Dalvoy Logo
Dalvoy
UPSC MainsANI-HUSB-VETER-SCIENCE-PAPER-I202415 Marks
Q8.

Write about the nutrient requirement of chicken.

How to Approach

This question requires a detailed explanation of the nutritional needs of chickens, encompassing macro and micronutrients. The approach should be structured around different life stages (broiler, layer, breeder), highlighting specific requirements at each stage. I will cover essential nutrients like protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals, explaining their functions and deficiency symptoms. I will also include a section on feed formulation and recent advancements in poultry nutrition. A table comparing nutrient requirements across different chicken types will be included for clarity.

Model Answer

0 min read

Introduction

Poultry farming, particularly chicken rearing, is a significant contributor to global food security and rural livelihoods. Optimal growth, egg production, and overall health of chickens are intrinsically linked to their nutritional intake. The term "poultry nutrition" refers to the science of formulating diets to meet the specific needs of chickens at various life stages. Recent advancements in feed technology and a growing focus on sustainable poultry production have led to a refined understanding of chicken nutrient requirements. This response will detail these requirements, considering different chicken types and emphasizing the importance of balanced nutrition for optimal performance.

Nutrient Requirements of Chickens: A Comprehensive Overview

Chickens, like all animals, require a balanced intake of macro and micronutrients to thrive. The specific requirements vary based on factors such as age, breed, purpose (broiler, layer, breeder), and environmental conditions.

1. Macronutrients

Macronutrients provide the bulk of energy and building blocks for growth and maintenance.

  • Protein: Essential for muscle development, enzyme production, and immune function. Broilers require higher protein levels (20-24%) compared to layers (16-18%). Deficiency leads to stunted growth and reduced immunity.
  • Carbohydrates: Primarily provide energy. Corn and wheat are common carbohydrate sources. Excess carbohydrates can lead to obesity.
  • Fats: A concentrated source of energy and essential fatty acids. They also aid in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.

2. Micronutrients

Micronutrients are required in smaller quantities but are crucial for various metabolic processes.

  • Vitamins: Including A, D, E, K, B vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B9, B12). Vitamin D is crucial for calcium absorption. Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant.
  • Minerals: Including calcium, phosphorus, sodium, potassium, chlorine, magnesium, manganese, zinc, iron, copper, iodine, selenium. Calcium and phosphorus are vital for bone development and eggshell quality.

3. Nutrient Requirements by Chicken Type

Nutrient Broilers (0-6 weeks) Broilers (7-18 weeks) Layers (laying period) Breeders
Crude Protein (%) 30-32 20-22 16-18 18-20
Metabolizable Energy (kcal/kg) 3000-3200 2800-3000 2700-2900 2800-3000
Calcium (%) 0.8-1.0 0.5-0.7 3.5-4.5 3.0-3.5
Phosphorus (%) 0.5-0.7 0.4-0.6 0.5-0.7 0.4-0.6

4. Specific Considerations for Different Life Stages

Broilers: Rapid growth necessitates high protein and energy levels. Starter diets (0-3 weeks) have higher protein content, gradually decreasing as the bird matures. Layers: Calcium requirements significantly increase during egg production to support shell formation. Breeders: Require a balanced diet to support egg quality and chick viability.

5. Feed Formulation and Recent Advancements

Feed formulation involves combining various feed ingredients to meet the nutritional needs of chickens. Modern feed formulation software utilizes nutrient databases and linear programming to optimize feed composition. Recent advancements include:

  • Probiotics and Prebiotics: Improve gut health and nutrient absorption.
  • Enzyme supplementation: Enhance digestibility of feed components.
  • Amino acid supplementation: Ensure adequate levels of essential amino acids.
  • Use of alternative feed ingredients: Reducing reliance on conventional resources.

Case Study: The Impact of Mycotoxin Contamination

Title: Mycotoxin Crisis in Poultry Farms of Andhra Pradesh, India

Description: In 2021, several poultry farms in Andhra Pradesh faced a severe crisis due to the presence of aflatoxins (a type of mycotoxin) in the feed. These toxins are produced by molds that grow on various crops like corn and peanuts, contaminating the feed supply.

Outcome: The contamination resulted in widespread mortality among chickens, significant economic losses for farmers, and disruption of the poultry supply chain. The incident highlighted the critical importance of feed quality control and the need for regular testing for mycotoxins in poultry feed.

FAQ

Q: Why is calcium so important for laying hens?

A: Calcium is the primary component of eggshells. Without adequate calcium in the diet, hens will either lay eggs with thin, brittle shells or cease laying altogether.

Scheme

National Livestock Mission (NLM): Launched by the Government of India in 2014, NLM aims to enhance the productivity and economic efficiency of the livestock sector, including poultry. It provides support for feed and fodder development, disease control, and infrastructure development. (https://nalm.gov.in/)

Conclusion

In conclusion, understanding the intricate nutrient requirements of chickens is paramount for achieving optimal growth, productivity, and overall health. A balanced diet, tailored to the specific needs of different chicken types and life stages, is essential. The adoption of advanced feed formulation techniques and proactive measures to prevent feed contamination are vital for ensuring sustainable and profitable poultry farming. Future research should focus on exploring novel feed ingredients and optimizing nutrient utilization to further enhance poultry production efficiency and reduce environmental impact.

Answer Length

This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.

Evaluate your handwritten answer in under a minute

Free trial available • Trusted by 1,00,000+ aspirants

Additional Resources

Key Definitions

Mycotoxin
Toxic compounds produced by molds that can contaminate feed, posing a health risk to poultry.
Metabolizable Energy
The amount of energy derived from feed that is available to the bird for growth, maintenance, and production. It accounts for energy lost through digestion, absorption, and metabolism.

Key Statistics

Poultry meat production globally is projected to reach 114 million tonnes by 2027, highlighting its significance in food security (Source: FAO, 2019).

Source: FAO

Approximately 70% of the cost of poultry production is attributed to feed (Knowledge Cutoff - 2023).

Source: Industry reports

Examples

Amino Acid Supplementation

Lysine and methionine are often supplemented in broiler diets as they are essential amino acids that are frequently limiting in plant-based feed ingredients.

Frequently Asked Questions

▶What are the signs of vitamin deficiency in chickens?

Signs vary depending on the vitamin. For example, Vitamin A deficiency can cause night blindness, while Vitamin D deficiency leads to rickets (bone deformities).

Back to all ANI-HUSB-VETER-SCIENCE-PAPER-I 2024 questions