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Effect of temperature during induced moulting on plumage renewal and subsequent production
M Herremans1, G Verheyen, E Decuypere
1KU Leuven, Landbouwfaculteit, Laboratorium voor Fysiologie der Huisdieren, Heverlee, Belgium.
Abstract:
1. Four groups of 18 cages each containing 4 brown laying hybrids aged 79 weeks were formed by two levels of restriction of a moulting diet (lasting for 29 d) being applied at two moulting temperatures (11 degrees C and 29 degrees C, lasting for 56 d). 2. Low temperature-low feeding resulted in greatly retarded growth of remiges, but the final extent was similar in all 4 groups, and reached 4 to 5 new primaries (median value). Body-plumage of hens moulted at 11 degrees C was 25% heavier than of hens moulted at 29 degrees C. 3. Second year production variables (rate of laying, egg mass, efficiency of food utilisation) were greatly influenced by moulting temperature (low moulting temperature performing better), but not by feeding rate. 4. The persistence of the improved food utilisation is related to energetic consequences of improved plumage renewal during moulting at the lower temperature, which can be seen as an acclimatization effect.