The Effect of Nonfeed and Feed Withdrawal Molting Methods on Molt and Postmolt Performance in Laying Hens

This study was conducted to determine the ability of different ratios of oat combined with alfalfa to feed withdrawal method. The treatment ratios were feed withdrawal (FW), 100% alfalfa (AA), 75% alfalfa and 25% oat (O25), 50% alfalfa and 50% oat (O50). The respective diets and water were allowed adlibitum. After molting, all hens were fed a layer diet. The ligting program was adjusted to 8 h/d during molting period. Hens molted for 10 d. Body weigh loss, molt and postmolt egg production, egg weight and mortality were determined. There were no death molt and postmolt period. No significant differences in egg production and egg weight were found among treatments. But FW treatment had higher (P<0.05) body weight losses than other treatments. The present study indicates that alfalfa or oat mixed with alfalafa appears to be alternative to feed withdrawal method.