Effect of molting programs on quality and quantity of egg performance, plasma metabolites and organs weight of layer hens

This experiment was conducted to evaluation effect of molting program by single feed on performance، plasma metabolites، and supply organs weight and egg quality in laying hens. Treatment groups were feed deprivation، ad libitum access to corn، alfalfa meal and alfalfa leaf meal programs vs. full fed layer ration (Control). Results shown that Alfalfa group resulted in total cessation of egg production sooner than other groups in molting period. At the end of molting period، plasma phosphorus levels of alfalfa and alfalfa leaf groups and plasma calcium levels of Control group were exhibited higher concentrations than other groups. Ovary، oviduct and liver weight of molted groups were lower than Control group. Also proventriculus+gizzard Alfalfa and Alfalfa leaf groups were higher weight than other groups. Intestinal weight and plasma glucose concentration was not differing significantly between groups. In postmolt period، hens fed by corn reentered and reach to 10% and 50% hen-day egg production significantly faster than other hens، but feed deprivation group showed adverse effete. Post molt egg production، egg weight and egg mass (wk 3 to 9) for the alfalfa leaf group were generally higher and feed intake and FCR for feed deprivation group lower than for other groups. At wk 4 of post molting، albumen percentage of control group was significantly heavier and yolk percentage lighter than other group. Shell percentage and shell thickness of corn group were highest. Egg of hens molted by alfalfa or alfalfa leaf has higher albumen and yolk height and Haugh units than other molting programs. The results of current study suggested that molting with alfalfa and alfalfa leaf were used in replace to feed deprivation molting program.