They also improve the physical consistency of diets and dispersion of micro-ingredients in feed mixtures. Supplemental fats may increase energy utilization in adult birds in association with a decreased rate of food passage through the digestive tract. The substitution of fat for a portion of the dietary carbohydrates may enhance energy utilization by reducing the heat increment of feeding and digestion. Fats should be stabilized by an antioxidant, otherwise they are likely to become rancid, especially in hot weather. Small amounts of fat are desirable since they supply essential fatty acids, reduce dustiness and improve palatability.
Carbohydrates cost less than fats and are easily digested, absorbed and transformed into fat.
Proteins Proteins are complex compounds made up of amino acids. Feed proteins are broken down into amino acids by digestion. They are then absorbed and transported by the blood to the cells which assemble these amino acids into body proteins. Body proteins are used in the construction of body tissue. Tissues which mainly consist of protein are muscles, nerves, cartilage, skin, feathers and beak.