Project Number: 3602-32000-009-01
Project Type: Reimbursable

Start Date: Sep 15, 2005
End Date: Sep 14, 2009

Objective:
1) Determine the effectiveness of clonidine in inducing molting; 2) Characterize the effects of feed withdrawal and currently available alternative molting strategies (clonidine, wheat middling, and low-salt diets) on the functioning of behavioral, neuroendocrine, and immune systems as well as physical indices (plasticity of organs and bone mineral content and density); and 3) Evaluate the functional impact of each molting practice on hen well-being and its practical implication.

Approach:
The effects of molting practice on hen well-being will be measured using a variety of behavioral, physiological, microbiological, and immunological methods.