Feed Ingredient Database
Scientific profiles, chemical nutrient structures, and maximum inclusion limits.
Scientific Overview
Select raw grains, oilseeds, processing by-products, and mineral concentrates to balance poultry feed recipes. Below are the nutritional compositions and feeding limits of standard ingredients.
Maize (Yellow Corn)
The primary energy source in global poultry diets. High in metabolizable energy (3350 kcal/kg) and starch, but low in crude protein (8.0%) and deficient in lysine and tryptophan. Contains xanthophyll pigments that give broiler skin and egg yolks their yellow color. Maximum inclusion limit: 70%.
Soybean Meal (48% CP)
The gold standard protein source for poultry. High crude protein (48.0%) and excellent amino acid digestibilities, particularly rich in lysine. Contains anti-nutritional factors (trypsin inhibitors) that must be deactivated by heat processing (toasting) at the mill. Maximum inclusion limit: 40%.
Dicalcium Phosphate (DCP)
A mineral supplement containing high concentrations of phosphorus (18%) and calcium (21%). Used to balance mineral ratios in all broiler and layer feed mixes. Highly bioavailable compared to raw rock phosphates. Maximum inclusion limit: 3.0%.
All scientific data, diagnostic criteria, and performance benchmarks presented on this page are derived from published peer-reviewed journals and official veterinary codes:
- Avian Pathology & Diagnostics: World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH, 2023). Manual of Diagnostic Tests and Vaccines for Terrestrial Animals. Paris, France.
- Poultry Diseases & Histology: Swayne, D.E., et al. (2020). Diseases of Poultry (14th ed.). Wiley-Blackwell / American Association of Avian Pathologists.
- Nutrition & Feed Chemistry: Leeson, S. & Summers, J.D. (2001). Commercial Poultry Nutrition (3rd ed.). University Books, Guelph, Ontario.
- Commercial Breed Standards: Aviagen (2024). Ross 308 & Cobb 500 Broiler Performance Objectives. / Lohmann Breeders (2024). Lohmann Brown Management Guide.