Animals eat to acquire the energy and building materials that they need to live and grow. Animals use energy to perform normal body functions such as breathing, walking, eating, digesting, and maintaining body temperature. Nutrients provide poultry the energy and material needed for the development of bone, flesh, feathers, and eggs. In today’s poultry industry, integrated production companies face more challenges than ever. They require pre-harvest food safety technologies that improve risk management and bird health, while providing a solid return on investment. Scientists conduct research on nutrients and performance at all stages of the life cycle. Research areas include digestibility, metabolism, antibiotic alternatives, feed additives, bird growth rates, feed intake and feed conversion. Like all other animals, poultry require five components in their diet as a source of nutrients: energy, protein, minerals, vitamins and water. A nutrient shortage or imbalance in relation to other nutrients will affect performance adversely. The reference book will be of great use to researchers and professionals in the poultry industry. Consumers will also find this book interesting since it discusses topics that can directly affect them.
