constluction of SilkNorm Rearing Houses


rearing house shall provide comfortable and healthy
A
Aenvironment to the silkworms for optimal growth. It should
also meet the required rearing spaces such as rearing bed, working
and storage space etc. along with facilities to maintain hygiene. The
following guidelines shall be followed while planning and
construction of a silkworm rearing house.
7. The rearing house site should be'selected according to the
environmental conditions. In areas where rainfall is abundant,
a dry sunny, well-ventilated and well-drained highland should
be selected. In areas where rainfall is scare, a leeward, warm,
sunny and rather moist area should be selected as the wind is
strong and climate is dry, the temperature fluctuates severely.
The climatic conditions of the Indian peninsula are
characterized by high temperature, low to moderate relative
humidity and long day zones. Therefore, the rearing house
should be built on comparatively high land, with low level of
underground water and good ventilation. The location of
rearing house at an elevated place will also provide cross-
ventilation, good drainage system for washing and disinfection
works and during rainy season the water will not stagnate
4.
late-age
around the building.
2. The rearing house site should have all-season approach roaci
for farm and transport vehicles for transportation of
construction materials initially and mulberry shoots, rearing
materials, workers, cocoons etc. once farmer starts rearing
activities.
3. The orientation of a rearing house is very important as it has
direct impact on heating, lighting and cooling costs. B\-
maximizing the southern exposure, for example, one can take
optimal advantage of sun for daylight and passive solar
heating. Minimizing western exposures will result in lon'er
cooling costs, as it is very difficultto provide shade from the
sun.
a known factthatthe magnetic north is different from solar
It is
north as depicted in picture below We generally use magnetic north
to decide the orientation ofthe buildings. Actually, one should use
the sun direction for orientation of the building, particularly in
climatically hot regions to avoid direct entry of sun rays inside the
building.
It is better to allow the diffused and indirect sunlight within
Design aild Oonstructlon ol Silkworm Rearing gor.", ::
-
 '. Slmmar
the rearing house and to direct sunlight only in the early morning, rA.irta
when the intensity of UV rays is lesser. Ideal direction for location of a

In fact, sun is lower in the sky in winter than in summer silkworm rearing house
and solar path over in different
allowing one to plan and construct a rearing house building that seasons
capture free heat during winter and rejectthe heat in summer'
Sumi*
9mrle

The peninsular India is located in the northern hemisphere'

ldeal line for orientation ofa
w 27r s'E For most part of the yea4, the wind comes from south or southwest
silkworm rearing house
Magnetic directions wind direction. Therefore, the longer side of a rearing house should
preferablybe oriented at 23.5o with respectto Eastas shown in flgure
tug above. But, the rearing house should be located in magnetic East-
West Iine as shown in flgure above due to continuous change(s) on
It is better to allow the diffused and indirect sunlight within
sun path. The windows and ventilators should face north and south'
the rearing house and to direct sunlight only in the early morning, ofsunlightinto the rearinghall'
This would avoid direct entry
when the intensity of UV rays is lesser.
4. Minimum wall to wall width of the rearing hall should be 6
In fact, sun is lower in the sky in winter than in summer required to accommodate two rows of
meters [20 feet). This is
allowing one to plan and construct a rearing house building that
rearingstands eachwith a 1'5 mwidth, Thewalk-waybetween
capture free heat during winter and rejectthe heatin summer'
the two racks shall be 1.5 m wide for movement of personnel
Orientation Solar gain received and transportation of mulberry shoots. The gap between the
100%
True South racks andwallwillbe 0.75m on each side'
22.5" away fromsouth, either South-South- 92Vo
5. The rearing racks shall be provided only in two rows for good
East or South-South-West
45' away from South, either South-East or ventilation.
92o/o
South-West 6. The silkworms should be provided with adequate bed area for
57.5oaway from south, either East-South-East optimal growth. For 50,000 silkworms [100 dfls), the bed area
36Vo
or West-South-West
should be atleast 100 m' [1000 sq.ft) in hotand dry areas and a
A building receives minimum solar radiations when it is located in
East-South-East or West-South-West direction
minimum of 120 m' [1200 sq.ft) in hot and humid regions'

24 md Const(icilon of Silkworn Rearing Houses

 The rearing house should have
a rearing hall and a room for storage of

mulberry shoots and rearing materials. Thus, the overall length of

6m _-_--'} rearing house is equal to the length of rearing hall plus the length of
<l'
1.5 m
'. 1.5m shoot storage cum store room. It varies from region to region based
Rearing rack Rearing rack on quantum of dfls to be reared and prevailing environmental
E E
conditions.
\o 1.5 m
N

<---_} of House
Region 5-tier rearing racks 5-tier rearing racks

Hot & Dry = 0.20 x no. of dfls + = 0.17 x no. of dfls +

shoot storage room shoot storage room
Shoot
Hot & Humid =0.24xno. of dfls + = 0.204 x no. ofdfls +
and Rearing
Rearing Hall
l\raterial
shoot storage room shoot storage room
Store Length ofshoot storage room shall be 15 feet upto 300 dfls; 25 feet
for 300-500 dfls; 40 feet for 500-800 dfls; 50 feet for above 800 dfls

Overall Length of Rearing House (feetJ

i
No. ofdfls
to be reared/ Hot & Dry Regions Hot & Humid Regions
i

l
batch 6-tier 5-tier 6-tier
5-tier racks
i racks racks racks
l
I
100 35 30 40 35
I
i
200 55 50 65 55
l
300 75 65 90 75
i
I 400 105 90 720 105
i

l
500 125 110 150 725
l
,l 600 L60 740 185 t60
I
700 180 160 270 770
l

I.
800 270 190 240 190
t.
1000 250 220 290 250

Deslgo an.i Consiluclion of Silm*orm Rear:rg l-lousss 25

-
7 Positioning ofventilators in hot and humid regions and hot and
B. A 10-15 cm deep-channel all-around inside the rearing hall
should be provided to prevent entry of ants into the rearing area
dry regions is very important for adequate ventilation'
and also to drain out water at the time of washing and
evacuation of heat and humidity from the rearing hall' The best
disinfection of rearing house. During summet water in the
Iocation for ventilators is at ground level and another at ceiling
channel helps to increase humidity and cools the air entering
level as depicted inthe sketch below:
through the lower-ventilators'
vm&tr

vcriltrtr
Hish Low
Preffe Pressm
Windo
windw
-qed d* edi8

g. Roofofthe rearing house should either ofasbestos or galvalume'

This kind of roofing would avoid the entry of uzi fly into the
uzi
rearing house. Avoid tiled or thatched roofing as they allow
to enter into the rearing house' This kind of roofing although

very effective for hot and dry regions, it is very difficult to

maintain optimal environmental conditions bythe farmers'

.I

26 and Consfiucli.1 ol Sllkvtolm Readn!, Houses

T
 The asbestos and galvalume sheet roofing also allows 11. An ante-room shouldbe provided atthe entrance ofrearinghall
installation ofturbo- ventilators, which are very efficient to evacuate for hand and feet washing by the rearing personnel to avoid
heat and moisture from the buildings. Turbo-ventilators will be very secondary contamination to the silkworms.
effective in evacuating heat and moisture from rearing houses 72. All the doors and windows
particularly in coastal areas having hot and humid climatic should be fitted with
conditions during the most parts ofthe year. corrosion-resistant and fly-
Heat & proofmesh to prevent entry
Itt olstu re

* !S
4
>. k J}
t
"{ I
13.
of uzi flies into the rearing
house.
RCC structures should be avoided for rearing houses as walled-
structures are good-enough.

+I Moisture 14. Water facility should be provided in a rearing house for

? cleaning/washing and disinfection purposes and also for
h umidifi cation of rearing room.
10 Minirhurn wall height of the rearing house for both hot and dry, 15. The rearing house should have electrical power supply, The
and hot and humid regions should be 16 feet at the centre and rearing house should have adequate lighting arrangements for
12 feeton sides. This would accommodate rearing racks with 5 working during night.
and 6 tiers easily and facilitate good ventilation during 1 6. Electrical points should be provided for using equipments such
summer and rainy months.
as heaters, humidifiers, coolers, power spraye4 deflossers etc.
Solar power generation would ensure facilitation of power for
the equipments.
17. Fancy-works in the rearing house should be avoided to
minimize the cost. Detailed cost-saving measures to be followed
12 feet 16 feet
while planning and construction are providedin Chapter 5.
18. Growingtrees and othertall plants or makingvegetation around
the rearing house plants would help to cool the environmen! a
simple and effective way to reduce heat in and around the

Design and Conslruclion ol Silkwoim Reaing Houses

I -
 5. Cost

'T'fr. major expenditure in mulberry sericulture goes for the

Construct the rearing house in B- J l/lr
s\\)qs
I .r""tion of infrastructure mainly construction of a silkworm
rearing house. Hence, cost cutting measures described below could
the middle of the terraced
Iand and not on the outer edge --,gt'
-r*"
be adopted while planning
construction ofa new rearing house.
of the temace for better
stability of building and 3$,.- *ri,ft
reduce the cost.
Laurence Wilfred "Laurie"
Baker was hired by Central Silk Board Elaborate foundation is not
in early 1990s to develop guidelines required for a silkworm
for economic construction of rearing house. A simple
silkworm rearing houses and grainage foundation is suffl cient.

buildings. Hesuggestedthefollowingmeasuresforreducingthecost 4. Good bonding (dove tailing) of

of construction of sericulture
infrastructural buildings including
silkworm rearing houses.
stones is better than
facade looks.

The super structure walls are

fancy

reryffi
1. Go for simple buildings such as better on the outer
brick wall with asbestos or foundation-basement walls. t'lt

galvalume sheet roofing, in place of

brickwalls with RCC roofing.
The impact of rain water is
less on the wall. "WrW
 6. If local stones are small X 11. Split stones are much cheaper
S===
rounded or irregular, wall will
crack. So use block moulds
,rrc
than reinforced concrete for
extras in the buildings.
#E
and pack stones with a weak 72. +{-}=++
concrete to form a useful
Brickjaali-walls are less costly
than plain solid walls and very
rof+=
r,'-{qf*,
7
strong block for building.
By using Rat-Trap bond, %th
of construction material is
only required and costs for
much cheaper than a window.
They facilitate excellent
ventilation in hot and humid
regions,
ffi ffi
wall can be saved. The Rat-
Trap walls have better 13. Use broken and unused brick
for flooring.
insulation because of air
trapped in the wall. 74. Paint the building with slaked

Wffi
lime from outside and inside.
B, Avoid reinforced concrete
It will keep building cool and
lintels as they are expensive
moistin summer. 'url
and unnecessary. Stone slabs :Nt.''
,'rr!i,
15. Provide ventilators at highest
can be used in place of
lintels.
RCC
point in the building for ffiI,

9 Avoid unnecessary
architectural add-ons. They SH'm,ffAr 16.
evacuation of indoor heat and
moisture.
in
add to the cost of the 6"rt,|L fi;l.
-E=i
Provide false ceiling
rearing hall to cut the heat
the
buildings. *g-G
radiations from roof.
77. Use cavity wall to reduce heat
@
,*m radiation from walls in
10. Frameless doors and g* *iliil
windows costless.
w .8ff summer and conserve indoor
heat in winter.

30- lestg5 aac Consru(.tton 01 Sllkurorrr Reanng Houses

 6. Construction of

rearing house comprises of foundation, superstructure, walls, The overall costofconstruction offoundation is around 10%
I
I lroofing, flooring, doors &windows, finishingworks etc. of the total cost of the building. It is preferred to utilize locally
Foundation for the silkwornr rearing l-rouse available and cheaper materials such as stones etc. The places, where

The foundations ofbuildings bear on and transmit loads to the stones are available in abundance or in rocky or hilly terrains, the

ground. The foundation is that part of walls, piers and columns, which stones shall be used for foundation. By this way, one can be able to

are in direct contactwith andtransmitloads to the ground. reduce the overall costs of construction. In areas where sand is
transported from long distance a part ofsand can be substituted with
stone powders and could be utilized for making mortar for the

Strip/standard foundation for load foundation. One can also use lime morta4, if the lime is available
bearing structures locally at lesser costs.
Walls for a silkworm rearing house
:r'
L-locL { b--8qs!.--,1 The costofconstruction ofwall is about 30% ofthe total costof
k --!P!s---J I :

construction. Therefore using local materials and skills for

A strip foundation is a continuous strip of concrete under construction of walls may provide overall cost economy in building :1I It

walls, as detailed above can be used for construction of silkworm construction. The mortar used for laying the wall also constitutes an II

rearing houses. Strip foundations are made up of brick integral part of any walling system. Different alternative mortar
masonry/stone masonry/concrete formed centrally under load systems can be tried. In areas where sand is transported from far
bearingwalls. flung places, a part ofsand can be replaced by stone or marble dust

31
Design an.l Conslluciion ol Silklvora Rearlng Hous-.s
 and
materials like bricks
the maior reason where
to be used in the rowlock' This is bond wall comes
no-cost for making mortars The rat trap
which is available at almost as an alternate cement can be consid"tubly "utd' inside
used instead of cement nt'O' in maintaining coolness
walls. Also lime can be the under Green technology "it'
like plastering' mortar'
for applications on conventional energy'
material. lt is found that as a thebuildingwith no expenditure
much and therefore
lime can be used
is not :''
strength requirement
'
. i,r: l"'
- on
part rePlacementto the
cement' method of masonry' one can save
wall' frame wall or r By adopting this also reduces
can be either solid and 30-50% mortar;
The rearing house walls approximately 20-35'o/obricks
called a masonry wall) 20-30 % and enhances
productivity
rat-trap-bond *"'l' o [sometimes
the costofa 9 inchwallby
';it;;all
of Urick' burnt clay or
stone blocks or required comparedto
can be construtted "ither bond' 470 bricks are
is constructed from a I For 1 m3 ofRat-trap are required
concrete blocks laid
in mortar' A frame wall btitx*ii*it'e a total of 550 bricks
or metal ioinedtogetherto conventional
of timber' concrete
frame of small sections a cavitv:i'=1T::::':::JJ"Hl::::
over both faces'ofwhich' or between r Rat-trap bond wall is
provide strength and rigidity' material to comfort' The interlor!
are fixed thin panels
of some advantage of thermal
the members of the fraie wall' They are andwarmer in winter
fulfill the functionalt"quirem""t' of the particular summer
aesthetically pleasing
Rat-trap bond when
kept exposed' create
r also may be
non-load bearing walls' plastering and painting
wall surface *U t"" "f
avoided
as well as thick
used for load bearing
. Rat-trap bond can be
Partitionwalls and hence the
20% less self-weight
r The walls have approximately
supporting structural members can
Solid brickwall
Rat-traP-bond brick
wall foundations and other of cost saving for
giui"g an aaaea aavantage
suitably be at'ign"O

Rat-TraP Bond wiili foundation

bond' in which be considerably
of wall brick masonry cement and steel can
A "Rat-Trap Bond" is rype
a I Materials such as bricks' help to reduce
brick this technology ltwill
in case of a also
ttre treignt of each course saved upon by adopting
bricks are Iaid on edge 1i'e' thickness) such and save the production
will be 110 mm plus mortar the embodied energy of virgin materials
slze230x 110 x 75 mm' face of masonry as
are visible on the into the atmosphere
of greenhouse gases
that the shiner and rowlock cavity bridged by
gives the wall with an
internal
depicted above' This
Rearing Houses
32 Desigtr md Consfiuctlon of Si]kv/orn
r In case for more structural safety, reinforcement bars can be Roofing
inserted through the cavity up to the foundation. A roof is an important part of a silkworm rearing house. The
I lr i';:t. ,t:;:: elements in the design of a roof are: material, construction and
Material saving per cubic meter of masonry: Rat-trap bond durability
vs. Conventional Brickwork. The material ofa roofmay range from banana leaves, wheat or
r 1.11 bags (57%saving) paddy straw galvanized iron or aluminum sheet and concrete. In

r B0 nos. ofbricks (20% savingJ
r 0.18 m3 less sand (61% saving)
Overall, an approximate saving of20%o can be achieved per
m3 of Rat-trap bond brickwork as compared to conventional solid
brick work on the material costs.
I l:,i:l \r'ir:i:-t,.iiti i.,l-
In hot and dry regions, the grass, bamboo leaves and shade
nets can also be used for making the walls of the silkworm rearing
house. These materials provide good ventilation and helps in
evacuating heat and moisture from the rearing house to make
comfortable environment for silkworms.
Silkworm rearing house walls
made ofshade net
Silkworm rearing house walls
made of bamboo leaves
many parts of India, roof tiles made of terracotta or slate are being
used as roofing material for centuries.
The construction ofa roofis determined by method ofsupport
and how the underneath space is bridged and whether or not the roof
is pitched. The pitch is the angle atwhich the roof rises from its lowest
to the highest point. Some types of roofing, for example thatch,
require a steep pitch in order to be waterproof and durable. In
regions where there is little rain, an almost flat roof with a slight run-
off provides adequate protection against an occasional downpour.
The durability ofa roofis a matter ofconcern, because the roof
is often the least accessible part of a building for purposes of repair
and renewal. The damage to roofhas serious effects on the life ofthe
building.
Form ofroof
The shape of roof differs greatly from region to region. The
major factors which influence the shape of roof are the climate and
materials available for roof structure andthe outer covering.
The basic shapes of roofs are fla! mono pitched, gabled,
hipped, butterfly, arched and domed. There are several variations to
these types. Roofs constructed of flat sections that are sloped are

33
Deslgn an.i Corsuucl:on ol Sillfl{orm Rearing Houses
 Roofing materials
referred to as pitched roofs [generally if the angle exceeds 10

degrees). Pitched roofs, including gabled, hipped and

scallion roofs' The common roofing materials which can be used for
silkworm rearing houses include thatch, GI sheets and
houses' Asbestos
roofs forhuman and animal
make-up the greatestnumber of
sheets.

Thatching
r;t The craft ofbuilding a roofwith dry vegetation such
as paddy' wheat
to shed water away
straws, palm Ieaves, sugarcane trash etc' in layers
method and
from the roof is called thatching' It is a very old roofing
in both tropical and temperate climates in
has been used extensively
rural India. Thatch roof is still used for building low-costhouses'
Gable end roof Lean to wall roof

its
There are two parts a roof, its supporting structure and
roof structure is
outer skin, or uppermost weather-proof layer' The
of a roof
generally supported upon walls' The supporting structure
strong' fairly
usually comprises of beams that are long and made of
iron or steel' Materials like
rigid material such as timbel and cast
for making roof
bamboo and timber are also used extensively in India
structures in rural areas.

Advantages
1 A properly, professionally installed thatched roof which is

maintained on a regular basis and sited away from any

expect
I
overhanging trees will offer great durability' One can
L

i thatch to last anywhere between 15 to 20 years in good

I
condition.
Thatched roof suits well to hot and dry regions as it will
not
2.
Wood trusses lrontrusses allow solar radiations to pass through it'

34 md Consltruction of Silkwolm Reanng Houses

---Oeslgtr
 l l i r ii il r; a i r l.,r g c s 1 1' g;,ri..i.i rr iz e ci i 1'r: l r :r i r r i: t ti-, i, t'i n ;;

Of course, any roofing option has disadvantages to considet

butthe advantages ofmetal roofing outweigh farthan disadvantages.
1. Cost: The initial expense ofa metal roofis generally higher than
other roofing options.
2. Noise; Metal roofs can be noisier than other alternatives.
x,riri.'s1 l. !1te'L'1. i.lli;ii;tH
The name, fibro, is short for "fibrous [or fibre) cement sheet",
more commonly called "asbestos cement sheet" or'AC sheet"' It is a
building material in which asbestos fibres are used to reinforce thin
rigid cementsheets.
Arli,'aii1:igi's
Disadvantages
7. On the other hand, when asbestos is mixed with cement, it
Like any other products, asbestos can be health hazardous, if
improves the lifespan of that product. In terms of building roof
proper precautions are not undertaken. If there is careless
shingles, they could last for about 50-60 years. As compared to
construction method concerning asbestos, the asbestos fibres can be
plastic and wood, asbestos is undoubtedly first in terms of
lodged into the air. Though it might seem that there's nothing special
durability.
about i! asbestos fibres pose a great risk to workers health' Those
2. The natural fire-resistant property of asbestos makes it ideal
who are directly exposed to asbestos like construction workers and
for roofing- flooring, and thermal insulation. Since a home
carpenters can be afflicted withlung cancer and mesothelioma whiCh
needs to be fire-resistant, many prefer asbestos. The asbestos
is a rare cancerthat affectstJre linings of thelungs orabdomen.
material doesn't burn, so placing asbestos near electrical
Flooring
components are advised.
The silkworm rearing houses should be provided with hard
3. Asbestos is also inexpensive, Since it is naturally occurring, you
flooring to maintain hygienic conditions during silkworm rearing
can get asbestos in a cheap price. Asbestos is a very good
and sustain the weight of rearing stands and equipments. As the
additive with cement which adds strength to the material'
silkworm rearing house requires frequent cleaning and disinfection,
Compared to other cement additives, asbestos is cheaper yet
the flooring should be of cement concrete. The floor should be given
with the same durabilitY'
36- peslgn arC Construclior ci Silkworm ReaIitrg Houses
 '.'. :- -S: :l
- ---
":=;
::,.1--n.- :-- "l:;f.: -:-= il-,Si:=. -r: ::-. :=,:l:.
,jrain-o :t ine',.;ater used for c,eanLng,,'r','ashing and chenlicais
irom disrnfection ofrearing house, This channel can be filled \\'lth
lvater during the rearing to avoid entry of ants and cool and
humidify the air entering through ventilators.
Cement Concrete
flooring for a

silkworm rearing
house A water channel all
around the silkworm
rearing hall

FinishingWorks
The fancy-works are not at all required for a silkworm rearing
house as these add on to the costs of construction and do not serve
2. Awater soak pit at an appropriate place near the rearing house
any purpose. Some of the important finishing works for a sillnarorm
and connected with the outlet ofwater channel in the rearing hall
rearing house include smooth cement plastering on inside and to collect and dispose offthe water used for cleaning/washing
outside walls for easy cleaning and avoid places for persistence of
and chemicals from disinfection of rearing house.
pathogens in the rearing environs.

A water soak pit near

the rearing house for
collection and
disposal ofwater
used for
cleaning/washing/di
sinfection from the
silkworm rearing
house

37
llDsrgr anrl Llotr.^truction ai Silkworil Reanng Hous-.s

I -
3. The pathways to rearing houses for workers and transportation
of the mulberry shoots and bed refuse should be concreted to
avoid entry of pathogens through rearing personnel and
transport vehicles. White-washed
silkworm
Cement concrete floor
rearing house
at the entrance of the
main door helps in
allowing tractor-
ffailer for collection of
the rearing waste and
Doors, Windows and Ventilators
also to keep the
entrance pathogen- The silkworm rearing houses for hot and dry regions and also
and dust-free for hot and humid conditions shall be provided with adequate
ventilation to evacuate heat and moisture from the rearing hall.
4. The rearing house should be white-washed with slaked lime,
with maximum openings in
Hence, the rearing hall shall be provided
both inside and outside. The advantages of white-washing are
the form of windows and ventilators for effective cross-ventilation.
manysuch as
This can be achieved through bigger-sized windows and ventilators
r Waterproofing,duringcuring
in more numbers. The jaali-walls could be the simplest way to have
r Easyand in-expensive
large open areas for facilitating ventilation.
r Vaporpermeable,allows moisturetoescape
r Unaffected by temperature fluctuations during curing
r Completely UV resistant
r Stain-resistant
r Anti-fungalandbacterial
r
r
r
Highlycost-effective
Will not shrink or crack
Easyto apply
r
F*-
x'-r
ws
FFT
f1

r t q
I1

ll..s,grj atC Cans:rLarrc| !l Stlkwora Rearjng Holrses

 [a) Arrangement of windows and ventilators (bJ a typical jaali-
wall made of bricks for a silkworm rearing house for hot & dry and
hot and humid regions
As the silkworm rearing houses have to be cleaned and
disinfected frequently, the doors and windows shall be made out of
wood, need not have to be of expensive wood. One can use neem or
other local woods suitable for making frames of doors, windows and
ventilators.
The door ofrearing houses be atleast 150 cm (5 feetJor more
in width for entry of workers carrying mulberry shoots and facilitate
easy removal ofrearingwaste and shoots after completion ofrearing.
In large rearing houses, the door should be large enough to make
entry oftractor with trailer carrying mulberry shoots and take out
bed refuge and rearing waste. In case, if wide wooden door is not
feasible, a metal door or a rolling shutter would suffice the purpose.
The rearingwindows and ventilators must be fitted with metal
or plastic wire-mesh to prevent entry ofuzi fly and other predators of
silkworms. The entrance door should be a double door with one of
the doors as mesh door for ventilation and prevention ofpredators
into the silkworm rearinghouse.
:H
n
The entrance door of the silkworm rearing house should be
wide- enough for easymovement of rearing personnel with mulberry
shoots and bed waste etc.
' r'',t, ir:r l:,:.;ltl':-,]i,;ll,,r
The hot and dry areas are characterised by high day
temperatures with low relative humidity. The dry weather may be
deterrentto silkworms. Hence, arrangements should be made to cool
the fresh air enteringthe rearing house.
i '',il '
The simplest method could be providing sprinklers on roof-
top to make roof surface wet. The solar radiations falling on roof will
evaporate the water and hence cool the roofsurface, It is an effective,
efficient and maintenance- free method to keep the rearing hall cool.
The sprinklers should be operated during the hot hours of day,
Desjgn and Coilslruction oi Silkworm H"orrng Hou""" 39
,"r

uri c
t, t