Different types of poultry need different nutrients. A variety of diets should be fed based on the age, sex, and intended use of your birds.  These diets have varied amounts of water, protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals.  Each specific diet will help support basic body functions first and foremost, but can then be tailored to providing rapid growth for meat birds, consistent egg production in layers, and a full glossy plumage in show birds. If your poultry is not getting the nutrients that they need for meeting their full performance potential, your birds will grow slowly, lay fewer eggs