(2) Carbohydrates supply energy. The portion of carbohydrates not used immediately changes to “fat” and is held in reserve by the pigeon to be drawn upon when it is being used continuously for messenger service. The most important suppliers of carbohydrates are rice, kaffir, wheat, corn, and hulled oats.
(3) Fats keep the pigeon warm and also build a reserve supply of energy. The feeds which furnish fats are rape, flax, and hemp seed.
f. Analysis chart. The following chart gives a comparative analysis of the grains and seeds used for pigeon feed:
ANALYSIS CHART
| Stock No. | Ingredient | Moisture | Ash | Crude protein | Carbohydrates | Fat | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crude fiber | Nitrogen free extract | ||||||
| 9A705 | Buckwheat, unofficial[2] | 12.6 | 2.0 | 10.0 | 8.7 | 64.5 | 2.2 |
| 9A747 | Seed, canary, 99% pure, unofficial[2] | 7.0 | 5.5 | 17.2 | 5.7 | 59.1 | 5.5 |
| 9A747.1 | Seed, flax, 99% pure, U. S. No. 1[1] | 9.2 | 4.3 | 22.6 | 7.0 | 23.2 | 33.7 |
| 9A876.1 | Corn, American, small grain, U. S. No. 1[1] | 12.9 | 1.3 | 9.3 | 1.9 | 70.3 | 4.3 |
| 9A1360 | Seed, hemp, sterilized, 99% pure, unofficial[2] | 8.0 | 2.0 | 10.0 | 14.0 | 45.0 | 21.0 |
| 9A1550 | Kaffir, U. S. No. 1[1] | 9.4 | 1.6 | 11.1 | 2.1 | 72.6 | 3.2 |
| 9A1765 | Seed, millet, 99% pure, unofficial[2] | 9.1 | 3.3 | 11.8 | 7.8 | 64.7 | 3.3 |
| 9A1787 | Oats, hulled, table grade, unofficial[2] | 8.4 | 1.8 | 16.0 | 1.5 | 65.5 | 6.8 |
| 9A1848 | Peas, Canada, U. S. No. 1[1] | 9.2 | 3.4 | 23.0 | 5.5 | 57.8 | 1.1 |
| 9A1848.1 | Peas, maple, unofficial[2] | 11.0 | 2.5 | 21.9 | 5.5 | 58.2 | 0.9 |
| 9A1848.2 | Peas, white, First and Best, U. S. No. 1[1] | 9.1 | 3.3 | 11.8 | 7.8 | 64.7 | 3.3 |
| 9A1901 | Seed, rape, large, sweet, 99% pure, unofficial[2] | 14.0 | 3.9 | 19.4 | 7.8 | 16.4 | 38.5 |
| 9A1940 | Rice, whole, extra fancy, U. S. No. 1[1] | 12.4 | 0.4 | 7.4 | 0.2 | 79.2 | 0.4 |
| 9A2600 | Vetch, common, unofficial[2] | 13.7 | 3.3 | 25.4 | 5.4 | 50.7 | 1.5 |
| 9A2800 | Wheat, hard red or durum, U. S. No. 1[1] | 10.6 | 1.8 | 12.3 | 2.4 | 71.1 | 1.8 |
[1] “U. S. No. 1 Grade” complies with standards for that grade established by the U. S. Department of Agriculture.
[2] “Unofficial grade” indicates grain or seed “well-matured, sound, clean, and of good natural color and odor” as certified to by a recognized Official Grain Inspection Agency.
Note. The above analysis of ingredients for pigeon feed are averages. Climatic conditions or the locality in which the grain or seed is grown may slightly alter this analysis.
g. Green food. Certain amounts of this food are essential for the pigeon’s digestive organs to function properly. Crisp young lettuce, kale (preferably curly), and chickweed are the best green foods for pigeons. Pigeons prefer green stuff sprinkled with a little table salt. While green food is in season, give the pigeons as much of it as they will eat about three times a week. The preferred method for feeding this type of food is to suspend it in bunches on the inside of the loft about 4 inches from the floor.
h. Formulas. (1) The formulas for the various feed mixtures are listed below under their suggested use. It must be remembered that the factor governing the use of these feed mixtures will be climate and existing conditions.