Forced Molting Research Articles

Impact of different mating ratios of broiler breeder on reproductive performance during post moult phase.

Studies comparing mating ratio after forced molting are important for improving the efficiency of broiler breeder flocks. This study examined the effect of mating ratios on Egg production, chick weight, fertility, hatchability and embryonic mortality rate in Arbor Acres Plus broiler breeders post-moult phase. A total of 195 birds (62 weeks old), consisting of 15 cocks and 180 hens were randomly allocated with uniform body weight in a Completely Randomized Design into three groups based on the mating ratio (cock to hen). The groups included ratios of 1:10, 1:12, and 1:14, with each group replicated 5 times. Eggs were collected twice a day, and stored for 7 days at room temperature before placing them in the incubator. Results showed that mating ratios 1:10 and 1:12 had a positive effect on fertility rate and total hatchability compared to the 1:14 ratio. However, mating ratios did not affect laying rate, egg weight, egg mass, chick weight, hatchability of fertile eggs, and embryonic mortality rate. In conclusion, to reduce the cost of raising and caring cocks, a mating ratio of one cock to every twelve hens can be used for broiler breeders after forced molting to obtain the best fertility and hatching results.

Contrary to phylogenetic predictions, crown coloration of the Eared Dove is not regulated by sex hormones

The mechanisms regulating plumage coloration appear to be phylogenetically conserved in avian species: the plesiomorphic character state is estrogen-dependent regulation, while testosterone, luteinizing hormone, and non-hormonal control are derived states. Limited data exist on the underlying regulatory processes of sexual dichromatism in the Eared Dove ( Zenaida auriculata (Des Murs, 1847)). Since the Columbiformes order is close to basal branches, we hypothesized that estrogen and testosterone play a central role in the regulation of crown plumage coloration in the Eared Dove. To test this, we subjected adult males to a forced molt accompanied by an exogenous increase of estradiol and testosterone to determine whether the presence of these hormones during molting modified the spectrophotometric characteristics of the plumage. No significant differences were found between treatments and controls in the colorimetric variables hue, ultraviolet saturation, and brightness. Similarly, the avian visual model showed no perceptible changes in chromatic and achromatic signals in the individual male adults. We also analyzed the effects of estrogen and testosterone on the growth speed of the new feathers. The hormone-treated groups increased in the speed of molting compared to the control group. These results suggest that the Eared Dove is an exception to basal branch models: rather than regulating coloration, sex hormones speed up the growth of the new feathers.

Effects of cage type and the light-dark cycle on the behavior of hens subjected to forced molting.

In this study, the effects of cage type and the light-dark cycle on the behavior of hens before, during, and after forced molting were determined. For this purpose, 73-week-old hens were placed in the two different cage types used in the experiment. The barley method was used to induce molting at 75 weeks of age. The molting period lasted 35 days in total. The frequencies of walking, feeding, comforting, and preening behaviors were affected by the forced molting period. The addition of enrichment materials to the cage did not cause any changes in hen behavior. The light-dark cycle was important for the frequency of all examined behaviors except fighting behavior. No interaction was found among forced molting period, cage type, and light-dark cycle regarding behaviors. It is thought that there is a decrease in welfare-related behaviors at the end of the laying period and this decrease does not increase with forced molting using barley; on the contrary, appropriate forced molting applied to hens during this period will increase welfare. It was observed that cage type did not cause a significant difference in hen behavior during the forced molting period.

Immunity and Glycogen Metabolism of Laying Hens Fed Diets Supplemented with Manganese Sulfate During the Force Molting

Immunity and Glycogen Metabolism of Laying Hens Fed Diets Supplemented with Manganese Sulfate During the Force Molting

Review: Current challenges in poultry nutrition, health, and welfare.

The poultry industry has benefited greatly from advances in genetics, nutrition, housing and management strategies. Geneticists have made welfare and health traits important components of selection programs, and in general, modern, high-producing poultry are healthier than 30years ago. However, increased productivity means that the birds are closer to their physiological limits, and nutrition, environment and management have become increasingly important. The move away from in-feed antibiotic growth promotors has resulted in challenges in maintaining gut health and consequently, bird performance. However, as the industry adapts to production without the use of antibiotic growth promotors, long-term benefits may be realized due to a reduction in antimicrobial resistance. Intensive selection for meat yield and efficiency are associated with an increased risk of muscle myopathies that affect bird health and meat quality. As genetic selection increased broiler production traits, it became necessary to restrict parent stock nutrient intake in order to prevent excessive muscle and fat deposition, reduce metabolic disease, and maintain ovarian control. With continued selection for broiler production traits, the degree of restriction implemented has become a welfare issue. Additionally, recent research suggests that highly efficient broiler lines may have limited fat deposition and therefore energy reserves to support sexual maturation and egg production, especially if typical broiler breeder BW targets are maintained. A re-examination of broiler breeder feeding programs is necessary to maintain productivity and welfare. Modern laying hens are capable of laying cycles in excess of 100weeks of age. This has reduced the use of stress-inducing forced molting programs and reduces the total number of hens needed to meet the demand for egg production. The important role of the skeletal system in eggshell deposition demands that skeletal development during rearing be carefully managed to avoid shell and skeletal problems at the end of the production cycle. As the production potential of modern poultry continues to increase through genetic and genomic selection, even greater care must be paid in order to maintain bird health and welfare. The poultry industry has successfully faced many challenges in the past and is likely to overcome the existing challenges as well.

Bioceutical role of nano and organic selenium on certain reproductive value of laying hen during force molting

Nanotechnology has proposed many new effective forms of nutritional supplement ingredients due to their low toxicity and high bioavailability, among which are nano-selenium, due to their distinctive properties of small particles and increased surface area of ​​compounds, allowing the opportunity for biological interactions. In this study, 48 laying hens, aged 47 weeks, of a rose type were used, and the experiment lasted for two months. The birds were fed two types of diets, one standard and the other a non-standard diet, represented by the use of crushed yellow corn for molting. The birds were divided into six groups 8 birds/group, with the first group receiving a standard diet, the second group receiving only yellow tops crushed, the third group receiving organic-Se 2 g/L with a standard diet, the fourth group receiving Nano-Se 0.5 ml/L with standard stalk, the fifth group receiving organic- Se with straw 2 g/L, and the sixth group receiving nano-Se with straw 0.5 ml/L. The results showed a significant rise in ovary weight, oviduct weight, number of immature and mature follicles, FSH, LH, as well as an improvement in the histological characteristics of the shell gland in the groups treated with nano and organic-Se, indicating that nano-Se plays a critical role in restoring most reproductive and histological parameters to their normal levels, close to the baseline. This study found that organic and nano-Se are crucial in improving most reproductive and physiological parameters of laying hens exposed to molting.

Chicken Hypothalamic and Ovarian DNA Methylome Alteration in Response to Forced Molting

Epigenetic modifications play an important role in regulating animal adaptation to external stress. To explore how DNA methylation regulates the expression levels of related genes during forced molting (FM) of laying hens, the hypothalamus and ovary tissues were analyzed at five periods using Whole-Genome Bisulfite Sequencing. The results show that methylation levels fluctuated differently in the exon, intron, 5'UTR, 3'UTR, promoter, and intergenic regions of the genome during FM. In addition, 16 differentially methylated genes (DMGs) regulating cell aging, immunity, and development were identified in the two reversible processes of starvation and redevelopment during FM. Comparing DMGs with differentially expressed genes (DEGs) obtained in the same periods, five hypermethylated DMGs (DSTYK, NKTR, SMOC1, SCAMP3, and ATOH8) that inhibited the expression of DEGs were found. Therefore, DMGs epigenetically modify the DEGs during the FM process of chickens, leading to the rapid closure and restart of their reproductive function and a re-increase in the egg-laying rate. Therefore, this study further confirmed that epigenetic modifications could regulate gene expression during FM and provides theoretical support for the subsequent optimization of FM technology.

THE USE OF MARBLE POWDER IN MOLTING PROGRAMS IN LAYING HENS

Molting is a common practice used by the commercial egg industry to rejuvenate flocks. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of marble powder on egg production performance of laying hens during premolt and postmolt periods. For this purpose, 69126 Hy-Line White 36 (W-36) laying hens (80 weeks old) were obtained from a commercial egg production farm. All of the chickens who lived to 90 weeks of age were subjected to the forced molting program. The time of the molting program was determined according to the body weight loss of the chickens. On the tenth day of the molting program, when hens in the group had lost an average of 23.10% of their body weight, feeding was resumed. Egg production performance was tracked for hens who lived to 100 weeks of age. It was observed that egg production (% hen-day) ranged from 42.69 to 69.51%, 0 to 51.59% and 0 to 74.68% in the premolt, molt and postmolt periods, respectively. The results of this study suggest that the addition of marble powder to forced molting programs of laying hens has a beneficial effect on egg production, particularly during the postmolt period.

EFFECT OF FORCE MOLTING USING HIGH LEVELS OF DIETARY NANO ZINC OXIDE ON PRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE OF LAYING HENS

The experiment was conducted during 1/4/2020-7/31/2020 to study the effect of adding high levels of nano-zinc oxide with the diet to induce force molting in laying hens by measuring some productivite traits. Eighty laying hens, 69 weeks old were used, randomly divided into four treatments, five replicates for each treatment using CRD. Experimental treatments were: first treatment (T1), second treatment (T2), third treatment (T3) and fourth treatment (T4), which means control treatment without molting, adding 10, 15, and 20 gm of nano-zinc oxide / kg feed respectively. Results showed significant decreases (P<0.01) in egg production and almost ceased in the 2nd and 3rd week after start molting. Egg production increased significantly in T2, T3, and T4 when compared to T1 since 2nd week of starting egg production until the end of the period. The mean of egg production was 54.8, 75.19, 74.9 and 78.0 in T1, T2, T3 and T4 respectively . There was a significant decreases in body weight during the molting and most of the loss was in liver, pancreas, ovary and oviduct. It can be concluded that 10, 15 and 20 gm of nano-zinc oxide/kg feed showed high efficiency in inducing molting and producing eggs, and the level of 20 gm was the best.

Understanding Transcriptomic and Serological Differences between Forced Molting and Natural Molting in Laying Hens.

Molting is natural adaptation to climate change in all birds, including chickens. Forced molting (FM) can rejuvenate and reactivate the reproductive potential of aged hens, but the effect of natural molting (NM) on older chickens is not clear. To explore why FM has a dramatically different effect on chickens compared with NM, the transcriptome analyses of the hypothalamus and ovary in forced molted and natural molted hens at two periods with feathers fallen and regrown were performed. Additionally, each experimental chicken was tested for serological indices. The results of serological indices showed that growth hormone, thyroid stimulating hormone, and thyroxine levels were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in forced molted hens than in natural molted hens, and calcitonin concentrations were lower in the forced molted than in the natural molted hens. Furthermore, the transcriptomic analysis revealed a large number of genes related to disease resistance and anti-aging in the two different FM and NM periods. These regulatory genes and serological indices promote reproductive function during FM. This study systematically revealed the transcriptomic and serological differences between FM and NM, which could broaden our understanding of aging, rejuvenation, egg production, and welfare issues related to FM in chickens.

Transcriptomic Analysis of Laying Hens Revealed the Role of Aging-Related Genes during Forced Molting.

Molting in birds provides us with an ideal genetic model for understanding aging and rejuvenation since birds present younger characteristics for reproduction and appearance after molting. Forced molting (FM) by fasting in chickens causes aging of their reproductive system and then promotes cell redevelopment by providing water and feed again. To reveal the genetic mechanism of rejuvenation, we detected blood hormone indexes and gene expression levels in the hypothalamus and ovary of hens from five different periods during FM. Three hormones were identified as participating in FM. Furthermore, the variation trends of gene expression levels in the hypothalamus and ovary at five different stages were found to be basically similar using transcriptome analysis. Among them, 45 genes were found to regulate cell aging during fasting stress and 12 genes were found to promote cell development during the recovery period in the hypothalamus. In addition, five hub genes (INO80D, HELZ, AGO4, ROCK2, and RFX7) were identified by WGCNA. FM can restart the reproductive function of aged hens by regulating expression levels of genes associated with aging and development. Our study not only enriches the theoretical basis of FM but also provides insights for the study of antiaging in humans and the conception mechanism in elderly women.

Molting method alternative and detection of estrogen receptors by immunohistochemical methods on molted layers.

Three experiments were designed to evaluate the effects of different molting methods on the growth performance, detection of estrogen receptors (ERs), and immunohistochemical properties of some tissues in pre-, during, and post-molting of layers. In experiment 1, 302 Hy-line W-36 were reared from 75 to 76weeks. In experiment 2, a total of 252 Hy-line W-36 were randomly allocated to 7 groups, with 6 replications and 6 birds in each. Hens fed in the E and D groups reached 30% of loss weight sooner (P < 0.05). Egg production was also sooner stopped in the FW group than in other ones (P < 0.05). In experiment 3, after inducing molting, each group in experiment 2 was divided into 2 groups with and without Humulus lupulus (Hop). The E group feed intake was increased, as compared to groups F and C (P < 0.05). A significant increase in egg weight was found by applying Hop and molting methods (P < 0.05). Days for return to the initial egg production and 10% egg laying were significantly decreased in the birds fed by Hop in the E and D groups (P < 0.05). The W-D, N-D, W-E, and N-E groups sooner returned to 50% egg laying, in comparison to other treatments (P < 0.05). Plasma estrogen and ERs were decreased by the molting programs, as compared with pre-molting; however, Hop increased their post-molting. After the molting period, egg production and ERs were increased significantly, as compared with the pre-molting period. To conclude, the white button mushroom residual, through decreasing ERs, could be used successfully for forced molting, and Hop could lead to a good performance by increasing ERs in the second laying cycle.

Probiotic Bacillus subtilis C-3102 Improves Eggshell Quality after Forced Molting in Aged Laying Hens.

This study was carried out to evaluate the effects of probiotic Bacillus subtilis C-3102 feed additive on quality characteristics including strength, thickness, and weight of eggshells of Boris Brown laying hens. The control group (n=64) was fed a basal diet comprised of maize and feed rice, whereas the experimental group (n=64) was fed a basal diet supplemented with B. subtilis C-3102 (3×105 CFU/g) starting at 49 weeks of age. From 67 to 69 weeks, all hens were induced to molt using an anorexic program; then, the birds in both groups returned to their respective diets (from 69 to 82 weeks). Eggshell strength, measured six times with 60 eggs selected before the molting treatment, was significantly greater in the C-3102 group than in the control group at 51, 59, 63, and 66 weeks (3.45, 3.44, 3.28, and 3.13 kg/cm2; P<0.05, 0.05, 0.01, and 0.01, respectively). Moreover, eggshell strength—measured three times after the molting treatment—was significantly greater in the C-3102 group than in the control group at 73 and 77 weeks (3.79 and 3.65 kg/cm2; P<0.01 and 0.01, respectively). Eggshell thickness was also significantly greater in the C-3102 group than in the control group at 73 and 77 weeks (0.400 and 0.390 mm; P<0.01 and 0.01, respectively). Fecal samples collected from eight hens of each group at 70 weeks of age after forced molting, showed a significantly higher proportion of Lactobacillus spp. in the C-3102 group (8.94 log CFU/g) (P<0.05) than in the control group (8.63 log CFU/g). Clostridium spp. abundance was significantly lower in the C-3102 group (2.92 log CFU/g) than in the control group (4.3 log CFU/g). These results suggest that C-3102 supplementation improves eggshell quality in aged laying hens, particularly after forced molting.

Effects of cage type on performance, welfare, and microbiological properties of laying hens during the molting period and the second production cycle.

As most of the unenriched cages will soon switch to enriched cages, it is important to characterize all the effects in the laying hens for sustainable production. Laying hens can be used in several production periods by applying molting. The aim of this study was to determine the cage type (unenriched and enriched) on performance, welfare, and microbiological properties of laying hens during the molting period and the second production cycle. Overall, 840 brown laying hybrids were used in the experiment. Laying hens were reared on two different cage types (unenriched cage (UEC) and enriched cage (EC)) in the same poultry house. When the hybrids were 75weeks old, they were subjected to force molting with whole grain barley. Performance, welfare, microbiological, and serological data of laying hens were obtained from 73 to 107weeks of age. Egg production, egg weight, feed conversion ratio, breaking strength, albumen and yolk index, Haugh unit, feather condition, and breaking force of femur and metatarsus were better in the post-molting period. However, keel bone deformities and Newcastle disease virus antibody titers are the worst in the post-molting period. Stiffness of femur and metatarsus was increased with period. These results indicate that necessary precautions should be taken against the problems that may occur in the direction of bone and health. During the molting period, hens kept in EC had lower egg production but they returned to egg production at a high rate. EC type had a positive effect on egg production, feed conversion ratio, feather and foot condition, and breaking force of metatarsus.

Pengaruh Injeksi Introvit-E-Selen terhadap Lama Force Molting dan Hen Day Ayam Isa Brown

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of Intovit-E-Selen injection on the length of force molting and Hen Day of Isa Brown hens. The experimental animal used was 80-week-old Isa Brown hens. A total of 80 Isa Brown hens were divided into 4 treatments with 20 replications. The treatments consisted of P0 (0.3 ml Phosphate Buffer Saline), P1 (0.3 ml Intovit-E-Selen Injection), P2 (0.6 ml Intovit-E-Selen Injection), and P3 (0.9 ml Intovit-E-Selen Injection). The study was conducted by calculating the length of force molting and Hen Day. The research results were analyzed using ANOVA, followed by further tests using the Duncan test. The results showed that the treatment of P3 (0.9 ml of Introvit-E-Selen Injection) had an influence on the length of force molting with an average value of 30.55 ± 2.74 and the treatment of P2 (0.6 ml of Introvit-E-Selen Injection) had an influence on Hen Day with an average value of 80.25 ± 1.48. Introvit-E-Selen injection in Isa Brown chickens can shorten the time of force molting and increase the percentage of Hen Day.

Improving effects of Epimedium flavonoids on the selected reproductive features in layer hens after forced molting

In the present study, for the purpose of investigating the effects of the total flavonoids of Epimedium (TFE) in regard to preventing the development of atrophied oviducts and follicles induced by forced molting, 300-day-old Hy-Line Brown layer hens were divided into 3 study groups as follows: the control (CON) group was the normal group, without forced molting and TFE treatments; the TFE1 group was treated by adding a 1‰ TFE treatment after forced molting; and the TFE0 group was not treated by TFE after forced molting. During this study's experimental process, the egg production rates were recorded each day. In addition, the hens were randomly chosen to be weighed every 4 D and also randomly selected to be sacrificed every 7 D. Then, sample tissues of albumen-secreting part and uterus from the fallopian tube of the layer hens were collected for PCR and hematoxylin-eosin staining tests. The results showed that the body weights, number of follicles, and weights and sizes of the fallopian tube for the TFE1 and TFE0 groups were significantly reduced when compared with those of the control group on the 15th D of the experiment. Furthermore, at the end of study, it was found that the egg production rates, weights of the fallopian tube, and ovarian follicles of TFE1 had recovered to normal levels. At the same time, the serum estrogen and the expressions of the progesterone receptor and estrogen receptor mRNA in fallopian tube were higher than those observed for the TFE0 group. The results of this study provided valuable evidence that TFE could improve the development of atrophied oviducts and increase the egg laying rates, thereby making it a potential multicomponent natural drug for egg production in the future.

The Effects of Using Oregano and L-Carnitine on Second Phase Laying Performance Parameters of Force Molting Programs in Laying Hens

This study was carried out to use Oregano leaf and L-carnitine as an&#x0D; alternative feed additives in alfalfa flour or low Sodium-Calcium (Na-Ca) diet&#x0D; and to determine their effect on second phase laying period after force molting&#x0D; in commercial laying hens. A total of 1170 birds were divided into 13 groups&#x0D; which were further subdivided into 6 replicates having 15 birds in each. A&#x0D; negative control group (K) which was&#x0D; neither forced molted nor provided with any feed additive substances in their&#x0D; diets Moreover, other three treatment groups (M: Marbel powder, A:&#x0D; Alfalfa, F: Low Ca-Na diet), were&#x0D; forced molted and one withhold feeding group was used for the study; the forced&#x0D; molted groups were supplied L-carnitine (C)&#x0D; (100 ppm) and Oregano leaves (O) (5%)&#x0D; as a feed additive in designed individual diets (MC, AC, FC, MO, AO, FO )&#x0D; alone and in combination (50 ppm; 2.5%) in groups (MCO, ACO, FCO). All hens were feeding with commercial feeds during&#x0D; the second laying phase.The&#x0D; trial was 98 days after 22 days of forcing stage. Performance&#x0D; parameters (except egg quality) were measured during 14 days periods. In the&#x0D; results, eggs yield values were found significantly higher (P&amp;lt;0.01) among&#x0D; the treatment groups over control group. It was concluded that supplementing&#x0D; L-carnitine and Oregano leaves could be used as an alternative feed additives&#x0D; in alfalfa meal during feed withdrawal period and their combination also showed&#x0D; a positive impact on laying performance in laying hens.&amp;nbsp;

Salmonella Enteritidis infection, corticosterone levels, performance and egg quality in laying hens submitted to different methods of molting

In commercial layer poultry farming, molt induction is an important tool used by egg producers to prolong the production cycle of laying hens. Conventional molt induction programs involve total feed withdrawal, which raises questions about animal welfare and increased infection susceptibility. The high incidence of paratyphoid salmonellosis infections in commercial poultry farming is still an important health challenge because in addition to affecting the birds, such infections also cause public health problems. In this context, experiments were performed with laying hens at 79 wk of age to compare the conventional forced molting method (fasting) with an alternative method (free wheat bran supply) and determine their effect on the persistence of vaccine antibodies against Newcastle disease, the control and reduction of experimentally inoculated Salmonella Enteritidis, and the performance and egg quality of hens. A reduction (P < 0.05) of Salmonella Enteritidis in the crop and lower production of corticosterone were observed in the birds that received wheat bran compared with those subjected to total fasting. Moreover, a better performance (P < 0.05) with regard to egg production, egg mass, and feed conversion/kg and dozen eggs was observed in the hens that received the alternative treatment compared to the conventional forced molting method. Thus, the use of wheat bran for forced molting was found to be feasible and met the welfare needs of the hens.

Analysis of excreta bacterial community after forced molting in aged laying hens.

ObjectiveAs laying hens become aged, laying performance and egg quality are generally impaired. One of the practical methods to rejuvenate production and egg quality of aged laying hens with decreasing productivity is a forced molting. However, the changes in intestinal microbiota after forced molting of aged hens are not clearly known. The aim of the present study was to analyze the changes in excreta bacterial communities after forced molting of aged laying hens.MethodsA total of one hundred 66-wk-old Hy-Line Brown laying hens were induced to molt by a 2-d water removal and an 11-d fasting until egg production completely ceased. The excreta samples of 16 hens with similar body weight were collected before and immediately after molting. Excreta bacterial communities were analyzed by high-throughput sequencing of bacterial 16S rRNA genes.ResultsBacteroidetes, Firmicutes, and Proteobacteria were the three major bacterial phyla in pre-molting and immediate post-molting hens, accounting for more than 98.0%. Lactobacillus genus had relatively high abundance in both group, but decreased by molting (62.3% in pre-molting and 24.9% in post-molting hens). Moreover, pathogenic bacteria such as Enterococcus cecorum and Escherichia coli were more abundant in immediate post-molting hens than in pre-molting hens. Forced molting influenced the alpha diversity, with higher Chao1 (p = 0.012), phylogenetic diversity whole tree (p = 0.014), observed operational taxonomic unit indices (p = 0.006), and Simpson indices (p<0.001), which indicated that forced molting increased excreta bacterial richness of aged laying hens.ConclusionThis study improves the current knowledge of bacterial community alterations in the excreta by forced molting in aged laying hens, which can provide increasing opportunity to develop novel dietary and management skills for improving the gastrointestinal health of aged laying hens after molting.

Yumurtacı Tavuklarda Kekik (Oregano) ve L-karnitin’in Yem Katkısı Olarak Alternatif Zorlamalı Tüy Dökümü Programında Kullanılması

This research was carried out in order to determine the effects of forced molting programs induced by feeding the hens an alfalfa based and low Na-Ca induction feed as an alternative to forced molting program with feed withdrawal and the effect of L-carnitine and Oregano plant in powder form as feed additives on the induction period parameters. A total of 1170 birds were divided into 13 groups. The trial was continued for a total of 36 days, with the first 14 days of adaptation and 22 days of force molting. A negative control group ( K ) which was neither forced molted nor provided with any feed additive substances in their diets Moreover, other three treatment groups ( M : Marbel powder, Y : Alfalfa, F : Low Ca-Na diet), were forced molted and one withhold feeding group was used for the study; the forced molted groups were supplied L-carnitine ( C ) (100 ppm) and dried oregano leaves ( O ) (5%) as a feed additive in designed individual diets ( MC, AC , FC, MO, AO, FO ) alone and in combination (50 ppm; 2.5%) in groups ( MCO, ACO, FCO ). In the light of this data it could be said that the live weight loss achieved with qualitative alfalfa meal feed restriction exceeds 30% and exceeds the live weight loss ensured by an 11 day feed withdrawal. Based on these parameters it is concluded that supplementing feed additives into alfalfa meal could be an alternative to the feed withdrawal method and alfalfa meal with a combination of L-carnitine and oregano plant has a positive impact on performance.