Nutrient Requirements of Poultry: Tenth Revised Edition (2026)
Chapter: Front Matter
Consensus Study Report
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This study was supported by AB Vista, Addisseo, Ajinomoto Animal Nutrition North America, Inc.; Archer Daniels Midland; Danisco Inc.; DSM; Eli Lilly and Company; Evonik Industries AG; Huvepharma; Hy-Line International; IFEEDER (Institute for Feed Education and Research); Illinois Corn Marketing Association; Micronutrients Inc.; Minnesota Corn Growers Association; National Academies’ Nutrient Requirements Series; Novus International; PennAg Industries Association; United Soybean Board; U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views of any organization or agency that provided support for the project.
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COMMITTEE ON NUTRIENT REQUIREMENTS OF POULTRY
KIRK C. KLASING, Chair, University of California, Davis
RYAN N. DILGER, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
WILLIAM DOZIER, Auburn University, Auburn
ROBERT G. ELKIN, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park
PETER FERKET,1 North Carolina State University, Raleigh
DOUG KORVER, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta
JASON LEE,2 Texas A&M University, College Station
GONZALO G. MATEOS, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Madrid
MICHAEL PERSIA, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg
SHEILA PURDUM, University of Nebraska–Lincoln
ROSEMARY L. WALZEM, Texas A&M University, College Station
Study Staff
ROBIN A. SCHOEN, Study Director
ALBARAA H. SARSOUR, Study Director
SAMANTHA SISANACHANDENG, Senior Program Assistant
Consultant
GERALD HUNTINGTON, North Carolina State University, Raleigh
___________________
1 Served on the committee until August 2023.
2 Served on the committee until May 2018.
BOARD ON AGRICULTURE AND NATURAL RESOURCES
JILL J. McCLUSKEY, Chair, Washington State University, Pullman
AMY W. ANDO, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
ARISTOS ARISTIDOU, Biomason, Inc., Durham
BRUNO BASSO, Michigan State University, East Lansing
SHANE C. BURGESS, University of Arizona, Tucson
BERNADETTE M. DUNHAM, The George Washington University, Washington, DC
JAMES S. FAMIGLIETTI, University of Arizona, Tucson
JESSICA E. HALOFSKY, U.S. Department of Agriculture—Pacific Northwest Research Station, Portland
DOUGLAS JACKSON-SMITH, The Ohio State University, Columbus
ERMIAS KEBREAB, University of California, Davis
JAN E. LEACH, Colorado State University, Fort Collins
MARTY D. MATLOCK, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville
JOHN P. McNAMARA, Washington State University, Pullman
NAIMA MOUSTAID-MOUSSA, Texas Tech University, Lubbock
KAREN I. PLAUT, Purdue University, West Lafayette
V. ALARIC SAMPLE, George Mason University, Fairfax
ROGER E. WYSE, Spruce Capital Partners, San Francisco
Staff
ROBERTA SCHOEN, Director
CAMILLA YANDOC ABLES, Senior Program Officer
MALIA BROWN, Program Assistant
CYNTHIA GETNER, Senior Finance Business Partner
KARA N. LANEY, Senior Program Officer
ALBARAA SARSOUR, Program Officer
SAMANTHA SISANACHANDENG, Senior Program Assistant
Reviewers
This Consensus Study Report was reviewed in draft form by individuals chosen for their diverse perspectives and technical expertise. The purpose of this independent review is to provide candid and critical comments that will assist the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine in making each published report as sound as possible and to ensure that it meets the institutional standards for quality, objectivity, evidence, and responsiveness to the study charge. The review comments and draft manuscript remain confidential to protect the integrity of the deliberative process.
We thank the following individuals for their review of this report:
Although the reviewers listed above provided many constructive comments and suggestions, they were not asked to endorse the conclusions or recommendations of this report nor did they see the final draft before its release. The review of this report was overseen by DONALD BEITZ, Iowa State University. He was responsible for making certain that an independent examination of this report was carried out in accordance with the standards of the National Academies and that all review comments were carefully considered. Responsibility for the final content rests entirely with the authoring committee and the National Academies.
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Acknowledgments
The committee would like to acknowledge the robust participation of Dr. Nilva Kazue Sakomura and her students and post-doctoral scholars for their highly instructive help in modeling the amino acid requirements of broilers and layers. We are also grateful to Dr. Sally L. Noll for her guidance in our attempts at modeling turkey amino acid requirements. Prior to the establishment of the committee, Drs. Rosalina Angel and Todd Applegate took actions to encourage the poultry industry and ingredient suppliers to supplement funding from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine and from federal agencies and foundations. The committee is most appreciative of their efforts. Lastly, the committee would like to thank Robin Schoen, Dr. Gerald Huntington, and Dr. Albaraa Sarsour for their guidance during the process of writing this report, and Samantha Sisanchandeng, Paige Jacobs, Sarah Kwon, and Jenna Briscoe for administrative support.
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Contents
1 ENERGY
Introduction
Energy Terminology
Energy Systems
References
2 CARBOHYDRATES AND FIBER
Introduction
Chemical Classification of Carbohydrates
Dietary Fiber
Conclusions
References
3 PROTEIN AND AMINO ACIDS
Introduction
Proteins
Classification of Amino Acids
Sources of Amino Acids
Bioavailability of D-Amino Acids
Amino Acid Analysis
Empirical Estimates of Amino Acid Requirements
Variations in Requirements
Amino Acid Deficiencies
Specific Amino Acid Relationships
Amino Acid Conversion to Vitamins
References
4 LIPIDS
Introduction
Lipid Nutrition
Lipid Metabolism and Physiology
Lipid Analysis
References
5 VITAMINS
Introduction
Fat-Soluble Vitamins
Water-Soluble Vitamins
References
6 MINERALS
Introduction
Macrominerals
Calcium and Phosphorus
Sodium, Potassium, Chloride, and Magnesium
Trace Minerals
References
7 NON-NUTRITIVE FEED ADDITIVES
Introduction
References
8 DIGESTIBILITY AND BIOAVAILABILITY
Introduction
Amino Acid Digestibility Assays
Apparent Metabolizable Energy Assays
Defining a Phosphorus System
Bioavailability
Measurements of Nutrient Bioavailability
References
9 FEED PROCESSING
Introduction
Feed Processing Flow
Grinding Process
Steam Conditioning and Hydrothermal Processing
Pelleting
Feed Form and Other Areas of Interest
Feed Form and Particle Size Recommendation in Poultry Species
References
10 NUTRIENT EXCRETION AND THE ENVIRONMENT
Introduction
Minimizing Nutrient Excretion by Improving the Eficiency of Nutrient Utilization
Nitrogen Excretion
Mineral Excretion
Greenhouse Gas Emissions
References
11 NUTRITIONAL IMPLICATIONS OF ENVIRONMENTAL STRESSORS
Introduction
Environmental Stressors Related to Housing Conditions
Dietary and Nutritional Stressors
Environmental Stressors Related to Immune Activation
References
12 NUTRITIONAL QUALITIES OF PRODUCTS
Introduction
Contributions to Human Nutrition
Protein Quality Considerations
Nutrients Modifiable Through Poultry Diets
References
13 NUTRIENT REQUIREMENTS OF LAYING HENS
World Egg Production, the Major Table Egg Breeds, and Housing Systems
Nutrient Recommendations
References
14 NUTRIENT REQUIREMENTS OF BROILER CHICKENS
Commercial Chicken Meat Production: A Changing and Global Industry
Nutrient Requirement Criteria
References
15 NUTRIENT REQUIREMENTS OF BROILER BREEDER PULLETS, HENS, AND MALES
Introduction
Feed Allocation Programs
Nutritional Recommendations
References
16 NUTRIENT REQUIREMENTS OF TURKEYS
World Turkey Production and the Major Turkey Breeds and Their Uses
Digestive Anatomy and Physiology of Turkeys
Nutrient Requirements
Future Research
References
17 NUTRIENT REQUIREMENTS OF DUCKS
World Duck Production and the Major Duck Breeds and Their Uses
Digestive Anatomy and Physiology of Ducks
Nutrient Requirements
Influence of Diet on Carcass Composition and Meat and Egg Quality
Future Research
References
18 NUTRIENT REQUIREMENT OF GEESE
Introduction
Management Systems
Nutritional and Digestive Strategy
Rate and Composition of Growth
Nutrient Requirements
References
19 NUTRIENT REQUIREMENTS OF JAPANESE QUAIL, BOBWHITE QUAIL, AND RING-NECKED PHEASANTS
Introduction
Japanese Quail
Bobwhite Quail
Ringed-Necked Pheasants
References
20 INGREDIENTS
Introduction
Variability in Nutrient Composition of Ingredients
Anti-Nutritional Factors
Ingredient Nutrient Composition Database
References
21 RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FUTURE RESEARCH
Introduction
APPENDIXES
A STATEMENT OF TASK
B ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS
C LITERATURE ESTIMATES OF INGREDIENT ENERGY CONTENT
D COMMITTEE BIOGRAPHIES
Figures and Tables
FIGURES
1-1 Example partition of energy in a diet providing 4,000 kcal GE/kg when fed to a laying hen
4-1 Structure of common triacylglycerol in poultry
6-1 Association of phytic acid with calcium and other minerals
16-1 World turkey production (million head) from 1961 to 2021
16-2 World turkey meat production (million tonnes) from 1961 to 2021
16-3 Live market weights (kg) of male turkeys at 18 weeks of age and female turkeys at 14 weeks of age
20-1 Workflow for using the NANP feed composition database
TABLES
2-1 Nutritional and Chemical Categories of Carbohydrates for Poultry
3-1 Apparent and Standardized Amino Acid Digestibility (%) of Feed Ingredients Used in Poultry Diets
5-1 Vitamin Unit Conversions
5-2 Biochemical and Physiological Measurements for Diagnosis of Vitamin Deficiencies in Chickens and Turkeys
5-3 Signs of Vitamin Deficiencies in the Embryo
5-4 Nutrients Associated with Various Signs of Deficiency in Growing Birds
6-1 Element Concentrations in Common Mineral Sources (Data on As-Fed Basis)
6-2 Biochemical and Physiological Measurements for Diagnosis of Inorganic Element Deficiencies in Chickens and Turkeys (from National Research Council, 1994)
6-3 Signs of Inorganic Element Deficiencies in the Embryo (from NRC, 1994)
6-4 Nutrients Associated with Various Signs of Deficiency in Growing Birds (from NRC, 1994)
6-5 Toxic Dietary Concentrations of Inorganic Elements and Compounds for Poultry
6-6 Maximum Tolerable Levels (Chronic) of Select Inorganic Elements for Poultry (NRC, 2005)
7-1 Common Carbohydrases Used in Poultry Diets
7-2 Primary and Debranching Enzymes Associated with Degradation of Glucoronarabinoxylan in Cereal Grains (Taken from Ward, 2021)
7-3 List of Authorized EU Carotenoids and Xanthophylls (Adapted from Breithaupt, 2007)
12-1 Global Sources of Edible Poultry and Eggs
12-2 Differences in Apparent Protein Quality Using PDCAAS and DIAAS Calculations
12-3 Energy and Macronutrient Content of 100 g Boneless, Skinless Meat
12-4 Differences in Protein and Fat Content of Chicken Pieces with and Without Skin and Subcutaneous Adipose on Lipid and Energy Content of 100 g of Raw Boneless Poultry Meat Pieces
12-5 Energy and Macronutrient Content of 100 g of Egg or Egg Component
12-6 Secondary Edible Portions of Poultry
12-7 Effect of Long Chain n-3 Fatty Acid Supplementation on Fatty Acid Composition of Poultry Meat
12-8 Change in Yolk Composition with Diet Reformulation
13-1 Nutrient Requirements of Immature White Egg-Laying Pullets as Percentages or Units per Kilogram of Diet (90% Dry Matter)
13-2 Nutrient Requirements of Immature Brown Egg-Laying Pullets as Percentages or Units per Kilogram of Diet (90% Dry Matter)
13-3 Nutrient Requirements of White Egg-Layers as Percentages or Units per Day
13-4 Nutrient Requirements of Brown Egg-Layers as Percentages or Units per Kilogram of Diet (90% Dry Matter)
13-5 Pullet Requirements for Digestible Lysine Estimated by Factorial Model and Literature Review
13-6 Laying Hen Requirements for Digestible Lysine Estimated by the Reading Model and Literature Review
13-7 Documentation of Nutrient Requirements of Pullets and Laying Hens
14-1 Estimated Digestible Lys Requirements of Broilers Expressed on Intake (mg/d) and In-Feed (% of Diet) Bases
14-2 Minimum Digestible Amino Acid Values as Ratios to Lys for Determination of Broiler Amino Acid Requirement
14-3 Minimum Digestible Amino Acid Requirements of Broilers Weighing from 0 to 4,300 g
14-4 Documentation of Macromineral Requirements of Growing Broilers
14-5 Daily Vitamin and Mineral Requirements of Broiler Chicken Strains Based on BW
14-6 Documentation of Digestible Lys Requirements of Broilers
14-7 Documentation of Vitamin Requirements of Growing Broilers
15-1 Minimum Nutrient Requirements of Broiler Breeder Pullets as Percentages or Units per Kilogram of Diet (90% Dry Matter) Unless Otherwise Indicated
15-2 Amino Acid and Metabolizable Energy Requirements for Broiler Breeder Hens from 18 to 65 Weeks of Age Generated Using a Factorial Model
15-3 Documentation of Amino Acid, Trace Mineral, and Vitamin Requirements of Female Broiler Breeders
16-1 An Example of Phase Feeding Guidelines by Age for Large White Commercial Meat Turkeys
16-2 Minimum Nutrient Requirements of Turkeys as Percentages or Units per Kilogram of Diet (90 Percent Dry Matter)
16-3 Documentation of Nutrient Requirements of Turkeys
17-1 Minimum Nutrient Requirements of White Pekin Ducks as Percentages or Units per Kilogram of Diet (90% Dry Matter)
17-2 Approximate Body Weights and Cumulative Feed Consumption of White Pekin Ducks to 7 Weeks of Age
17-3 Documentation of Nutrient Requirements of Ducks
18-1 Minimum Nutrient Requirements of Geese as Percentages or Units per Kilogram of Diet (90% Dry Matter)
18-2 Documentation of Nutrient Requirements of Geese for Growth
19-1 Nutrient Requirements of Japanese Quail (90% Dry Matter)
19-2 Nutrient Requirements of Bobwhite Quail (90% Dry Matter)
19-3 Nutrient Requirements of Ring-Necked Pheasants (90% Dry Matter)
19-4 Documentation of Nutrient Requirements of Japanese Quail for Growth
19-5 Documentation of Nutrient Requirements of Japanese Quail for Egg Production
20-1 Peer-Reviewed Journals from Which Nutrient Composition Data Were Derived
20-2 Specifications for Ingredients Pertinent to Poultry Feed Formulations Included in the Nutrient Composition Database
C-1 Criteria for Publication Inclusion in Literature Estimates of Ingredient Energy Content
C-2 Search Strategy for Publications Used in Literature Estimates of Ingredient Energy Content
C-3 Literature Estimates of Ingredient Energy Content for Broilers
C-4 Documentation of Literature Used for Table C-3
Preface
The National Research Council (NRC) Nutrient Requirements reports have periodically been published since the 1940s and are a series of nutrient requirement recommendations that cover most agriculturally important animal species. The first report on the Nutrient Requirements of Poultry was published in 1944, and the most recent was published in 1994 (NRC, 1994). This new 2026 edition builds on the 1994 report and those that preceded it. Reorganization at the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine has resulted in new reports referenced as National Academies instead of NRC reports.
