Abstract

GUTIERREZ-VAZQUEZ, Ernestina et al. Evaluation of hypocaloric and hyperfibrous diets on molting induced in laying hens. Abanico vet [online]. 2021, vol.11, e113.  Epub Oct 11, 2021. ISSN 2448-6132.  https://doi.org/10.21929/abavet2021.16.

The effect of low-energy and high-fiber diets on induced molting in laying hens was evaluated. Forty Rhode Island Red hens were divided into four feeding schemes (FS): I) alfalfa meal (AM), II) wheat bran (WB), III) AM/WB (1: 1); ad libitum and, IV) control diet (30 g·day-1). Feed intake (FI), laying cessation (LC), body weight loss (BWL), energy balance (EB), laying restart (LR), weight and egg production were evaluated. The information was analyzed using mixed models. FI·hen-1 was lower in FS I (P < 0.05). The LC was higher (P < 0.05) in FS II (7.3 days). The AM led to the ideal BWL (25-30%) faster (16.9 days) with respect to the other FS (P < 0.05): range between 22.9 to 32.4 days. The LR was faster in FS II (P < 0.05): 12.3 days. Egg weight and production were not affected by FS (P > 0.05). Inducing molt in laying hens using AM-based FS offers advantages over conventional methods, accelerates body weight loss, ovarian reactivation time is minimized, and productivity is not altered.

Keywords : molting; weight loss; energetic balance; ovarian reactivation; egg production.

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