Abstract
Iodine as potassium iodide was fed to sexually mature pullets and hens that had completed one year of lay, to study the effects upon egg production, fertility, hatchability, embryonic mortality and incubation time. Dietary intakes at 5 levels from zero to 5000 ppm iodine were fed in a practical-type diet for 6 weeks. Measurement of egg production was continued following the iodine feeding period. Egg production decreased with increasing levels of iodine and ceased with intakes of 5000 ppm. The decreases were greater for hens than for pullets. Production commenced and increased rapidly within one week after change to control diets and was equal to that of control birds during a 27- and 18-week subsequent feeding period for pullets and hens. Molting did not accompany the cessation of lay in pullets but some mature hens molted. Mature ova were present in birds not laying but ovulation did not occur. Weight of eggs produced during the period of iodine feeding was reduced but returned to normal within 3 weeks. Fertility of eggs was not affected but high embryonic death, low hatchability and delayed hatching were observed.
Published Version
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