CARBOHYDRATES

Plants and plant products are the main source of carbohydrates in compound poultry feed. Carbohydrates constitute a major nutrient and form the bulk of the feed. The availability of carbohydrates and the economics often influence the inclusion levels. The digestive process breaks down the carbohydrates into simple molecules for absorption. All carbohydrates are not digestible and therefore not utilised by the chicken.The digestive process requires specific enzymes to break down carbohydrate molecules. 

The digestible and soluble forms of carbohydrates include starches and sugars. The digestion process breaks down starches and sugars into simpler forms followed by absorption into blood circulation. 

Once absorbed in the body, carbohydrates are used as a major source of energy to maintain all physiological functions to sustain life. Energy is released from carbohydrates through specific vitamin dependent biochemical reactions. The role of vitamins in release of energy is as a co-enzyme or co-factor being essential for the completion of biochemical reactions. Carbohydrates are the major & most economical and efficient source of energy in compound feed.