Proteins
The function of protein is an essential part of building and sustaining muscle growth. Simply put, the functions of proteins are: maintaining the structure of red blood cells, repairing body tissue, maintaining antibodies in good condition to fight infection, and regulating the hormones and enzymes that govern cell growth. This means without adequate protein, your body won’t be able to build muscle. This is because when you lift weights, or do any kind of strength training exercise, you produce tiny tears in your muscle fibre.
A certain percentage of protein is required in the feed to rebuild muscle and muscle tissues. Amino acids are the building blocks of protein, sources of protein include whole grains, rice, corn, beans, legumes, oatmeal, peas.
Maintain at least 15-17% protein in pigeon feed.
. A large proportion of proteins are obtained from legumes (about 16-23%), and also in cereals (around 11%). However, the amino acid compositions are different in the various legumes and cereals, so a mixture must be provided in order to ensure a balanced diet. The plumage is also composed mainly from proteins and a good supply of these nutrients is necessary before and during the onset of winter.The pigeon’s “milk”, which is produced from the crop lining, must be as rich in protein as possible. Pigeons that do not receive a varied supply of amino acids will not be able to provide an adequate diet to their young through crop milk.
