Effect of age at molting on postmolting performance

Area of Science:

• Poultry Science
• Animal Husbandry
• Avian Reproduction

Background:

• Induced molting is a common practice in the commercial egg industry to rejuvenate laying hens.
• Understanding the impact of different molting protocols on various hen breeds is essential for optimizing production efficiency.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effects of induced molting at different ages (431, 501, 571 days) on Lohmann (L) and Hy-Line W-77 (H) laying hens.
• To compare the responses of two different commercial hen strains to induced molting.
• To determine the optimal timing for induced molting to maximize long-term egg production and quality.

Main Methods:

• Induced molting was implemented using feed withdrawal periods of 8 or 14 days, followed by a 16-day rest period.
• Lohmann (L) and Hy-Line W-77 (H) hens were subjected to molting at 431, 501, or 571 days of age.
• Key production parameters including egg production, egg mass, shell quality, egg weight, mortality, and culling rates were monitored.

Main Results:

• Induced molting significantly increased egg production, intact egg numbers, egg mass, and shell quality, while reducing mortality and culling.
• Egg weight was minimally affected, with hens molted earlier showing slightly lower egg weights.
• Lohmann hens demonstrated a more pronounced response to molting, particularly when induced at an earlier age (431 days).

Conclusions:

• Induced molting is an effective strategy to enhance egg production and quality in commercial laying hens.
• Molt protocols should be tailored to specific hen breeds, as responses can vary.
• Rearing molted hens for at least 700-730 days is recommended to realize the full benefits of the molting process.