The dietary balance of amino acids is also very important. An animal will not perform well if the ratio of one or more amino acids to the others is not appropriate. Protein can be found in most feedstuffs, but concentrated protein supplements are often used in diets to meet amino acid requirements. Cereal grains alone do not provide enough of the essential amino acids or a balanced profile. It is a feature of most dietary ingredients.
Animals require energy for growth, maintenance, digestion, and reproduction.
The major energy sources in poultry diets are cereal grains, such as wheat and corn, with their high carbohydrate content. Vitamins and Minerals Vitamins and minerals as a group are required by all animals in order to maintain health and maximize production. Which ones are essential, and the concentrations which are required varies amongst animal species. Vitamins are organic compounds which are required in very small amounts. They are important for most physiological processes, including normal growth, feathering and leg development.