Raw Data from the Experimental Evaluation of Different Molt Induction Programs in Laying Hens

This repository contains the complete experimental dataset supporting the manuscript "Endocrine–metabolic integration and reproductive regression in laying hens subjected to different molt induction programs." The dataset includes raw and curated data obtained from an experiment conducted on 75 Rhode Island Red laying hens (79 weeks of age) assigned to five different molt induction programs: feed withdrawal, restricted commercial feed (CF), wheat bran (WB), alfalfa, and sorghum. The study was designed to evaluate how different levels of physiological restriction influence the endocrine, metabolic, and productive responses associated with reproductive regression and post-molt recovery. Measurements include productive performance, body weight dynamics, feed intake, egg production, apparent nutrient digestibility, nitrogen balance, energy balance, and endocrine–metabolic biomarkers collected during the pre-molt, molt induction, target weight-loss day (TWLD), and post-molt recovery phases. Hormonal determinations comprise estradiol, progesterone, prolactin, insulin, insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), triiodothyronine (T3), and corticosterone, while metabolic variables include glucose, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), and urea. The repository contains the original experimental observations used for all statistical analyses reported in the associated manuscript, including mixed models, repeated-measures analyses, correlation analyses, and linear regression models. The dataset has been curated to facilitate data reuse and includes a README file describing the experimental design and a data dictionary explaining the variables. These data are made publicly available to promote transparency, reproducibility, and secondary analyses in poultry nutrition, physiology, and endocrinology.