CHAPTER XXII 
FEEDING POULTRY 
THE general principles of feeding apply to fowls as well as to other 
farm animals. The poultry ration, therefore, should be properly 
balanced, and should contain sufficient nutrients to meet the needs 
of the fowl. It should provide a good variety and possess sufficient 
bulk to enable the digestive secretions to act on it quickly, although 
it should not contain too large an amount of indigestible fiber. 
Further, it should consist of food which the fowls like. 
ESSENTIALS OF FEEDING POULTRY 
There are a few points in which poultry feeding differs essentially 
from that of other farm animals. These are due in part to the 
manner in which the fowl prepares its food for digestion, and to the 
extra heavy demands made upon the system, especially in the 
production of eggs. 
523. Grit and mineral matter. — Grit forms an essential part of 
a poultry ration. It has a double function, namely, to aid in 
grinding or crushing the food in the crop or gizzard, and to fur- 
nish the lime and mineral matter used in egg production. Most 
of the grits on the market contain little or no lime. Cracked 
oyster shells or mortar are the chief source of lime. They also 
meet the need of grinding material, although some grit should be 
fed in addition. 
524, Meat scraps. — For best results, meat in some form is an 
essential part of every poultry ration. This is true of growing 
stock as well as of mature animals, whether being fed for egg or 
meat production. Meat is usually supplied in the form of beef 
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