Feed and Animal Management for Poultry

Commercial poultry operations involve four types of birds: broiler (meat producing) chickens, layer (table egg) chickens, turkeys, and ducks. Each type differs greatly in size and nutrient requirements. Breeder flocks for each of the species are a major part of the industry, and those flocks also have different nutrient requirements. Distinctly different diets are required for each species and the different stages of each species’ life cycle. These diets result in different volumes and nutrient compositions of the manure produced by the different species. This technical note briefly highlights some factors affecting nutrient excretion. It also points out some potential dietary adjustments that can be made to minimize excess nutrient excretion.