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Efficacy of supplementation
There were some studies in literature regarding the supplementation in the diet of molted layers to get early recovery from the molting stress, better production performance and health status which is now a growing field of interest. The current study was designed in this context to seek beneficial impact of supplementation (protein, symbiotic and probiotic) in the improvement of post molt production performance and health status of the layers. Some researchers have reported the positive effect of supplementation with protein and follicle stimulating hormones in molted nera black hens regarding the early recovery from the post molt stress and better performance.

Adding a particular protein to the diets of laying hens after induced molting, will increase the overall health status and performance of the birds.

The most common non pathogenic habitant microorganisms of the intestine like Lactobacilli and Bifidobacterium are more sensitive to the stress. The process of induced molting is also a type of stress in which these microorganisms were most commonly compensated in birds. So the supplementation of these probiotic microbes in the post molt rest phase can augment the efficacy of induced molting. Probiotics (meaning ‘‘for life’’) are defined as microbial cell preparations commonly having Lactobacilli, Bifidobacterium and yeast that have a beneficial effect on the health and wellbeing of the host. Moreover the use of microbial cell preparations in replacing the antibiotics is also a better substitution after the emerging issue of antibiotic resistance.

The supplementation with 2% extra crude protein (CP 18% rather 16%), probiotic (Protexin) and symbiotic (Perfectin) in the molted layers was thus experimented in the current study. A non supplemented, receiving CP 16% diet group of molted birds was also studied parallel as control group to compare the efficacy of supplementation. The study was novel in an aspect as there were no reports in literature available regarding the efficacy of these supplementations on the biological health markers, serum biochemistry, immune status and production performance (egg production and quality) of molted layers.

 

Biological health markers
The enhanced generations of reactive oxygen species and the reduced defences by low production of endogenous antioxidants/decreased intake in the diet are some common factors towards the development of oxidative stress. The study of oxidative health markers and related enzymes in response to these supplementation programmes will be of prime importance.

The supplementation in the current study did show a significant response in decreasing the total oxidant status and homocysteine level alongside increasing the total antioxidant capacity of the body in molted birds. The improvement in the total antioxidant capacity was seen due to the increase in antioxidant related enzymes (Paraoxonase, Arylesterase and ceruloplasmin) activity. This positive response was more prominent in the protein supplemented group.

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