Authors: Natasha Gjorgovska, Kiril Filev

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Abstract

Molting could be initiate on different ways, but methods with application of restriction of feed and water, are the most popular because of it’s simplicity and practice. Eggs produced in second egg laying cycle had larger weight, shell quality is
weaker, laying intensity may be about 92-94% from the first cycle and feed conversion is higher for about 10%.

The aim of this investigation was to establish the influence of artificial molting on albumen height from produced eggs of laying hens from two genotypes ISA Brown 88 weeks and Hisex Brown 91 weeks old, in specific points in molting period.
During the preparing period of molting procedure the albumen height was 7.26 mm (group 1) and 7.15 mm (group 2), during the stress period there was reduction in both groups and the albumen height decreased for 9.09% and 14.68% in group 1 and 2.

During the second egg laying cycle it was established the increasing of albumen height on 8.38 mm and 8.61 mm in ISA Brown and Hisex Brown hens, respectively. The same tendency was establish in Haugh units (HU) in both experimental groups.

During the preparing period the value of Haugh units was 82.24 (group 1) and 81.78 (group 2). During the stress period the value was decreasing for 3.16% and 5.31% in group 1 and 2, respectively. The increasing of Haugh unit’s value was establish during the second egg laying cycle and it was 88.22 and 89.39 units in ISA Brown and Hisex Brown laying hens, respectively.

On the base of the obtain results of albumen height and Haugh units it can be concluded that in the second egg laying cycle the quality of eggs was increasing.

Key words: albumen height, Haugh units, eggs, molted hens.