Morfological and productive transformation of molted hens

Abstract

Artificial molting of laying hens can be induced using different methods. The most practical method applied during the last twenty years is based on restriction of feed and water. This method, for the practice is very popular and usually gives successful results. The eggs produced during the second egg laying cycle usually have larger weight than during the first cycle, the quality of the shell is always much better than during the last faze of the first egg laying cycle, egg laying intensity reach 92-94% of the intensity during the first cycle and the feed conversion is about 10% higher. The aim of this investigation was to establish the morphological and productive transformation of molted hens from two genotypes, ISA Brown 88 weeks aged and Hisex Brown 91 weeks aged, in specific points in molting period. The body weight of the hens during the fasting period of 10 days decrease 24,30 and 26,37% in experimental groups 1 and 2. During the stressing period, significant decreasing was found on the weight of reproductive organs. During the period of recovery until to the start of laying changes of the live weight and the weight of the ovary and oviduct were observed (P<0,01). The genotype of the laying hens shows a large influence in the egg production during the second cycle. In this experiment was noticed that Hisex Brown hens reached higher egg production intensity than ISA Brown.