Diet manipulation and post-moulting responses in caged commercial laying hens

Abstract

Two hundred and fifty caged commercial laying hens were induced to moult through a 15-day feed "and water withdrawal programme. Immediate and subsequent effects on egg production and follicular developments were monitored. Results showed that moulted hens attained over 60% egg production after 6 weeks of feeding with increasing egg weight, Post-moulting egg quality values were similar bul globulin were significantly increased (P<0.05). Changes in liver and oviduct weights were significant (P<0.05) while gizzard, heart, lung and kidney showed no significant (P>0.05) effects. Fasting produced alretic follicles even though follicular number was not appreciably influenced. Follicles were larger with a yellow-yolky appearance during laying than at the fasting period. Mortality of 2.4% was recorded throughout the experimental period. Moulting is a feasible strategy for maintaining egg production in aged, low-producing commercial layers.