Factors involved in the control of plasma thyroid hormone concentrations during an induced molt in the domestic hen
Egg production in the domestic hen improves following a molt. Experiments were directed at developing a method of inducing molt and comparing it with the traditional method of temporary feed withdrawal (FW). Molting mechanisms were also studied. Molt was induced by infusion of a gonadotropin releasing hormone agonist (GnRH-A; (D-Leu$\sp6$,Pro$\sp9$) -GnRH N-ethylamide), and compared with molt induced by FW. Hens were divided into three groups: (1) sham infused (controls); (2) molted by GnRH-A infusion (GnRH-A); or (3) molted by FW. Plasma was assayed for T$\sb4$, T$\sb3$, and P$\sb4$, and egg production was recorded.
Biology, Animal Physiology, Agriculture, Animal Culture and Nutrition
University of Illinois - Urbana-Champaign
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University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign