Unit
Animal Science
Problem Area
Growth and Development of
Animals
Lesson
Nutrition of Chicks
Student Learning Objectives





1. Discuss the nutrient needs of poultry for maintenance, growth,
and reproduction.
2. Identify chief sources of energy for poultry and symptoms of
energy deficient diets.
3. Explain the role of amino acids as essential nutrients for
growth and development and describe symptoms of amino acid
deficiencies.
4. Define macrominerals and trace minerals and list examples of
each.
5. Explain the function and importance of vitamins in the diet and
identify symptoms of vitamin deficiencies in chicks.
Terms











Anabolism
Basal maintenance requirement
Catabolism
Fat soluble
Growth
Macrominerals
Nutrients
Proteins
Trace minerals
Vitamins
Water soluble
What are the nutrient needs of poultry for maintenance,
growth, and reproduction?

Nutrients are substances used by an animal for
growth and development of its cells, organs, and
tissues. Nutrient maintenance requirements in
poultry are defined as the total nutrients needed for
body functioning without any gain or loss in body
weight and productive activity.

A. The minimum requirement level is called the
basal maintenance requirement. Basal
requirements are needed to:




1. maintain body temperature
2. keep body processes functional
3. allow for minimal movement
4. repair damaged cells or tissue

B. Maintenance requirements are influenced by:








1. exercise
2. weather
3. stress
4. health
5. body size
6. temperament
7. level of production
8. individual variation

C. Nutritive needs for growth are influenced by:






1. age
2. breed
3. sex
4. disease
—nutritive needs increase with breeding stock.
D. Adequate vitamins and minerals are important for
growth. Growth can be defined as an increase in
size of bones, muscles, internal organs, or other
parts of the body. In poultry, vitamins and minerals
are needed for hatchability and embryo
development.
What are the chief sources of energy for poultry and
symptoms of energy deficient diets?

Energy for poultry is derived in feedstuffs in the form
of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.

A. Carbohydrates supply the majority of energy for
growth and development because of their
abundance and cheaper cost. Catabolism is the
oxidation of nutrients which releases energy for
fulfilling the body’s immediate demands.



B. A protein supplement, usually soybean meal, is
commonly mixed with poultry feed to provide a
balanced ration.
C. Corn is the primary feed for poultry and serves as
the main energy source.
D. A deficiency in the diet may have the following
symptoms:
 1. slow or stunted growth
 2. loss of body tissue
 3. lowered production of meat or eggs
 4. decreased motility
What is the role of amino acids as essential nutrients for
growth and development and what are symptoms of amino
acid deficiencies?




Proteins are organic compounds made up of amino
acids.
A. Amino acids contain carbon, hydrogen, sulfur,
nitrogen, oxygen, phosphorus, and iron.
B. Proteins supply the substance that is needed to
build and maintain body tissues.
C. Twenty-three amino acids have been found in
protein. Ten of the amino acids are essential, the
others are synthesized in the animal’s body from
these ten in a process called anabolism.

D. Without the proper amino acids, deficiency can
result. Symptoms of amino acid deficiency are:
 1. low birth weight of young
 2. anorexia (low food intake)
 3. slow growth rate
 4. low milk production
 5. edema (abnormal fluid accumulation)
 6. anemia (low red blood cell count)
What are macrominerals and trace minerals and what
specific minerals fit each definition?


Macrominerals are minerals that are needed in larger amounts
for proper health, growth, and reproduction. Trace minerals are
needed in smaller amounts for proper animal health.
A. Examples of macrominerals needed for poultry are:
 1. Calcium





2. Chlorine
3. Magnesium
4. Phosphorus
5. Potassium
6. Sodium

B. Examples of trace minerals needed for poultry
are:
 1. Copper
 2. Iodine
 3. Iron
 4. Manganese
 5. Selenium
 6. Zinc
What is the function and importance of vitamins in the diet
and what are vitamin deficiency symptoms in chicks?




Vitamins are organic compounds required in minute amounts for
normal growth, production, reproduction, and health.
A. Vitamins regulate body processes, help the body resist
disease, and improve health in general.
B. Vitamins are either fat soluble (stored in body fat and
released when needed), or water soluble (dissolved by water
and need to be replaced each day).
C. Essential vitamins include A, D3 , E, K, Biotin, Choline,
Folacin, Niacin, Pantothenic Acid, Riboflavin, Thiamin, B-6, and
B-12.

D. Symptoms of vitamin deficiency include:
 1. Slow or poor growth
 2. Poor reproduction
 3. decreased production of meat or eggs
 4. anorexia
 5. edema
 6. skin, feather problems
 7. decreased appetite and diarrhea
Review/Summary





What are the nutrient needs of poultry for maintenance, growth,
and reproduction?
What are the chief sources of energy for poultry and symptoms
of energy deficient diets?
What is the role of amino acids as essential nutrients for growth
and development and what are symptoms of amino acid
deficiencies?
What are macrominerals and trace minerals and what specific
minerals fit each definition?
What is the function and importance of vitamins in the diet and
what are vitamin deficiency symptoms in chicks?