Induction of forced molting in Isa-Brown layers by continuous food deprivation

ABSTRACT

A study was conducted using 80, 78 weeks old Isa-Brown layers allocated into four equal groups to assess effects of forced molt period on their body weights in relation to their post-molt performance. The hens were forced molted by reduction of photoperiod along with complete food fasting for 0, 8, 12 and 16 days in groups I [controls], II, III and IV, respectively. Water was supplied ad libitum throughout the experiment. From the results obtained, it was concluded that forced molting in old Isa-Brown layers can be properly performed by food deprivation for 16 days or until they lose 35% of their initial body weight in order to optimize their post-molting performance