One hundred and twenty Fayoumi pullets at 20 weeks of a e were used to
study the effect of pregnant mare serum gonadotropin (PMSG) on egg production and
some related blood serum hormones. Pullets were randomly dividedi inlo four equal
groups Pullets of all groups were housed in fleer pens: and food and water were
offered ad lib tum. Birds were fed a diet contained 14% crude protein, 2880 Kcal
ME/Kg diet, 3.7% calcium and 0.66% total phosphorous. The experiment strarted from
20 weeks and extended up to 35 weeks of age.
Birds of group 1 served as control (which were injected ith 2ml saline
solution/bird) at weeks 20 and 30, Those of groups 2 and 3 were subcuteonuosly
injected with 75 IU of PMSG /bird/day for four consecutive days at weeks 20 and 30,
respectively. While those of group 4 were twice injected at weeks 20 a~p 30.
Obtained results Indicate thaI PMSG injection improved (~ < 0.05) egg
production (number and weight) and feed conversion. Moreover, the injection reduced
(P < 0.05) the level of triiodothyronine (T3) in blood serum. While it 'ncreased (P <
0.05) serum progesterone (P.). estradiol (E2), and T4rrJ ratio. H wever, serum
thyroxin (T.) level was not affected by treatment. According to the obtained results it
could be concluded that PMSG injection might have a useful effect on egg production
of low producer birds when injected slightly before sexual maturity.