WATERWORKS
ROAD
Avian Nutrition
SURGERY
Many Avian Vets are of the opinion Chronic Generalised Malnutrition is a
primary underlying factor of disease in the majority of birds presented to their
Clinical Practice.
The physical appearance of a bird suspected of suffering chronic deficiencies of
several nutrients are as follows:
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Lacklustre
Loose Feathering
Breakdown of interlocking barbules
Stress lines on feathers
Debris on microscopic examination
Depigmentation of feathers
Chronic heavy pinfeathering
Easily broken wing and tail feathers
Epithelial surfaces dry & flaky
Beak & Nails long & rough
Layering of beak
Skin on legs & feet thickened & dull
Obesity
Poor Breeding Potential
Liver Disease
Pancreatitis
Kidney Disease
Diabetes
Visceral Gout
The Nutritional requirements for aviary birds are poorly
understood. Each species of bird having its own unique
nutritional requirement. They satisfy these requirements in
nature by selecting a wide variety of foods from their
natural environment.
For good health and reproductive performance birds must be provided with the
correct balance of amino acids, fatty acids, cho’s, vitamins, minerals and
water.
FACTORS INFLUENCING AVIAN MALNUTRITION
1.
2.
3.
4.
Food selection- the consumption of individual items in a mixed diet is
extremely variable often resulting in a disproportionate consumption
of certain foods.
Type of food provided- inappropriate or not eaten.
Species of bird.
Changing requirements of birds.
Caged birds/ Aviary birds/ Breeding, Growth, Racing, molting
FOODS COMMONLY FED TO BIRDS INCLUDES:
Dry Seed- Seeds are low in proteins, low in copper, zn, manganese, gross
imbalance in Ca & Pho’s. Usually high in P which inhibits the absorption of Ca.
Deficient in minerals – Iodine. The mineral composition is directly related to
the soil quality and type where the crop is grown. Sunflower, rape, linseed,
niger are rich in fat –50%, cause obesity and form insoluble soaps with Ca & Fe
inhibiting their availability to the bird. Canary, panicum, millet and hulled oats
are rich in C.H.O’s. Seeds are deficient in vitamins- Vit A, B5, B12, Biotin, Low
in Riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid & Vit K. Vit E Uncertain.
Seeds are an excellent source of energy, however, seed has
only a limited role to play in a balanced diet.
Soaked seed:
No additional nutrient value, more easily digested in young birds.
Sprouted seed:
More protein
Less fat
Breeding
Seeding Grass:
Seed heads are rich in vitamins & minerals such as Fe & Ca.
Green food:
High water content
High in vitamins/ minerals/ fibre.
Fibre maintains intestinal muscle tone and the natural balance of intestinal
flora. Include fruits/ vegetables/ branches of native plants.
Mineral Supplements:
Cuttle fish, shell grit
= Ca
Charcoal
= Iodine
Rock Salt
= Sodium
Soluble grit
Insoluble grit (granite, coarse sand) = Gizzard
Lorikeet & honeyeater foods lack a muscular gizzard, can’t
survive on seed.
WaterFresh, cool, clean filtration, black poly pipe.
Malnutrition in Aviculture manifests as:
1.
Specific deficiency disease.
2.
Increased susceptibility to disease
3.
Decreased response to therapy of other diseases
4.
Obesity
5.
Starvation
6.
Decreased breeding performance
7.
Poor growth
Specific deficiency diseases:1.
Vit D3 = Ca/P – Ultra Violet light. Pets in cages & shaded aviaries.
2.
Vit A- Mucous membranes, epithelial health, bumble foot.
3.
Vitamin E- Cockatiel paralysis
4.
Riboflavin- curled toe paralysis
5.
Goiter- iodine = cabbage= gottragen
6.
Gout- High protein
Low Vitamin A
7.
Ca/P ratio- Rickets, young birds
8.
Lysine- loss of green pigment in feathers= yellow
9.
Toxicity – Avocado- Love birds
Obesity = fatty liver
Milk sap plants
How to minimise nutritional disorders:
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Feed correct seed type for species
Minimal oil seeds
Wide selection on foods- observe what is eaten fresh
Vitamin/ mineral/ amino acids- in feed- on soft food- in water
Protein supplement for breeding & rearing young.