Basic Nutrition

Despite what many supplement manufacturers may wish for you to believe, basic nutrition is science-based, not magic. Years of research have provided details to the once unknown intricacies of animal nutrition. Nevertheless, optimal nutrition will not cause your animals to perform at a level, which surpasses their genetic potential. However, poor or inadequate nutrition will play the largest role in hindering the abilities of a high performance animal. Much like human athletes, the nutrition of high-performance animals is confounded by many factors. Stress incurred through shipping, racing, and co-mingling results in a dynamic cascade of special nutritional needs.

Four forces impact the performance of all animals:

1. Nutrition Program
2. Health Program
3. Breeding Program
4. Management Program

The magnitude to which each of these factors play their ultimate role will vary depending on the producer. Nevertheless, nutritional programs are and will continue to be one of the most influential and yet dynamic components of any successful animal-rearing program.

Overview of Basic Nutrition

There are six basic nutrients required by all animals:

1. Water
2. Carbohydrate
3. Protein
4. Lipid
5. Minerals
6. Vitamins

1. Water

I have listed water as the first essential nutrient. This may surprise many of you; however, water is the MOST important component in the whole nutritional framework. It is absolutely essential that animals have access to a daily supply of clean, fresh water. We strongly advise that every loft have the quality of their water supply tested annually. Hey, in most cases you and your family are drinking it too; it's a Win / Win.

Water is important for many bodily functions including:
A. Transport of nutrients B. Chemical reactions C. Regulation of body temperature

2. Carbohydrates

The main function of carbohydrates is to provide energy for the daily life processes. This nutrient is found in the starchy components of grains and is measured by a caloric (calorie) value. The term carbohydrate describes a large group of sugar-based compounds, which are ultimately composed of glucose-unit building blocks.

Most nutritionists will refer to feed quality as total and digestible energy. For instance, plant tissue is an excellent source of energy through carbohydrates; however, this energy form is a poor source of digestible energy for birds and pigs. Grains, on the other hand, are more suitable sources of carbohydrate nutrition for these animals.

3. Protein

Protein is composed of several singles, repeating units called amino acids. When amino acids are linked together in a specific sequence they form proteins. Protein is an integral nutrient for tissue growth and repair, as well as, support for important physiological functions such as reproduction and immunity. Sources of protein for pigeon feeds include soybean meal, peanuts, and peas. In many cases, high protein grains also contribute to the energy value of a diet. Protein levels supplemented beyond the animal's requirement will be utilized as energy.

As nutritional sciences become more advanced we have become able to supplement synthetic amino acids to animal diets. This is best illustrated by the common use of synthetic lysine and methionine in manufactured diets. When evaluating the protein quality of a feedstuff it is more important to consider the ratio and content of essential amino acids versus the protein concentration alone.

4. Lipids

Fats and oils are the most common sources of lipids in animal diets. This nutrient is characterized by its dense energy value. Subsequently, fats are supplemented to diets I increase the energy concentration without increasing overall diet bulk. Lipids are also essential for the efficient absorption of fat-soluble vitamins, as well as, the production of all natural steroids.

5. and 6. Vitamins and Minerals

This area of nutrition is often considered the micronutrient section. In some cases, little is understood about the true micronutrient needs of animals; let alone high-performance animals. Consequently, vitamin and mineral nutrition is often viewed as a key component, which can make large differences in an animal's overall performance.

Vitamin nutrition is divided into two categories, fat-soluble and water-soluble. Fat-soluble vitamins can be stored within the body and called upon when needed to fuel metabolic functions. Water-soluble vitamins are not readily stored and must be consumed on a regular basis to avoid deficiency complications.

Common Fat Soluble Vitamins
Vitamins A, D, E, and K Common Water Soluble Vitamins: Vitamins B and C

Mineral nutrition is also divided into two categories, macro-minerals and trace minerals. Distinction between these categories is primarily made by the concentration required in the daily diet. While macro-minerals are often required in amounts exceeding .5% of the total diet, trace minerals are often required in amounts less than .001%. Careful attention to mineral nutrition is essential to optimize all physiological functions, such as: reproduction, growth, immunity, and endurance.

Common Macro-Minerals
Calcium Phosphorus Potassium Magnesium Sodium

Common Trace Minerals
Copper Zinc Selenium Manganese Chromium

Many minerals, especially trace minerals, may become toxic when supplemented at levels beyond requirement. Further, the excessive supplementation of one mineral may result in a forced deficiency of another. It is important to supplement only those minerals recognized as essential for avian diets. Therefore, caution should be taken when attempting to use a mineral supplement which was not specifically formulated for that specie of animal which your are feeding it to.

Summary

This has been a general review of basic nutrition and the six essential nutrients involved. Quality nutritional programs are characterized by their ability to provide a consistent supply of essential nutrients in an easy to manage affordable diet. Care should always be taken to the development of dietary programs, which offer a consistent delivery of balanced nutrition. No single program is suitable for every situation. Available feedstuffs, animal type, production stage, and performance expectations will all play vital roles in the development of these programs.

Written by: Dr. J. Arthington