CHAPTER XII 

 POULTRY FEEDS AND THEIR VALUES 



138. What a Nutrient Is. A nutrient is a substance which can 

 be taken into the body, digested, and absorbed. When a nutrient 

 has been digested and absorbed, it is capable of nourishing the 

 body. 



139. Kinds of Nutrients Required. There are three kinds of 

 nutrients required. They are protein ; starches and sugars, called 

 carbohydrates, and fats, called hydrocarbons. 



140. What Protein Is and Its Function in the Body. Protein 

 is the only nutrient of poultry feeds containing nitrogen. Pro- 

 tein aids in building up muscles, bones, and intestinal organs. 

 If a surplus is taken in, it goes to form fat in the body. 



141. What Starches and Sugars Are and Their Function. 

 Starches and sugars contain carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen and 

 are used in, the body for the production of heat and energy, much 

 as an auton;iobile uses gasoline for the production of heat and 

 energy. If a surplus is taken into the body, it is converted into 

 fat or is stored up as glycogen until it is needed by the body 

 for combustion. 



142. What Fats Are and Their Function. Fats, like starches 

 and sugars, contain carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, but in dif- 

 ferent amounts. Fats are similar in function to starches and 

 sugars. They are used to produce heat and energy, and a surplus 

 left over is stored up as fat in the body of the bird. 



143. These three groups of food nutrients must be in the 

 proper proportion to give the best results. 



144. Corn. There are three kinds of corn of interest td poultry 

 feeders. These are flint, dent, and sweet com. Corn does not 

 make a complete feed by itself. It must be given with other 

 grains and is then one qf our very best feeds. 



