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[ Systems | Husbandry | Nutrition | Food Sources | Diseases | Emergency Care ]
Nutrition
Although diet varies tremendously from species to species, a few general principles
can be followed. Every avian diet should consist of the "big five."
1. Proteins- Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins. When ingested,
proteins are broken down into amino acids which are used to form new proteins; ultimately
to make up tissues like skin, muscle, feathers, keratin and other essential elements.
Protein deficiency results in muscle wasting, anemia, weakness, beak and feather
abnormalities and other structural problems. Protein waste is eliminated by the kidney
in the form of uric acid, the white portion in bird droppings.
2. Carbohydrates- Simple and complex sugars make up the carbohydrates found
in fruits, vegetables and seeds. Carbohydrates are used by the bird for energy and
heat production. Deficiency results in the bird utilizing other forms of energy;
mainly fat and protein, which can lead to muscle wasting. Carbohydrate excess may
result in obesity as the sugars are converted into fat. Carbohydrates are eliminated
from the body in the form of carbon dioxide, water and heat.
3. Fats- Fats are energy-dense molecules made up of smaller fatty acids. Fat
provides a lightweight form of energy storage, nevertheless too much will weigh a
bird down. Psittacines' frugivorous or granivorous (fruit or grain eating) nature
precludes these birds from coming across many fatty foods. Consequently, birds "see"
fat as an excellent source of energy and metabolize it very efficiently. Fat deficiency
in captive birds is usually only associated with disease states. Unfortunately, fat
excess is rather common and will lead to obesity and may ultimately predispose a
bird to fatty liver disease. Fat is eliminated metabolically yielding heat and energy.
4. Minerals and Vitamins- Minerals are required for structural components
such as bone and egg shell. Both minerals and vitamins are necessary for proper metabolism.
Vitamins are divided into two groups, fat soluble and water soluble. Most vitamins
can be synthesized but vitamins A,D,E, and K must be provided. The most common mineral
disorder is calcium deficiency.
5. Water- Water is often overlooked as a dietary component. Some mammals have
developed a water independent lifestyle by obtaining metabolic water derived from
digesting and metabolizing food. There are no birds, however, that have developed
complete water independence. With pet birds, deficiency results in rapid dehydration
and death.
[ Systems | Husbandry | Nutrition | Food Sources | Diseases | Emergency Care ]
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