Effect of MER-29 on Egg Production in the Chicken.

Abstract
Administration of MER-29 to laying hens is followed over a 2-week period by gradual replacement of 85% of the egg cholesterol by desmosterol. Accumulation of desmosterol in the egg is followed by cessation of egg production; following withdrawal of MER-29 from the diet, egg production returns to normal only after a lag phase of 12 days. This sequence of events suggests that MER-29 inhibits maturation of the ova rather than the subsequent events in egg formation.