Effect of 17-Alpha-Ethyl-17-Hydroxynorandrostenone on Rate of Lay in the Domestic Fowl

INTRODUCTION IT COULD BE of great economic importance to the husbandryman to be able to remove domestic fowl from lay for a predicted period of time, by some relatively simple method. While working with 17-alpha-ethyl-l7-hydroxynorandrostenone (Nilevar) (Winget and Griffin, 1962), it soon became apparent that this compound, at least theoretically, could provide this method. Therefore, the present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of various levels of Nilevar on rate of lay, and also to determine the most efficient method of administering this drug. METHOD Laying SCWL hens, approximately one year old, were treated with Nilevar to cause cessation of lay. One series of birds received a daily oral dose (Groups A, B, C, D), a second series was given the drug in a single oral dose (Group E), and a third series received a single intramuscular injection of the Nilevar preparation (Group F). Table 1 shows the number …