Egypt. Poult. Sci. Vol (34) (II): (619-635) (2014) (1498)

Egyptian Poultry Science Journal

http://www.epsaegypt.com

ISSN: 1110-5623 (Print) – 2090-0570 (On line)

EFFECT OF FASTING PERIOD AND FEED FORM ON POST MOLT PERFORMANCE AND EGG QUALITY IN LAYING HENS

M. El-Sagheer, H.Y. El-Hammady, H.H.M. Hassanien1 and H.A. Hassan1

Dep. of Poul. Prod., Fac. of Agric., Assiut Univ., 71526 Assiut, Egypt1Dep. of Anim. and Poul. Prod., Fac. of Agric., South Value Univ., 83523 Qena, Egypt

Received: 13/02/2014Accepted: 29/05/2014

ABSTRACT: One hundred and eighty,60 weeks old, Hi-sex Brown laying hens were randomly classified into three equal experimental groups. Eachof them included twelve replicates, of 5 hens each. Birds in all replicateswere kept individually in wire cagesunder controlled conditions in a closed laying house.Experimental hens in groups 1, 2 and 3 were fasted all 24 hrs for 8, 10 and 12 days, respectively. All hens were receiving water ad libitum.At the end of fastening, birds in each group were divided into two equal subgroups. Birds in the first three subgroupswere fed on mash diets, while those of the second three subgroups fed pelleted diets. Body weight loss of fasted hens for 12 d (35.8%) excelled significantly those (30.6 and 27.3%) of fasted hens for 8 and 10 d, respectively. All fasted groups ceased egg production by 5d of the start of fasting and remained out of production until 19, 21 and 27 days before the onset of laying for 8, 10, 12 days fasted groups, respectively. They reached 50% hen-day post molt egg production by 40, 48, 55 d, respectively. During the experimental period, the mortality rate (MR) of 10 d fasted group (5.1%) decreased significantly than both of 8 and 12 d fasted groups (6.6%). The molted hens by 10 d fastingwhichfed on either fed oneither mash or pelleted diets had lower morality than the other subgroups. The molted hens by fasting 10 or 12 d had significantly better hen day egg production (HDP) and egg mass (EM); significantly moreshell and yolk percentages(SP and YP, respectively); and significantly less albumen percentage (AP) than those of the molted hens by 8 d. The molted hens by fasting 10 d had significantly improved feed conversation ratio (FCR) than thoseof fasted hens by 8 and 12 d. The differences due to fasting periods in egg weight (EW), feed consumption (FC), mortality rate (MR), egg shape index (ESI), Haugh unit (HU) and egg yolk index (EYI) were very limited and insignificant.Feeding on pelleted rations had significantly higher HDP, EW, EM, FC, shell thickness (ST), SP and HU; as well as significantly less FCR as compared with hens fed on mashdiets. Feed form did not affect MR, YP, AP, ESI and EYI. All fasted hens on mash dietshad significantly decreased FC; increased EW; and improved

Key Words: Fasting period, feed form, force molt, laying hens.

Corresponding author: sagheer68@yahoo.com

M. El-Sagheer et al

FCR as compared with those of fasted hens fed pelleted diets. The achieved results could suggest that inducing molt of laying hens by 10 d fasting and feeding on mash diets can achieves better FCR, lower MR, and without adverse effects on the productive performance.

INTRODUCTION

Molting is a natural process that occurs once a year in most avian species. Molting refers to periodic shedding and feather replacement, coincided with a decrease in the reproductive efficacy function (Berry, 2003) and body weight loss of about 25% (Mrosovsky and Sherry, 1980). The reproductive system is rejuvenated, allowing the hen to resume egg laying. However, this reproductive inactivity has been found to be incomplete and the hen often continues to lay eggs at a lower rate for a prolonged period. Commercial egg producers often induce molting in laying hens to extend the reproductive capacity of the flock. Commercial induced molting as an important management tool has been widely used by the majority of United States egg producers to rejuvenate laying hens for a second cycle of egg production (Wu et al., 2007). Induced molting may also increase profits by optimizing the use of replacement pullets on commercial layer farms. Forty-seven percent more chickens would be required to keep houses full using the one-cycle option (Bell, 2003). Induced molting which causes cessation of egg production and entering into non-reproductive state for a period of time and a rapid loss in body weight and is commonly initiated, when hens are between 65 and 72 weeks of age (Webster, 2003).

Molting methods are of three basic types (feed removal or limitation, low-nutrient rations, and feed additives), coincided with some variations and modifications,as the length of treatment,the lighting program alterations, types of resting rations fed, and the age at onset of

molt (Bell, 2003). Ideally, a molting program should be simple to apply, low in cost, result in low mortality, and lead to high subsequent performance (Koelkebeck et al., 1992). According to Baker et al. (1983), an optimum weight loss ranging between 27 to 31% was needed to achieve maximum improvement in post-molt performance and to ensure ovarian and oviduct regression. The practice of withholding food from laying hens for five to twenty-one days, or until they lose 25 to 35 percentage of their initial body weight (Webster, 2000), is currently done by 75 to 80 percent of the layer industry in the United States (Bell, 1999). Molting has been commonly achieved by fasting hens for 10 days or more in combination with a decrease in the daily photoperiod. The body weight loss and cessation of egg production allows the hen’s reproductive tract, particularly the ovary and oviduct, to regress and rejuvenate.

Fasting periods can vary from 4 to 14 days. Brake and Thaxton (1979) concluded that a 12days feed withdrawal period resulted in a 25% body weight loss and that one-fourth of this loss was attributed to liver, ovary and oviduct weight reduction. Koelkebeck et al. (1992) stated that a 14days fasting period might result in a decreased long term production as compared with fasting periods less than 10 days. Many researchers have recommended weight losses ranging from 25 to 35% (; Baker et al., 1983; Zimmermann et al., 1987).Lee, (1982) and Ruszler, (1998), stated that the enhanced postmolt performance is related to the amount of regression and subsequent redevelopment of body organs and tissues.

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They found a positive and significant correlation between the length of the rest period and postmolt hen-day egg production.

Recently, the nutritional impact of feed physical form has increased, to optimize feed utilization and to improve the production efficiency (Hott et al., 2008). The scientific information available in the literature of feed form influence on the performance of laying hens is limited. Feeding broilers, on pelleted rations increased body weight gain and reduced feed efficiency as compared with feeding on mash form (Reece et al., 1985; Amerah et al., 2007). Pullets fed pelleted diets had higher body weight gain (Deaton et al., 1988), and decreased feed consumption (Gous and Morris, 2001) than pullets fed rations in mash form. In contrast, the results of Leeson and Summers (1984) indicated that crumbling of rearing diets had no effect on body weight of pullets at maturity or on subsequent egg production. However, birds fed crumbles consumed more feed from hatching up to 10 wk of age. Feed form influenced nutrient digestibility,and organ development in broilers (Kilburn and Edwards, 2001).

The information available in the literature regarding the interaction between fasting period and feed form on post molt performance and egg quality are scarce. The present study aimed to evaluate the influence of fasting period (8, 10 and 12 days) and feed physical form (pellet or mash) on the productive performance and egg quality parameters during the postmolt period in Brown Hi-sex laying hens.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Experimental Design:

One hundred and eighty,60 weeksold,Hi-sex Brown laying hens were wingbanded,individually weighed and randomly distributed into three equal groups.Each of them includedtwelve replicatesof five hens each. The laying hens

in the first, second and third experimental groups were force molted by fasting all 24 hrs for 8, 10 and 12 days, respectively. All hens were receiving water ad libitum. At the end of fasting periods, the laying hens in each of the experimental groups were divided into two equal subgroups. The hens of the first three experimental subgroups were fedon mash diets, while those of the second three subgroupswere fed on pelleted diet.

Environmental conditions and housing:

Laying hens in each replicate were individually kept in wire cages (61x55x45cm) under standard commercial management conditions in a closed system house. All experimental hens were raised under 65% relative humidity and 18 to 22°C temperature. Theywere exposed to a photoperiod of 8 hrs/day during fasting period,which increased gradually to reach 17 hrs/day, while light intensities ranged from 20 to 25 Luxes. After the end of fasting period, feed were available ad libitum. All hens were kept under similar adequate managerial and hygienic conditions until the end of the experimental periods. The composition and calculated analysis of the experimental diets are shown in Table (1).

Traits under study:

The initial body weight of all hens and at the end of the fasting period as well as 10% egg production wasrecorded. Thebodyweightloss wascalculatedbysubtractingbody weightat the end of fasting period from its corresponding value at the start of fasting periods. The last day of egg production from the onset of the fasting period as well as the first day on which hens resumed egg productionfrom start of fasting period were determined and recorded, while the period from the start of fasting until attaining 50% egg production was calculated and recorded. Theweeklyfeedconsumption (g) as well as feed conversion values (as g

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feed/g egg) were calculated for each replicate from the restart of laying and till the end ofthe experiment. Averages of egg weight, egg mass and eggproduction (Hen-day egg production, HDP) werecalculatedfromthe restart of layingand during 28 weeks period.Deadbirds weredailyrecordedandthe percentageof mortality rate was calculated and recorded during the whole experiment.

After the resumption of layingall newly-laid eggs during three days every four weeks throughout a laying period of twenty-eight weeks were taken from each replicate to evaluate the egg quality traits (egg weight, egg shapeindex,eggyolkindex,eggshellthickness andHaughunits)andthe eggcomponents. Eggs were individually weighed by using a special automatic balance and recorded for the nearest 0.1 gram on the same day of collection. The length and width of eggs were determined by using an automatic sliding caliper and the egg shape index was determined according to Hamilton (1982). The eggs were gently broken on a glass surface, to measure the height of the thick albumen and the yolk. The diameter of yolk was measured, using an automatic sliding caliber (before removing the chalazae). The yolk was separated from the albumen and weighed. The shell with its membranes were dried and then weighed to the nearest 0.01gm. The thickness of the dried shell with membranes was measured for the nearest 0.005 mm. may byusing shell thickness apparatus at three different regions at (equator and both each of the two ends) and the average was calculated in millimeters. Individual Haugh unit score was calculated using the egg weight and thick albumen height by applying the following formula: Haugh unit = 100 Log (H – 1.7X W0.37 +7.6),where: H = the observed height of the thick albumen in millimeters and W = Weight of egg (g) (Doyon et al., 1986). In addition, the egg yolk index (EYI) was calculated by dividing the yolk’s height X 100 /yolk’s

diameter. The albumen was determined by subtracting the egg weight minus the shell plus yolk weights. The three egg components were expressed as percentages of the egg weight.

Statistical analysis:

Data were analyzed by tow-way analysis of variance using ANOVA procedure of SAS software (SAS Institute, 2005). The significant differences in parameters (Egg production, feed consumption, feed conversion, egg weight, egg mass, body weight, percentage of body weight loss, egg quality traits and egg components) among themeans treatment groups, were compared by using Duncan’s multiple range tests (Duncan, 1955). None of the data were transformed prior to analysis. In all achieved results the level of significance was P ≤ 0.05.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Body weight:

The body weight (BW) loss percentage in the 12 d fasted group (35.8%)excelled significantly (P≤ 0.05) those of both 10 d (30.6%) and 8 d (27.3%) fasted groups as shown in Table 2. This is in agreement with the findings of many researchers such as Baker et al. (1983) and Zimmermann et al. (1987) they found weight losses ranged from 25 to 35%.Body weight loss is an important factor contributing to the success of the induced molting through its effective impact on reproduction and on fat deposits (Baker, et al., 1983; Park et al., 2004). This leads to regression of the reproductive tract, which is proportional to the loss of BW, the rejuvenation of the reproductive tract, and the removal of accumulated fat which stimulate and the reproductive efficiency (Alodan and Mashaly, 1999). Webster, (2003) reported that thebody weight losses have ranged from 15 to 35%, but the optimal BW loss of hens during induced molt was not identified.

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Onset of egg production:

The effects of fasting periods on date of reentry into egg production are shown in Table 2. All fasted groups ceased egg production by d 5 of the start fasting and remained out of production until d 19, 21 and 27,which are the first daysresumption of egg production for 8, 10, 12d fasted groups, respectively. The hens molted by fasting 8 and 10 d returned to egg production faster than molted hens by fasting for 12 d. On the other hand, hens reached 50% hen-day postmolt egg production by d 40, 48, 55 for 8, 10 and 12 d fasted groups, respectively. Kuney and Bell (1989) reported that, hens that were fasted for 4 d returned to production sooner than those fasted for 10 or 14 d, but postmolt egg production was lower for hens fasted for only 4 d. Hurwitz et al. (1995) using feed withdrawal method, reported that the production rate was improved when the length of the rest period increased and the maximal improvement appeared to be reached with the rest period ranging from 14 to 21 days. The flocks fasted up to 10 d producedtheir first egg within 5 wk and reached 50% production by 8 wk from the onset of fasting (Swanson and Bell, 1974).

Mortality rate:

The mortality rate at the end forfasting period amounted 2.2% for both of 8 and 10 d fasted groups, while it increased to reach 3.3% by 12 d fasted for group (Table 2). The results in Table 3 showed that, the mortality percentage for10 d fasted group (5.1%) decreased significantly than that 6.6% for both of 8 and 12 d fasted groups. Swanson and Bell (1974) reported that the average livability for 63 flocks molted by 10 d fasting amounted 98.7% during the feed withdrawal period. In contrast, Buhr and Cunninghm (1994) by using fasting method found that, the post-molt mortality percentage did not differ among laying

groups which lost 25, 20 and 15% of their body weight.As shown in (Table 3), there were no significant differences in livability during thepost molt period due to feed form. The differences due to the interaction between fasting period and feed form showed that, hens molted by 10 d fasting fed mash or pelleted diets had lower mortality rate than in the other subgroups (Table 4). No interaction effect between feed form and fasting period was found.

Egg production:

The hens molted by fasting for 10 or 12 d had significantly higher hen day egg production (HDP) than that of hens molted by fasted 8 d (Table 3). This result could be attributed tobody weight loss as by Brake and Thaxton (1979) and Brake (1992), these authors also reported that induced molting lead to the involution of reproductive tract, which was proportional to the loss of body weight, and that the rebuilding of the reproductive tract would lead to the removal of fat accumulation subsequently to increased tissue efficiency. Another possible reason for improved egg production is the length of laying period.

In the present study, although hens in 10 or 12 d fasted groups lost more BW than thosefasted for 8 d; both groups laid eggs at the same rate (83%) throughout the experiment. This result could be attributed to the fact that hens in 10 or 12 d fasted groups stayed out of production for a longer period 21 and 27 d, respectively than that (19 d)of hens in 8 d fasted group. Kuney and Bell (1989) reported that, hens fasted for 4 d returned to production sooner than those of fasted groups by10 or 12 d, but the post fast egg production was lower for hens fasted for only 4 d. Lee (1982) found a positive and significant correlation between the length of the rest period and postmolt hen-day egg production. Concerning the effect of feed form, the hens fed pelleted dietshad significantly higher HDP than that of hens fed mash diet (Table 3). Regarding the effect of

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interaction between fasting period and feed form, HDP was significantly higher in the molted by 10 d fasted subgroups which fed pelleted diet and 12 d fasted subgroups fed pelleted or mash diets than in the other subgroups (Table 4).

Egg weight and egg mass:

The fasting period had no significant effect (P≥0.05) on egg weight (EW), while egg mass of hens molted by 10 or 12 d fasted groups increased significantly than that of hens molted by 8 d fasted groups (Table 3). This finding is in agreement with those reported previously by Buhr and Cunninghm (1994), theyused feed restriction till the experimental hens, lost 15, 20 and 25% of their body weights. The authorsfound that body weight loss did not affect egg weight.

Concerning theeffect of feed form, the EW and EM were significantly higher in hens fed pelletedthan dietsthose fed mash diet (Table 3). Regarding the interactingeffect between fasting period and feed form, EW was significantly higher in all molted hens by fasting 8, 10 and 12 d which fed pelleted diets than those molted fed mash diets (Table 4). The molted hens by fasting for 10 and 12 d and feeding them on pelleted or mash dietshad significantly higher EM than those fasted by 8 d and fed pelleted or mash diets.

Feed consumption:

Results in Table 3 showed that, the differences in postmolt feed consumption (FC) among fasting groups were insignificant. This is in agreement with the finding of Buhr and Cunninghm (1994), who found that, the percentage of body weight loss (10, 15 and 25%)did not affect feed consumption. The FC was greater for hens fed pelleted than mash diets. All fasted hens fed mash diets consumed significantly less feed than those fed pelleted diets. Feed consumption values were higher for laying hens fed pellets than those fed mash. These results agree with

the findings of some data from previous studies conducted with broilers (Hetland et al., 2002; Amerah et al., 2007; Frikha et al., 2009). The increased consumption of pelleted thanmash diets, may be attributedto the improved texture of the pelleted feeds,during the process of pelleting,through the beneficial effects of the steam and mechanical pressure on the mash, which agglomerate the particles, and increase the bulk density of the rations and consequentlyfacilitates feed intake. Also, the rate of feed passage in the upper gastrointestinal tract was accelerated with pelleted feeding (Sibbald, 1979), which results in faster gastric emptying and increased feed consumption (Svihus and Hetland, 2001). Also, Gous and Morris, (2001) reported that pullets fed pelleted diets had higher BW and decreased FC than those pullets fed mash. However, Ocak and Erener (2005) sited that, either of pelleted or mash dietshad no effect on FC in Japanese quail.

Feed conversion:

The results presented in Table (3) showed that hens of 10 d fasted group had significantly better feed conversion ratio (FCR) than those of 8 and 12 d fasted groups. The FCR for hens fed mash diets was significantly better than those of hens fed pelleted diets. The interaction between fasting period and feed form revealed that the FCR of hens molted by 10 or 12 d fasted and fed mash diets was significantly better than those of the other subgroups (Table 4). Reece et al. (1985) and Amerah et al. (2007) stated that broiler fed pelleted diets had increased body weight gain and less FCR as compared with feeding on mash diets. The physical form may have a stimulatory effect on the digestive tract that improves nutrient utilization of the pelleted diets. Although, lower FCR is primarily a result of increased FC,several studies showed that feeding pellets did not affect (P≥0.05) FCR in broilers (Plavnik et al., 1997; Frikha et al., 2009) and in Japanese

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quail (Ocak and Erener, 2005). In contrast, feeding pellets consistently improved FCR in broilers (Plavnik et al., 1997; Amerah et al., 2007), in turkey (Plavnik et al., 1997) and in pullets (Gous and Morris, 2001).The improvement in FCR of using pelleted diets may be due to the decreased feed waste (Hetland et al., 2002), reduced selective feeding and ingredient selection (Behnke, 1994).

Egg quality:

The shell thickness (ST) was significantly higher in eggs laid by molted hens which fasted 10 d than 12 d (Table 5), while there were no significant differences among fasting groups in egg shape index (ESI), Haugh units (HU) and egg yolk index (EYI) among fasting groups. Len et al. (1964) reported an association between improvements in postmolt egg yield and quality and the length of the laying period. The degree of improvement in post molting performance was associated with the increased length of the pause during which no eggs were produced. Baker et al. (1981) reported that starving hens to achieved 30% body weight loss at 77 weeks of agehad significantly increased egg shell quality than those of 20, 25 and 35% body weight losses.

As shown in Table 5 that, no significant differences were observed in EYI and ESI due to feed form; however the ST and HU in eggs produced byhens fed pelleted diets had significantly higher values than those of hens fed mash diets. The differences in HU and EYI due to the interaction between fasting period and the feed form were insignificant; however the ST of fasted hens for 8 or 10 d, which fed pelleteddiets, had significantly the best improvement than of the other subgroups (Table 6). The egg quality parameters were not influenced by feed form or the interaction between fasting period and feed form.

Egg components:

Eggs produced by hens fasted for10 and 12 d had significantly higher yolk and shell percentages (YP and SP) and lower albumen percentage (AP) during the post molt period than those fasted for 8 d (Table 5). The increased SP may be attributed to the reduced fat accumulation in the glandular epithelium of the uterus which increases the efficiency of glandular epithelium.This is in agreement with the findings of Brake (1992). It is well known that the glandular epithelium in the uterus isresponsible for providing the calcium portion of the shell. The author concluded that rebuilding of the uterus from the regressed state would renew the tissue and the glandular epithelium, which would decrease the percentage of shell-less, or poorly shelled eggs.

Concerning the effect of feed form, the hens fed pelleted diets had significantly higher SP than of those fed mash diet, while there were no significant differences in AP and YP due to feed form (Table 5). The interaction between fasting period and feed form did not affect YP. The fasted groups by 10 or 12 d increased significantly SP; whilesignificantly decreased AP than that of fasted group by 8 d (Table 6).

In general, hens fed pelleted dietshad better productive performance (HDP, EW, EM and FC; SP, ST and HU; and less FCR)than hens fed mash diets. This improvement could be attributed the decreased feed wastage, reduced selective feeding, decreased ingredient selection, less time and energy expended for prehension, destruction of pathogenic organisms, thermal modification of starch and protein and improved palatability (Behnke, 1994). In broilers, Nir et al. (1994) observed that feeding crumbles or pellets reduced the relative weight (g/kg of BW) of the gizzard compared with feeding mash. In addition, Nir et al. (1994) reported that pelleting reduced the relative length (cm/kg of BW) of the jejunum and ileum. The results of Amerah et al. (2007) and Frikha et al. (2009) indicated that the decreased length

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of gastrointestinal tract with feeding on pelletswas associated with an improvement in broiler performance.

In conclusion, the fasted hens by 10 or 12 d improved significantly the performance of egg production; sine it increased SP and YP; and decreased AP significantly than thosefasted hens by 8 d. However, the fasted hens by 10 d improved significantly the FCR than by 8 or 12 d. No significant differences due to fasting periods in EW, FC, MR, EGI, HU and EYI were observed. Feeding pelleted rations

improved significantly egg production, EW, EM, FC, ST, SP and HU; and reduced significantly FCR as compared with feeding mash. All fasted hens fed mash dietshad significantly decreased FC; increased EW; and improved FCR than those of hens fed pelleted diets. Taking in consideration the achieved results,it could be concluded that induced molt of laying hens by 10 d fasting and feeding on mash diets can achieve a betterFCR; and lower MR without adverse effects on productive performance.

Table (1): Composition and calculated analysis of the experimental diet.

Items %IngredientsYellow corn 60.90Soybean meal (44%CP) 21.60Corn gluten meal (60%CP) 6.00Vit& Min. premix1 0.30Wheat bran 0.45Dicalcium phosphate 1.36Calcium carbonate 8.95Salt 0.40DL-Methionine 0.04Total 100Calculated analysis2

Crudeprotein (%) 18.45Crude fiber (%) 2.68Crude fat (%) 2.78Calcium (%) 3.87P (Available, %) 0.38Lysine, (%) 0.85Methionine, (%) 0.40Metabolizableenergy (Kcal/Kg diet) 2766

1Vitamins and minerals premix provided per kilogram of the diet: Vit. A, 1000 IU; D3 2000 ICU; Vit. E, 10 mg; Vit. K, 1mg; B1, 10 mg; B2, 5 mg; B6, 1500 mg; B12, 10mg Pantothenic acid, 10 mg; Nicotinic acid, 30 mg; Folic acid, 1mg; Biotin, 50 mcg; Chloride, 500 mg; Copper, 10 mg; Iron, 50 mg; Manganese, 60 mg; Zinc, 50mg, and Selenium, 0.1 mg.2According to NRC (1994).

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Table (2): Body weight, day from start of fating to return to 50% production and mortality rate of Hi-sex Brown laying hens as affected fasting period and feed form1.

Fasting period (day) RSD Probability8 10 12Body weight (g)At 60 weeks of age (at fasting starting) 1854 1833 1840 10.7 NSAt the fasting period end 1348a 1273b 1182c 83.1 *When the egg production each 10%. 1606a 1581b 1469b 73.0 *Loss percentage -27.3c -30.6 b -35.8 a 10.7 *Day from start of fasting toLast day of egg production 5 5 5 0.0First day return to egg production 19 21 27 4.2Return to 50% production 40 48 55 4.9Mortality rate (%) 2.2b 2.2b 3.3a 0.6 **

a—c Means within each column for each division with no common superscripts are significantlydifferent (P≤0.05).*P≤0.05; **P≤0.01; NS = Non-Significant. 1n = 64 to 70 hens. RSD = Residual standard deviation.

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Table (3): Hen day egg production (HDP), egg weight (EW), egg mass (EM), feed consumption (FC), feed conversion ratio (FCR) and mortality rate (MR) throughout the experiment of Hi-sex Brown laying hens as affected by fasting period and feed form.

Fasting period (day) Probability Feed form Probability8 10 12 Mash PelletsHDP (%) 82.1b±0.4 83.3a±0.4 83.4a±0.4 ** 82.5b±0.3 83.3a±0.3 *EW (g) 65. 8±0.1 65.9±0.1 65.6±0.1 NS 65.4 b ±0.1 66.1a ±0.1 **EM (g egg/hen/28 wks) 1506.8b ±7.6 1528.2a ±7.5 1529.8a ±6.9 ** 1514.5b ±5.2 1528.7a ±5.5 *FC (g feed/hen/day) 108.4±0.5 108.2±0.5 111.0±3.1 NS 107.7b±0.4 117.1a±1.5 **FCR (g feed/ g egg) 2.31a±0.02 2.24b±0.02 2.31a±0.02 ** 2.20b±0.01 2.37a±0.01 **MR (%) 6.6a±0.1 5.1b±0.1 6.6a±0.1 ** 6.0±0.2 6.1±0.2 NS

a—b Means ±SE within each column for each division (fasting period and feed form) with no common superscripts are significantly different(P≤0.05). *P≤0.05; **P≤0.01

Table (4): Effect of interaction among fasting period and feed form on Hen day egg production (HDP), egg weight (EW), egg mass (EM), feed consumption (FC), feed conversion ratio (FCR) and total mortality rate (TMR) of Brown Hi-sex Hens.

Fasting period (day)Probability8 8 10 10 12 12

Mash Pellet Mash Pellet Mash PelletHDP (%) 81.8c±0.5 82.4b±0. 7 82.8b±0.6 83.8a±0.6 83.0ab±0.5 83.7a±0.5 **EW (g) 65.3cd±0.2 66.2a±0.1 65.6bcd±0.1 66.2a±0.2 65.4bcd±0.2 65.8abc±0.2 **EM (g egg/hen/28 wks) 1500.8c±9.2 1512.8b±12.2 1519.0ab±11.1 1537.3a±10.0 1523.6ab±9.9 1536.0a±9.6 **FC (g feed/hen/day) 108.6c±0.6 115.3b±0.6 107.4c±0.5 114.5b±0.5 107.2c±0.7 121.4a±0.8 **FCR(g feed/ g egg) 2.23cd±0.02 2.38a±0.02 2.18d±0.02 2.31b±0.02 2.19d±0.02 2.43a±0.02 **TMR (%) 6.5a±0.1 6.7a±0.1 5.1b±0.1 5.0b±0.1 6.5a±0.1 6.7a±0.1 **

a—d Means(±SE)inthesamecolumnwithdifferentsuperscriptsaresignificantlydifferent(P≤0.05). **P≤0.01

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Table (5): Egg components and some egg quality characteristics throughout the experiment of Hi-sex Brown laying hens as affected by fasting period and feed form.

Fasting period (day) Probability Feed form Probability8 10 12 Mash PelletEgg Quality Egg shape index (%) 74.5±0.3 75.7±0.3 75.1±0.3 NS 74.6±0.2 75.6±0.2 NSShell thickness (mm) 376.9ab±1.6 380.3a±2.0 373.7b±1.8 ** 374.6b ±1.6 379.3a ±1.4 **Haught units 83.5±0.4 82.5±0.4 83.7±0.4 NS 82.7b ±0.3 83.7a ±0.3 *Egg yolk index (%) 45.2 ±0.3 45.6 ±0.3 45.5 ±0.3 NS 45.2±0.2 45.7±0.2 NSEgg Components Yolk (%) 27.7b±0.4 29.0a±0.4 28.7a±0.4 * 28.5±0.3 28.4±0.2 NSAlbumen (%) 58.8a±0.5 57.0b±0.5 57.4b±0.5 ** 57.8±0.3 57.6±0.3 NSShell (%) 13.5b±0.1 14.0a±0.1 13.9a±0.1 ** 13.6b±0.1 14.0a±0.1 **

a—b Means ±SE within each column for each division (fasting period and feed form) with no common superscripts are significantly different(P≤0.05). *P≤0.05; **P≤0.01; NS = Non-Significant

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Table (6): Effect of interaction among fasting period and feed form on egg components and some egg quality characteristics throughout the experiment of Hi-sex Brown laying hens.

Fasting period (day)Probability8 8 10 10 12 12

Mash Pellet Mash Pellet Mash PelletEgg Quality Egg shape index (%) 74.2c±0.4 74.9abc±0.5 75.3abc±0.4 76.1a±0.5 74.4c±0.4 75.8ab±0.5 *Shell thickness (mm) 371.9b±2.5 381.9a±1.8 377.8ab±3.0 382.7a±2.7 374.0b±2.6 373.4b±2.5 **Haught units 83.5±0.5 83.4±0.7 81.7±0.6 83.3±0.5 82.9±0.6 84.4±0.4 NSEgg yolk index (%) 44.9±0.5 45.5±0.4 45.3±0.5 45.8±0.4 45.3±0.4 45.7±0.5 NSEgg Components Yolk (%) 27.4±0.5 28.0±0.5 29.2±0.5 29.0±0.5 28.8±0.5 28.3±0.5 NSAlbumen (%) 59.3a±0.6 58.2ab±0.7 57.0c±0.7 57.0c±0.7 57.0c±0.7 57.6bc±0.6 **Shell (%) 13.2bc±0.2 13.7ab±0.2 13.9a±0.2 14.1a±0.2 13.8a±0.2 14.1a±0.2 **

a—cMeans(±SE)inthesamecolumnwithdifferentsuperscriptsaresignificantlydifferent(P≤0.05). *P≤0.05; **P≤0.01; NS = Non-Significant

Rabbit, Fasting period, feed form, force molt, laying hens

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الملخصالعربي إنتاجيةالبيضوجودتهبعد العليقةعلى وصورة التصويم تأثيرمدة

البياض الدجاج القلشفيحسانين – - حسن حسام الحمادي يوسف حاتم محمد الصغير أحمد- *محمد حمدي

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