The current experiments were conducted to determine if an orally active progestin, melengestrol acetate (MGA), would be an effective method to induce molting that addresses hen well-being during and after molt. MGA can easily be administered to a large population because it is orally active and can be included in a balanced layer diet. Hens could be fed throughout the molting process, which would address the concerns brought about by other methods in that there is a nutrient deficiency that results in hen weight loss. If feeding MGA can effectively lead to a reversible regression of the oviduct then it may also lead to an increase in egg quality post-molt. |