Abstract
For the production of hatching eggs, forcing molt in breeders has been a popular method used. But the effect of the forced molting on the performance of layers has not been clearly demonstrated. This paper deals with the performance of the layers following the molt which was induced in spring.
One hundred and fifty White Leghorn hens which had been laying eggs more than one year were divided into three groups. In Group 1, birds were deprived of both feed and water for 3 days and of feed for succeeding 2 days. In Group 2, birds were deprived of both feed and water for 3 days. In Group 3, no treatment was done. Experiments were started on April 1, 1966. Egg layings and egg weights were recorded for one year following the onset of the treatment. Feed conversion was also checked.
Within 72 hours after starvation, birds stopped laying, and from 9 to 20 days feathers fell down severely. However, half of the birds treated did not show full molting. Egg production reinitiated on about 30 days after treatment. No significant difference was observed in the days required for the reinitiation of egg laying. It seems that the shorter the nonlaying period the higher the rate of egg production in 3 months after treatment.
The percentage of the egg production in the period of 3-9 months after treatment was higher in Groups 1 and 2 than in Group 3. However, the total number of eggs produced did not differ significantly.
The egg weight and the feed conversion were not affected by the forced molting.
Forcing molt in spring may not be economically advantageous unless egg price is expected to be high during the period of 3-9 months after the molt.
