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.