Authors: Natasha Gjorgovska, Kiril Filev

Publish: UDK 636.520.082.1

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Abstract

The purpose of an induced molting is to rejuvenate the reproductive system of the hen. During the process of rejuvenation, the reproductive organs should regress rapidly. The aim of this experiment was to investigate the morphological transformation of old hens from two different genotypes in the period of rejuvenation and peak of second egg laying cycle. The weight of reproductive system (ovary and oviduct) and some other vital organs (liver, spleen, pancreas and gizzard) were egzamined.

Ovary weight during the rejuvenation was decreasing 85,40% and 89,62% (group 1 ISA Brown laying hens and group 2 Hisex Brown laying hens), and after ending the period of stress till reaching the peak of egg laying they were growing and reached normal weight of 44,40g and 48,12 g in group 1 and 2, respectively (P<0.01).

The oviduct during rejuvenation period also decrease its mass for 67,09% in group 1 and 77,16% in group 2, at the ending of the stress period. Their mass was increased and on the peak of egg laying achieved normal weight of 72,72g and 78,40g in group 1 and 2 (P<0.01). The weight of liver was decreased in group 1 (37.63%) and in group 2 (44.70%)in comparison with the beginning of starvation and after the rejuvenation the weight was 45.02 g (group 1) and 48.38 g (group 2).

The weight of spleen, pancreas and gizzard were not significantly changed during the process of rejuvenation.

Key words: rejuvenation, ovary, oviduct, liver, spleen, pancreas, gizzard.