@article{article_849041, title={Effects of Different Force Molting Methods on Post Molt Performance, Egg Quality Traits and Heterophil-Lymphocyte Ratio in Denizli Chickens}, journal={Animal Health Production and Hygiene}, volume={2}, pages={221–227}, year={2013}, author={Toplu, H. Deger Oral and Nazlıgül, Ahmet and Fidan, Evrim Dereli}, keywords={Denizli chicken,molting,performance,egg quality traits,heterophil-lymphocyte ratio.}, abstract={Background/Aim: Denizli chicken is an indigenous chicken breed of Turkey and there is limited information related to the effects of different force molting methods on production performance, egg quality traits and stress level of this breed. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of different force molting methods on post-molt performance, egg quality traits and heterophil-lymphocyte ratio in Denizli chickens.Material and Methods: A total of 144 Denizli chickens, 58 weeks old of age, were used as the material in this study. Hens were randomly divided into three groups according to the force molting program. In the first group, feed was withdrawn for 10 days, and hens were fed with cracked corn diet ad libitum from d 11 to 28 California method . The hens in the second group were fed with feed supplemented 15,000 mg zinc oxide to kg ration for 10 d and they were provided 100 g of a layer diet from d 11 to 28 Zn method . Hens in third group were fed with 100 % alfalfa meal ad libitum for 10 days. They were provided 100 g of a layer diet from d 11 to 28 Alfalfa method . All groups were fed with standard layer diet ad libitum from 29 days of age to the end of the study. Results and Conclusion: Egg weight and heterophil-lymphocyte ratio in post-molt period were higher in California group than those in the other groups. There were no statistically significant different among molting groups in terms of mortality rate, egg production, egg quality, feed intake and feed conversion ratio. In conclusion, Zn and alfalfa methods was more suitable than to California method which caused to a high level stress in Denizli chickens.}, number={2}, publisher={Aydin Adnan Menderes University}