Importance of essential amino acids gained from protein in poultry nutrition

[Temi Cole]

Protein in poultry nutrition is directly linked to weight gain for broilers and layers alike, leading to meat production and egg production (even the quality and timeliness of layer egg production is related to bird weight).

But going a step further is to understand the biochemistry of the birds and the demands.

Protein used for muscle and (in part) egg content is derived from the availability of amino acids (the chemical building blocks that the body uses to make protein).

There are several amino acids. Each with their own position, place and purpose in the building of the full array of proteins needed for the production of a bird’s body.

If any particular amino acids are lacking from the dietary protein content of a bird’s feed, that absence of amino acid will manifest itself in a weakening of a bird’s physique.

And so it is critical that we provide the right amino acid content in the feed selected for our flocks

There are two sources of dietary protein: animal-derived protein (from animal body substances like flesh, eggs etc.) and plant-derived protein (e.g. vegetables and grain).

However, as said before it is necessary to provide bird’s with the full spectrum of amino acids from their dietary protein source to achieve their target growth production goals.

Animal-based protein tends to host a more complete range of essential amino acids than plant-based protein.

So in many ways animal protein excels in nutritional value for poultry farms.

But on the other hands, animal based protein does carry disease risks for birds that plant based protein does not.

Do you have experience of poultry feed formulation?
What protein sources have you found yield the best results?
Are you new to poultry feed formulation?

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