What essential nutrient is supplied by carbohydrates in poultry?

Carbohydrates are a vital source of energy for poultry. When consumed, they are broken down into glucose, which is then used by the bird's body to fuel its various activities, including growth, maintenance, and reproduction. This energy is crucial for their day-to-day functions, enabling them to be active, engage in natural behaviors, and maintain overall health.

While other nutrients such as calcium, protein, and fat play important roles in the diet of poultry, they serve different functions. Calcium is primarily important for bone development and eggshell formation, protein is essential for growth, tissue repair, and production, and fat provides a concentrated energy source along with essential fatty acids. However, carbohydrates stand out as the main source of energy, making them an indispensable part of a poultry diet.