Molting is a process by which a hens reproductive tract is rejuvenated prior to the beginning of a laying cycle. This process is
often artificially induced in commercial settings in order to extend the productive life of a flock of hens. The most common method
for the induction of molt is feed withdrawal for a period of several days. It has been noted that feed withdrawal, while effective in
inducing molt and allowing an adequate reproductive rest period for the hen, may cause deleterious effects on the animal. This has
prompted the investigation of alternatives to feed deprivation for the induction of molt in commercial laying hens. This study
involved feeding alfalfa to hens to assess its ability to induce molt. Results show that alfalfa meal and alfalfa pelleted diets were
equally effective as feed withdrawal in causing ovary weight regression in birds. Molted hens induced by alfalfa diets exhibited postmolt
levels of egg production over a twelve week period that were similar to that of hens molted by feed withdrawal. The postmolt
eggs laid by hens molted by alfalfa were of comparable quality to eggs from feed deprived hens. Alfalfa, a fibrous feed with low
metabolizable energy, may be provided to hens on an ad libitum basis for an effective molt induction that retains comparable
egg quality and production.