Nutrition
Explained |
Poultry species all very
regarding their feeding needs. However, there are basic prinicples
which they all have in common. That is the way they gain and use
various nutrients. This article is a collection of research from
various sources, all put together in basic terms.
Crude Protein
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Dietary protein
is important for animal growth. Crude protein
is a measurement based on the nitrogen content of ingredients.
However, not all protein is the same.
-
The components (amino
acids) that make up crude protein can differ a great
deal in type and concentration from one source to the next.
Therefore the quality of protein also varies.
-
There are essential
and non-essential amino acids. Essential
amino acids must be provided in the diets, while non-essential
amino acids can be produced by the animal itself if
necessary. The dietary balance of amino acids is also very important.
An animal will not perform well if the ratio
of one or more amino acids to the others is not appropriate.
-
Protein can
be found in most feedstuffs, but concentrated protein
supplements are often used in diets to meet amino acid
requirements. Cereal grains alone do not provide
enough of the essential amino acids or a balanced profile.
-
Typical sources
of concentrated protein are oilseed meals (such
as soybean meal), meat meal and fish
meal. Canola meal and legumes (peas, lentils) can be
used in limited quantities.
Vitamins and Minerals
-
These are required by
all animals in order to maintain health and
maximize production. Which ones are essential,
and the concentrations which are required varies amongst animal
species.
-
Vitamins are
organic compounds which are required in very
small amounts. They are important for most
physiological processes, including normal growth,
feathering and leg development.
-
Deficiencies
of various vitamins may cause problems such
as: skin lesions, nervous disorders,
muscle problems, reduced egg production,
reduced growth, and improper chick
development in eggs from breeding birds. The severity
of any of these problems will depend on which vitamin is inadequate,
and how deficient the diet is.
-
Minerals are
often classified as macro or trace minerals
in reference to the concentrations required. Macro-minerals
such as calcium and phosphorus are generally required in larger
quantities than trace minerals (iron, copper, iodine etc.).
In some cases, calcium and phosphorus
for example, the ratio of one to the other is also important.
Minerals are important for structural components
(such as bones) and/or physiological processes.
Deficiencies can lead to similar problems as
those caused by inadequate dietary vitamins.
-
Essential vitamins
and minerals are not always found in sufficient
quantities and/or available forms in the feedstuffs used for
poultry. They are therefore supplemented in diets
by using vitamin and mineral premixes. Premixes
are formulated specifically for each species,
for example, laying birds require a substantially
higher amount of calcium and
phosphorus than other birds.
Water
Details about water can be read
here. It is not often thought of as a nutrient itself,
but it is! And it's a very important one!
The common water requirements of
poultry are often estimated (not very acuratly) by multiplying
the amount of feed eaten by two (for example 1 kg feed: 2
litres of water). Under hot conditions however, they will
drink a lot more.
The list below contains estimations
on water consumption.....
Broiler chickens
Water consumption can
be affected by feed type, disease
status and environmental temperature.
Corns
-
Most cereal corns
(wheat, barley, oats, corn, etc) are satisfactory
for feeding poultry species. A mixture will help to ensure a
good nutrient balance.
-
Rye grain should
not be fed to young birds, as they
cannot properly digest it and do very poorly. Rye
can be included into laying hen diets up to 15-20% of
the diet, because adult birds are better capable of
digesting this grain.
-
Barley and
oats contain a carbohydrate, b-glucan,
which interferes with digestion and nutrient availability in
young birds. These grains can be fed successfully
to birds, but results are better if the enzyme, b-glucanase,
is included in the diet. If the amount of barley in the diets
is increased gradually as the birds get older, b-glucanase may
not be needed.
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