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

Authors

  • A. A. Odunsi  Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, P.M.B. 4000, Ogbomoso, Nigeria
  • G. O. Farinu Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, P.M.B. 4000, Ogbomoso, Nigeria 
  • V. A. Togun  Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, P.M.B. 4000, Ogbomoso, Nigeria 

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51791/njap.v29i1.1443

Keywords:

Force moulting, diet, layers, egg production

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. 

Author Biographies

A. A. Odunsi,  Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, P.M.B. 4000, Ogbomoso, Nigeria

Department of Animal Production and Health

G. O. Farinu , Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, P.M.B. 4000, Ogbomoso, Nigeria 

Department of Animal Production and Health

V. A. Togun,  Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, P.M.B. 4000, Ogbomoso, Nigeria 

Department of Animal Production and Health

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Published

2021-01-01

How to Cite

Odunsi, A. A., Farinu , G. O., & Togun, V. A. . (2021). Diet manipulation and post-moulting responses in caged commercial laying hens . Nigerian Journal of Animal Production, 29(1), 11–15. https://doi.org/10.51791/njap.v29i1.1443

Issue

Vol. 29 No. 1 (2002)

Section

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