During the early postmolt period (72 to 76 weeks of age), birds in all FM groups consumed significantly more feed and had significantly higher hen-day egg production than birds in the control group. Albumen height and shell thickness measured at 76 weeks of age were significantly improved by all FM treatments.
During the postmolt period (72 to 124 weeks of age), hens in the FM8 group had the highest hen-day egg production and best feed efficiency, whereas birds in the control group had the lowest hen-day egg production and poorest feed efficiency. However, these differences were not statistically significant. Percent hen-day egg production was positively and significantly correlated with FM period. Mortality rate during this period was significantly lower for the FM4 and for the FM8 groups as compared to the control group. Egg shell thickness was significantly improved in two out of the three FM treatments.