Effects of Hen Age and Force Molting Programs on Some Egg Quality Traits in Laying Hens

Authors : Ali Aygun, Ramazan Yetişir

Pages : 58-62

View : 167 | Download : 384

Publication Date : 2015-09-15

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :The aim of this study was to determine the effects of hen age and force molting programs on egg quality during postmolt period. The experiment was conducted using 320 Hy-Line W36 hens insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(63 and 75 week of age); randomly assigned to experimental groups insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(five replicates of 8 hens for each treatment);. The experimental design of the study was a 2 × 4 factorial arrangement of a completely randomized design.  Eight treatments were compared in a 2 x 4 factorial arrangement with 2 age treatment insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(63 and 75 week of age); and 4 force molting treatments [feed withdrawal insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(FW);, 100% alfalfa insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(A);, 50% alfalfa and 50%oat insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(AO);, and 100% oat insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(O);]);. The respective diet and water were allowed ad libitum , and hens were placed on an artificial lighting program of 8L:16D during the 10 d molt period. At 11 d, all hens were fed a layer diet and the lighting program was changed to 16L:8D. Three eggs from each replicate were analyzed for egg quality traits on every 2 week from week 3 to 36 during the postmolt period. The hen age had no significant effect on egg quality traits in postmolt period. Molting methods had significantly insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(P<0.05); effect only on egg weight during postmolt period. The O group had significantly insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(P<0.05); higher egg weight than FW group. However, there were no significant differences among molting treatments for shape index, specific gravity, shell strength, albumen height and Haugh Unit during postmolt period. Our results indicated that hen age did not influence the egg quality during the postmolt period. In addition, as non feed withdrawal methods, especially O program can be used successfully for force molting.
Keywords : Laying hens, force molting, egg quality, alfalfa, oat