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ARS Home » Plains Area » College Station, Texas » Southern Plains Agricultural Research Center » Food and Feed Safety Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #171935
Title: INDUCED MOLTING ISSUES AND ALTERNATIVE STRATEGIES FOR THE EGG INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES

Author
item PARK, S - TX A&M UNIVERSITY
item KIM, W - TX A&M UNIVERSITY
item BIRKHOLD, S - TX A&M UNIVERSITY
item Kubena, Leon
item Nisbet, David
item RICKE, S - TX A&M UNIVERSITY

Submitted to: World Poultry Science
Publication Type: Literature Review
Publication Acceptance Date: 2/9/2004
Publication Date: 6/20/2004
Citation: Park, S.Y., Kim, W.K., Birkhold, S.G., Kubena, L.F., Nisbet, D.J., Ricke, S.C. 2004. Induced molting issues and alternative strategies for the egg industry in the United States. World's Poultry Science Journal. 60:197-210.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: The United States (U.S.) poultry industry continues to implement induced molting to extend egg production in commercial laying flocks. Achieving an optimal molt requires dietary manipulation to cause a complete regression of the reproductive organs and cessation of egg production. This is followed by rejuvenation and initiation of an additional egg laying cycle. Currently, feed withdrawal is the primary means to initiate molt and is regarded as an optimal approach for achieving post-molt performance. However, removal of food can lead to potential physiological stress in laying hens as well as an increased susceptibility to Salmonella enteritidis colonization and invasion. To retain the ecological benefits of induced molt will require development, testing and implementation of alternative dietary approaches that minimize these problems and do not decrease the egg production and egg quality benefits associated with the additional egg laying cycles. Strategies for accomplishing this are discussed.