Delay of onset of oviposition in pullets promoted by 6-methoxybenzoxazolinone.
Single Comb White Leghorn pullets were used to determine the effects of 6-methoxy-2-benzoxazolinone (6-MBOA) and photoperiod on sexual maturity and egg production. Pullets were maintained on a constant 11L:13D photoperiod until 18 weeks of age and then were divided into two light-controlled chambers. Half the pullets in each chamber received a standard layer mash and the other half received the same diet supplemented with 6-MBOA (MB). Over the ensuing 21 days, the photoperiods were increased to 15L:9D in one chamber and 12L:12D in the other. Consumption of MB resulted in delayed sexual maturity and lower average egg production of those pullets when compared with pullets in the 15L:9D chamber. No significant difference between MB and C pullets was noted in the 12L:12D chamber. These results are similar to those obtained with pinealectomized quail and chickens.
D000818:Animals; D001583:Benzoxazoles / Q000494:pharmacology*; D002645:Chickens / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D008029:Lighting; D010058:Oviposition / Q000187:drug effects*; D012741:Sexual Maturation / Q000187:drug effects*
D001583:Benzoxazoles; C031896:6-methoxybenzoxazolinone