The two major nutrients used in formulating poultry diets are energy and protein. The need for protein includes requirements for specific amino acids that are the building blocks of the protein. There are a variety of different protein sources that are suitable for use in poultry diets. They all differ in their amino acid profile. When feeding corn, soybean meal is typically used because their amino acid profiles complement each other. When using other dietary energy sources, alternative feed ingredients may play a more important role.

Animal by-products

Canola

Field peas

Flax

Insects

Lupins

Soybeans

Sunflower seeds

Worms

 

Soy-free poultry diets (Oregon State University)