Melengestrol acetate (MGA) as an effective alternative to induce molting in laying hens

The current experiments were conducted to determine if an orally active progestin, melengestrol acetate (MGA), would be an effective method to induce molting that addresses hen well-being during and after molt. MGA can easily be administered to a large population because it is orally active and can be included in a balanced layer diet. Hens could be fed throughout the molting process, which would address the concerns brought about by other methods in that there is a nutrient deficiency that results in hen weight loss. If feeding MGA can effectively lead to a reversible regression of the oviduct then it may also lead to an increase in egg quality post-molt.