A sound nutrition program is essential to a successful poultry operation. From an economic standpoint, feeding accounts for 60 to 70 percent of the cost of production. To maximize production at the least cost, producers should pay close attention to the nutritional requirements of the species. The word nutrient refers to a broad category of organic and inorganic compounds found in food that are essential for maximum growth, egg production and feed efficiency. Feed efficiency refers to the amount of food, in pounds, required to produce a pound of body weight, or in the case of egg production, pounds of feed required to produce a dozen eggs. Nutrients essential for building and maintaining a successful poultry flock include water, carbohydrates, fat, protein, vitamins, and minerals. This publication addresses the function of individual nutrients and notes variations in nutrient requirements among classes of poultry. It may be useful for small flock producers, hobbyists, and commercial producers.
