Utilizing fungus myceliated grain for molt induction and performance in commercial laying hens

Abstract

Molting in poultry is used to rejuvenate hens for a second or third laying cycle. Feed withdrawal was once the most effective method used for molt induction; however, it has being phased out due to food safety and animal welfare concerns. This study evaluated the utilization of fungus myceliated grain as a safe and effective alternative for inducing molt, enhancing immunity, reducing Salmonella growth, and returning to egg production. Laying hens were subjected to 1 of 5 treatments: 1) nonfed (NF), 2) full-fed (FF), 3) fungus myceliated meal (FM), 4) 90% fungus myceliated meal+10% standard layer ration (FM-90), and 5) 90% alfalfa meal+10% fungus myceliated meal (AF-90). Each treatment condition was replicated 9 times during a 9-d molt period. The results revealed that egg production for treatments 1 and 3 ceased completely by d 5, whereas hens in treatments 4 and 5 ceased egg production by d 6. The percentage of BW loss decreased significantly (P<0.05) in treatments 1 (57%), 2 (8%), 3 (35%), 4 (37%), and 5 (44%). Ovary weights of hens fed all molting diets decreased significantly from the full-fed control but did not differ significantly (P<0.05) from each other. Salmonella population in the crop, ovary, and ceca from hens differed significantly (P<0.05) among treatments. Return to egg production differed between treatments with higher production beginning in treatment 3 and ending in treatment 5. Antibody titers did differ (P<0.05) among treatments. From these results, fungus myceliated meal appears to be a viable alternative to conventional feed withdrawal and other methods for the successful induction of molt and retention of postmolt performance.

Molecular Identification and Characterization of Ileal and Cecal Fungus Communities in Broilers Given Probiotics, Specific Essential Oil Blends, and Under MixedEimeriaInfection

“…Beneficial dietary fungi and byproducts potentially offer nutritive value, stimulate host immunity, and exert selective pressure on digestive 1 bacteria resulting in improved production (Buts and De Keyser, 2006;Gao et al, 2008;Willis et al, 2009). Probiotic and prebiotic properties of Saccharomyces spp., Aspergillus spp., and Candida spp.…”

Use of Medicinal Mushrooms in Layer Ration

“…Willis et al [61] reported that adding Lentinula edodes mushroom mycelium extract to layer diets had no significant effects on laying performance. In a subsequent study, Willis et al [62] further investigated that birds fed with fungus myceliated grain could successfully induce molting and allowed egg production earlier than the control group. This study concluded that fungus myceliated meal can be an effective alternative to conventional feed withdrawal methods, for the successful initiation of molt and maintenance of post-molt performance.…”

Effects of Hen Age and Force Molting Programs on Body Weight Loss and Heterophil: Lymphocyte Ratio during Molt Period in Laying Hens

“…This agrees with the findings of Donalson et al (2005) who reported that no significant differences in cease egg production between hens molted by alfalfa and feed withdrawal treatment. Gutierrez et al (2008) and Willis et al (2009), who stated that hens molted with nonfeed withdrawal ceased production on day 6. North and Bell (1990) stated that short resting periods can get a flock back to its peak of production in a month from the initiation of the molt.…”