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Using a feed-grade zinc propionate to achieve molt induction in laying hens and retain postmolt egg production and quality

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Abstract

A commercial-feed-grade form of zinc propionate was examined as a potential feed amendment at a concentration of 1% zinc to induce molt in 90-wk-old hens. Dietary treatments consisted, of 4 treatment groups of 28 birds each randomly assigned to either (1) molted conventionally by feed withdrawal, (2) 1% zinc as Zn acetate, (3) 1% zinc as Zn propionate, or (4) nonmolted control for 9 d. Ovary weights of hens fed Zn acetate or Zn propionate were not significantly different from each other, but hens fed Zn acetate or Zn propionate were significantly (p<0.05) lighter than the ovary weight of nonmolted control hens. Zinc concentrations in the kidney and liver were significantly (p<0.05) increased in both Zn acetate- and Zn propionate-molted hens when compared to either nonmolted control-fed hens or feed-withdrawal molted hens. Over the entire 3-mo postmolt period, there were no significant differences in interior or exterior egg qualities among the four treatments Egg production of hens fed Zn acetate was significantly lower than feed-withdrawal hens, Zn propionate-fed hens, or nonmolted control hens (p<0.05). The data of the current study demonstrated that feeding a feed grade of Zn propionate (1% Zn)-supplemented diet can induce molt and retain postmolt egg quality and production comparable to hens molted by feed withdrawal.

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Author notes

  1. S. Y. Park

    Present address: Food Resources Institute, Chung-Ang University, 72-1 Nae-ri Daeduk-myun, Ansung, 456-756, Kyunggido, South Korea

  2. S. G. Birkhold

    Present address: Product Technology Center, Nestlé Purina PetCare, 3916 Pettis Road, 64503, St. Joseph, MO

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Poultry Science, Texas A & M University, 77843, College Station, TX

    S. Y. Park, W. K. Kim, S. G. Birkhold & S. C. Ricke

  2. Southern Plains Agricultural Research Center, Food and Feed Safety Research Unit, USDA-ARS, 77845, College Station, TX

    L. F. Kubena & D. J. Nisbet

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  1. S. Y. Park
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  4. L. F. Kubena
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  5. D. J. Nisbet
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  6. S. C. Ricke
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Park, S.Y., Kim, W.K., Birkhold, S.G. et al. Using a feed-grade zinc propionate to achieve molt induction in laying hens and retain postmolt egg production and quality. Biol Trace Elem Res 101, 165–179 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1385/BTER:101:2:165

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1385/BTER:101:2:165

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