DEPARTMENT OF ANIMAL NUTRITION

GUIDED BY : DR MANJU SIR

PREPARED BY : SHARANAPPA S K

MOULTING & METHODS OF MOULTING

Definition of moulting….. In birds ,moulting is the periodic replacement of

feathers by shedding old feathers while producing new ones feathers are dead structures at maturity which are gradually abraded and need to replaced.

Adult birds moult at least once year, although many moult twice and few three times each year……

The three main factors that bring about moulting Physical exhaustion and fatigue Completion of the laying cycle Reduction of the day length ,resulting in

reduced feeding time and consequent loss of body weight.

Brief about the moulting…. it is generally a slow process as birds rarely shed

all their feathers at any one time. The bird must retain sufficient feathers to regulate

its body temperature and repel moisture. The number and areas of feathers that are shed

varies. In some moulting periods ,a bird may renew only

the feathers on head and body ,shedding the wing and tail feathers during a later moulting period.

!!! Feathers contain 85% protein In extreme cases if chickens are not getting

enough protein they will peck at other birds feathers and eat them in order to increase their protein levels

If dietary protein deficiency

Provide additional protein to the diet via the drinking water in the form of chicken vet amino+

In case of pecked chicken will need to replace lost feathers. The addition of chicken vet oregano + in daily drinking water for about 5 days continuously required.

Continued…… Some species of birds become flightless

during an annual “wing moult” and must seek protected habitat with a reliable food supply.

The process of moulting in birds is as follows :the first ,bird begins to shed some older feathers,then pin feathers become full feathers ,the other others feathers are shed.

It is usually symmetricalwith feather loss on each side of the body.

NATURAL MOULTING Natural moulting usually begins sometime during

March-April and should be completed by July when egg production recommences. The three main factors which bring about moulting are:

physical exhaustion and fatigue completion of the laying cycle. Birds only lay eggs

for a certain period of time reduction of day length, resulting in reduced

feeding time, and consequent loss of bodyweight.

FORCE MOUTING Force moulting is a practice adopted by some

commercial egg producers to bring about a rapid moult so that all the birds come back into lay for a second time at a certain time of the year, usually in autumn.

It is achieved by subjecting a flock to a programmed combination of mild environmental stress factors causing the birds to cease laying and consequently moult e.g. decreasing the artificial lighting programme. Force moulting is a practice not normally applicable to the household situation. Natural moulting is slower and more erratic than force moulting.

moulting……..

Forced moulting method In some countries ,flocks of commercial layer

hens are forced moulted to reinvigorate egg laying. this usually involves complete withdrawal of their food and sometimes water for 7-14 days up to 28 days under experimental conditions.

This causes a body weight loss of 25-35% which stimulates the hen to loose feathers.

Others methods of inducing a moult include low density diets……eg:cotton seed meal

Continued…….. Moulting is normal process of chickens and other

feathered species. it occurs in both sexes. Decreases in day length is normal trigger for moulting. Minor stress such as temporary feed or water shortage and diseases, can also initiate a partial or premature moulting. It gives hen a period of rest during which she rejuvenates her bodily processes

Forced moulting of flock is suggested whenever the egg production is less and egg prices are less.

STAGES OF MOULTING First moult: when down is replaced by the first

juvenile plumage occurring at 6-8 days and ending at 4weeks.

Second moult :when first juvenile plumage is replaced by the second second juvenile plumage .this occur over a number of week starting between 7 and 12 weeks of age

Third moult: occurs in the hen at 16 to 18 months.

THANK YOU