भाषा:
By Dr. Ibne Ali, IMN PyrophosUpdated October 20268 min read
Poultry Nutrition in Nutshell: Broiler & Layer Chicken Nutrition

INTRODUCTION

  • The evolution of poultry nutrition has transitioned from small-scale practices to large-scale industrial operations, particularly post-World War II, with significant research efforts peaking in the 1970s.
  • Many poultry science departments in the USA have merged into broader animal science departments, leading to a decline in poultry-specific research, while European institutions have faced funding cuts, impacting their nutritional expertise.
  • Despite these challenges, the importance of poultry nutrition remains high, as evidenced by growing attendance at international symposiums focused on the subject.

PROTEIN

  • The understanding of protein quality and amino acid requirements has advanced significantly, with early congresses highlighting the importance of specific amino acids in poultry diets.
  • The publication of nutrient requirements by organizations like NAS-NRC has standardized recommendations, influencing feeding practices globally, particularly through the role of breeding companies.
  • Current research emphasizes the balance of amino acids in diets, the economic implications of protein requirements, and the need for improved analytical methods to assess amino acid availability.

ENERGY

  • Historically, energy content in poultry feeds was primarily ensured through high cereal inclusion, with the concept of energy becoming more defined in the 1930s. Quest for best diet for laying hens was started.
  • The development of the Metabolizable Energy (ME) system has standardized energy evaluation in poultry, leading to improved feed formulation practices. This helps a lot in setting standards for broiler chicken nutrition.
  • Ongoing research continues to refine methods for determining energy values, with a focus on practical applications in feed formulation.

VITAMINS DETERMINATION, DEFINITION AND ACTIVE FORMS

  • Poultry can synthesize certain vitamins, such as D3 and C, indicating that dietary supply may not always be necessary for these nutrients.
  • The classification of vitamins for poultry includes both fat-soluble and B-complex vitamins, which may be metabolically modified to active forms.
  • Understanding the metabolic pathways of these vitamins is crucial for optimizing poultry nutrition.

DETECTION OF VITAMINS

  • By the 1940s, all known vitamins had been identified, with the chicken serving as a key model for research on vitamin functions and deficiencies.
  • The functional importance of vitamin D metabolites became clearer in the 1970s, enhancing the understanding of vitamin roles in poultry health.
  • Research has focused on the detection and analysis of vitamins, leading to improved nutritional strategies in poultry production.

INTENSIVE PERIOD OF VITAMIN RESEARCH

  • The post-war period saw a surge in vitamin research, particularly in the USA and Canada, focusing on the nutritional needs of economically important poultry species.
  • Advances in analytical techniques allowed for more precise evaluations of vitamin levels and their effects on poultry performance.
  • Research has highlighted the interactions between vitamins and other nutrients, emphasizing the complexity of nutritional requirements in poultry.

DISEASE SYNDROMES RELATED TO VITAMINS

  • Various vitamin deficiencies have been linked to specific disease syndromes in poultry, such as fatty liver syndrome and tibial dyschondroplasia.
  • The introduction of biotin as a routine supplement has significantly reduced incidence rates of related disorders.
  • Understanding the aetiology of these conditions has led to improved dietary formulations that support poultry health.

FURTHER FUNCTIONS RELATED TO VITAMINS

  • Vitamins A and E have been shown to enhance immunocompetence in poultry, particularly under stress conditions.
  • The transfer of vitamins from feed to eggs varies significantly, impacting the nutritional quality of poultry products for human consumption.
  • Research continues to explore the optimal levels of vitamin supplementation to maximize health benefits for both poultry and consumers.

REQUIREMENTS AND SUPPLY OF VITAMINS

  • Recommendations for vitamin requirements have evolved, with newer studies suggesting higher levels than those established in earlier guidelines.
  • Historical practices relied on natural feed ingredients for vitamin supply, but modern production often utilizes synthetic vitamins for consistency and efficacy.
  • The potential future ban on synthetic vitamins in organic diets raises questions about the reliability of natural sources.

CONCLUSIONS REGARDING VITAMINS

  • Current knowledge on vitamin nutrition in poultry is robust, yet ongoing changes in production practices necessitate continuous research to adapt to new challenges.
  • Interdisciplinary approaches are essential for advancing vitamin research and ensuring optimal poultry health and performance.

Minerals

  • The significant calcium and phosphorus requirements in poultry have led to extensive research on their metabolism and dietary needs, particularly in laying hens and growing birds.
  • Innovations in understanding mineral availability from feed ingredients have influenced dietary formulations and reduced reliance on inorganic supplements.
  • The focus on sustainability in poultry production is driving research into optimizing mineral nutrition while minimizing environmental impact.

CALCIUM AND PHOSPHORUS NUTRITION IN GROWING BIRDS

  • Research has demonstrated high availability of plant phosphorus in certain grains, leading to dietary adjustments that reduce inorganic phosphate use.
  • The introduction of microbial phytases has revolutionized phosphorus nutrition, allowing for lower dietary levels while enhancing nutrient utilization.
  • Monitoring bone mineralization is crucial for determining appropriate calcium and phosphorus levels in diets supplemented with phytase.

CALCIUM AND PHOSPHORUS NUTRITION IN LAYING HENS

  • Calcium intake is critical for maintaining egg production and shell quality, with specific dietary levels linked to improved performance.
  • Research has established the concept of calcium appetite in laying hens, influencing dietary strategies to enhance calcium absorption and utilization.
  • The understanding of calcium metabolism has evolved, leading to practical applications that support better eggshell strength and overall production efficiency.

ACID-BASE BALANCE AND DIETARY ELECTROLYTES

  • The concept of dietary electrolyte balance is essential for maintaining acid-base homeostasis in poultry, particularly in hot climates.
  • Excess dietary chloride can negatively impact growth and health, necessitating careful management of dietary mineral levels.
  • Collaborative efforts have led to standardized mineral recommendations across Europe, enhancing poultry nutrition practices.

TRACE ELEMENTS

  • The shift from inorganic to organic trace element supplements has improved mineral availability and reduced environmental contamination.
  • Understanding the mechanisms of absorption for different forms of trace elements is crucial for optimizing poultry diets.
  • Ongoing research is needed to refine trace element requirements and ensure effective incorporation into poultry feeds.

ANTIBIOTICS

  • The use of low-level antibiotics in animal feeds has been linked to growth promotion, but concerns over antibiotic resistance have led to regulatory changes in many countries.
  • The EU has phased out several antibiotic growth promoters, while the USA continues to use some, highlighting differing approaches to animal health.
  • Research is focused on finding alternatives to antibiotics that maintain poultry health without contributing to resistance issues.

ANTICOCCIDIALS

  • Anticoccidials are essential for preventing parasitic infections in poultry, but resistance to these drugs has become a significant concern.
  • The EU regulates anticoccidials as feed additives, while ongoing surveillance programs monitor their effectiveness and resistance patterns.
  • Future strategies may involve vaccine development as alternatives to traditional anticoccidial treatments.

ENZYMES

  • The use of enzymes in poultry diets has gained traction, particularly for improving the digestibility of feed ingredients and enhancing nutrient availability.
  • Phytase supplementation has been shown to maximize phosphorus liberation, with higher doses yielding additional performance benefits.
  • Understanding the mechanisms behind enzyme efficacy is crucial for optimizing their use in poultry nutrition.

The Role of Phytases in Enhancing Phosphorus Utilization

  • Liberation of Phosphorus: Phytases are enzymes that break down phytate, a form of phosphorus that is not readily available to poultry. By liberating phytate-bound phosphorus, phytases significantly enhance the availability of this essential nutrient in poultry diets. Studies indicate that dietary phytase supplements in the range of 500-750 FTU/kg are generally sufficient to maximize phosphorus liberation.
  • Increased Mineral and Amino Acid Availability: The use of phytase not only improves phosphorus availability but also enhances the digestibility and availability of other minerals and amino acids. This broader impact on nutrient utilization contributes to overall better growth performance in poultry.
  • Superdosing Benefits: Research has shown that 'superdosing' phytase, which involves using much higher concentrations (up to and beyond 10,000 FTU/kg), can yield additional benefits beyond improved phosphorus availability. These benefits include enhanced weight gain, improved feed conversion ratios, and increased meat yield, indicating that phytases can positively influence overall performance metrics in poultry.
  • Environmental Sustainability: The introduction of phytase in poultry feeds has allowed for a simultaneous decrease in dietary calcium and phosphorus levels. This reduction is particularly important in the context of environmental sustainability, as it helps to minimize phosphorus losses into the environment, thereby addressing concerns related to phosphorus pollution.
  • Global Adoption: The global use of microbial phytase in poultry feeds has become almost universal, reflecting its effectiveness in enhancing protein and energy utilization while potentially improving phosphorus solubility in excreta. This widespread adoption underscores the importance of phytases in modern poultry nutrition.

In summary, phytases play a crucial role in improving phosphorus utilization efficiency in poultry by liberating bound phosphorus, enhancing the availability of other nutrients, and contributing to sustainable feeding practices. Their impact is evident in both performance improvements and environmental benefits.

OTHER FEED ADDITIVES

  • The incorporation of essential oils and organic acids into poultry diets is gaining popularity for their potential health benefits and performance improvements.
  • These additives address concerns over bacterial contamination and enhance overall feed quality.

Feed technology

  • Advances in feed technology, such as pelleting and extrusion, have improved the nutritional quality and safety of poultry feeds.
  • These methods enhance feed intake and reduce bacterial contamination, contributing to better poultry health and performance.

Conclusions and future directions

  • Future advancements in poultry nutrition may involve breeding cereals with enhanced nutrient profiles, although commercial interests currently dominate breeding priorities.
  • Ongoing research and innovation are essential to address the evolving challenges in poultry nutrition and production efficiency.

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