Induced molting programs and protein and methionine requirements for recycled commercial layers

Abstract

Three studies were undertaken to determine the feasibility of reducing the time that hens are out of egg production during a forced molt program using Hyline White Leghorn type layers. The traditional forced molt programs that recommend ten days without feed and two days without water followed by two to four weeks or sorghum grain were compared with a program having a ten to twelve day period of stress used to induce molting followed immediately by feeding of a complete layer diet. Attempts were made to establish the protein and methionine requirements of recycled hens. In Experiment 1 three levels of protein and two levels of methionine were compared after a ten day induced molt and two weeks of sorghum grain feeding. No significant differences were found among treatments, and overall egg production was poor.