Our Ingredients
At Nesty, we are committed to delivering only the finest nutrition for your flock. Our chicken feed is crafted with care, using only the highest quality Australian grains. Every ingredient is selected with precision to ensure it meets the strictest standards of quality and safety. We take pride in manufacturing many of our blends at a FeedSafe accredited feed mill, where each step of the process adheres to rigorous protocols, ensuring the cleanliness, consistency, and nutritional value of our feeds. From the grain we select to the final product, we prioritise the health and well-being of your chickens, providing a balanced, nutritious diet that supports their vitality and happiness.
Scientific Resources
British Poultry Science Journal - Evaluation of Yellow Mealworm Meal as a Protein Feedstuff in the Diet of Broiler Chicks
Yellow mealworm meal significantly increased body weight and average daily gain, making it an acceptable protein feedstuff for broiler chicks without any adverse effects. (2020)
This study demonstrates the nutritional benefits of mealworms, showing that their inclusion in poultry diets improves growth performance. Read More.
Cambridge University Press - Worm meal: a potential source of alternative protein in poultry feed
Insect-based proteins like mealworm are a rich source of essential amino acids, such as lysine and methionine, which are critical for feather growth and repair in poultry. (2020
This study highlights that mealworms provide essential amino acids, such as lysine and methionine, which are critical for feather growth and repair in poultry. Read More.
Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition - Insect meal: An alternative feed resources for poultry
Chitin derivatives found in insect-based proteins, including mealworms, stimulate the innate immune system in poultry, improving their disease resistance (2015).
This study confirms that feeding broiler chickens mealworm meal enhances immune response due to the prebiotic effects of chitin, leading to better disease resistance. Read More.
Scientific Resources
Cambridge University Press - Sunflower meal in poultry diets: a review
Sunflower seeds are a valuable source of linoleic acid, an essential fatty acid that plays a crucial role in energy provision and immune function in poultry. It is particularly important in maintaining body weight during colder months, improving egg quality and overall health
This study highlights how sunflower seeds improve nutrient digestibility and contribute to the overall health and productivity of chickens, especially through the delivery of essential fats and antioxidants. Read More.
MDPI - Effects of Sunflower Meal Supplementation as a Complementary Protein Source in the Laying Hen’s Diet on Productive Performance, Egg Quality, and Nutrient Digestibility
Effects of Sunflower Meal Supplementation as a Complementary Protein Source in the Laying Hen’s Diet on Productive Performance, Egg Quality, and Nutrient Digestibility (2021).
This demonstrates sunflower seeds help improve egg quality by enhancing the nutrient profile of the yolk, while also supporting the hens health during moulting and stress. Read More.
SciELO - Utilization of Sunflower Seed in Poultry Diets
Sunflower seed inclusion increased yolk content of essential fatty acids like linoleic acid and improved overall egg quality without negatively affecting performance (2000).
This research shows sunflower seeds improve the nutritional content of eggs by increasing linoleic acid levels, which helps maintain healthy body weight and immune resilience during colder months. Read more.
Scientific Resources
Cambridge University Press - The use of whole wheat in poultry diets.
Wheat-based diets provide a highly digestible source of carbohydrates and energy, which is essential for maintaining growth and egg production in poultry. (2007)
This study shows that wheat is a digestible source of energy for poultry, essential for growth and egg production. It also improves energy efficiency in broilers. Read More.
EXTENSION - WHEAT IN POULTRY DIETS. Dr. Jacquie Jacob, University of Kentucky.
Wheat is an excellent source of metabolisable energy for chickens, providing between 3170 and 3210 Kcal/kg, which supports their daily energy needs, production, and overall health.
Wheat provides 3170-3210 Kcal/kg of metabolisable energy, crucial for chickens' energy needs. It is also palatable, ensuring consistent feed intake for growth and health. Read More.
MDPI - Climatic Conditions Influence the Nutritive Value of Wheat as a Feedstuff for Broiler Chickens
Wheat has a high starch content, which is crucial for providing energy in poultry diets. The variability in its nutrient content, including protein and minerals, can significantly impact poultry performance and health.
Wheat’s starch provides key energy for poultry. Nutrient variability affects performance, demonstrating wheat’s role in maintaining energy and health. Read More.
Scientific Resources
IntechOpen - Assessment of Maize (Zea mays) as Feed Resource for Poultry
Maize is highly digestible due to its low crude fibre content, averaging about 2.7% on a dry matter basis. Its high starch content (approximately 73%) makes it a valuable source of energy, supporting weight gain in poultry.
This study highlights that maize's high carbohydrate content and low fibre make it an efficient energy source that aids in poultry weight gain. Read More.
Small and Backyard Poultry - Corn in Poultry Diets (2016)
Corn is the easiest grain for chickens to digest and is low in fiber. Yellow dent corn provides approximately 3373 kcal/kg of energy, making it an excellent source of energy for poultry diets.
This study supports that maize provides high energy content, is easy to digest, and can be used for weight gain in chickens. Read More.
International Journal of Current Microbiology and Applied Sciences (2019)
Yellow maize contains pigments such as cryptoxanthin and xanthophyll, which help to enhance the bright yellow colour of egg yolks, adding visual appeal and indicating a nutrient-rich feed source. These natural pigments are essential in improving the quality of eggs.
This demonstrates the role of maize pigments in enhancing the colour of poultry egg yolks, adding visual quality to the eggs. Read More.
Scientific Resources
Extension - LUPINS IN POULTRY DIETS
Sweet lupins can constitute up to 40% of broiler diets without adverse effects on growth or feed efficiency. They are low in fat, rich in lysine, and provide valuable energy for poultry, making them an excellent addition to poultry nutrition programs. (2016)
This study shows that sweet lupins can be included in broiler diets up to 40% without negatively affecting growth or feed efficiency. It confirms lupins’ role as a low-fat, energy-rich feed ingredient that enhances the protein quality of the diet, particularly due to its high lysine content, which supports poultry metabolism and growth. Read More.
MDPI - Feeding Value of Lupins, Field Peas, Faba Beans and Chickpeas for Poultry: An Overview
Lupins (Lupinus albus and Lupinus angustifolius) are good sources of protein and energy in poultry diets, providing an average crude protein content of 200–400 g/kg, and are high in lysine, making them suitable for replacing soybean meal in feed formulations. Processing methods such as dehulling and enzyme treatment are critical for reducing anti-nutritional factors, improving nutrient availability and digestibility in poultry.
This study demonstrates that lupins are a viable alternative to soybean meal, providing high levels of protein and lysine, which are essential amino acids for poultry diets. Read More.
Scientific Resources
Frontiers - Lucerne Meal in Poultry Diets (2020)
Lucerne contains high fibre levels which promote the development of the digestive organs and enhance microbial populations in the intestines, leading to better nutrient absorption and improved gut health. The inclusion of lucerne meal at appropriate levels can also positively affect egg yolk pigmentation due to its carotenoid content.
This study supports lucerne's role in optimising poultry digestion and improving egg yolk quality. Read More.
The Poultry Site - Feeding Hens with Lucerne Boosts Egg Yolk Quality (2014)
Lucerne, when included in the diet of laying hens, positively influenced the yolk colour, with significant increases in beta-carotene and reduced cholesterol levels, improving egg quality.
This study demonstrates how lucerne enhances yolk pigmentation and supports poultry health without affecting egg production. Read More.
MDPI - Assessment of Feed Value of Lucerne for Poultry (2022)
Lucerne’s high polyphenol content supports gut microbiota health, providing antioxidant effects and helping maintain balanced intestinal flora in poultry. These benefits contribute to stronger immune systems and healthier birds.
This study highlights lucerne’s fibre and polyphenol content, which optimise gut health and overall bird wellness. Read More.
Scientific Resources
Zootechnical - Nutritional Value of Peas for Poultry (2020)
Peas are one of the legumes with high metabolic energy and are low in anti nutritional factors. They provide substantial protein content and are a valuable addition to poultry diets, complementing cereals effectively.
This study highlights peas as a source of protein and energy for poultry, supporting balanced nutrition. Read More.
Journal of Poultry Science - Nutritional and Biochemical Assessment of Field Peas (Pisum sativum L.) as a Protein Source in Poultry Diets (2010)
Pea protein is a rich source of essential amino acids like lysine, which is important for protein synthesis in poultry. It makes peas a valuable complement to cereal-based diets.
This research supports the role of peas in improving protein quality in poultry diets by providing essential amino acids like lysine, which are vital for poultry growth and development. Read More.
SciELO - Effects of the Replacement of Soybean Meal with Pea as Dietary Protein Source on Broilers (2013)
Replacing soybean meal with peas in poultry diets significantly enhanced protein utilization and increased serum protein levels in broilers, proving to be an effective alternative protein source.
This study shows that incorporating peas into poultry diets improves overall growth performance and protein absorption efficiency, making them a valuable substitute for traditional protein sources. Read More.
Scientific Resources
Journal of Insect Science - Zophobas morio: A ‘Sleeping Giant’ in Insect-Based Protein Sources (2021)
Darkling beetles (Zophobas morio) are rich in protein and fats, making them an ideal feed for poultry. The high chitin content in these beetles promotes gut health by supporting beneficial gut flora and enhancing digestion.
This study supports the use of darkling beetles as a valuable source of protein and fibre, contributing to overall poultry health. Read More.
Virginia Tech - Darkling Beetles and Mealworms
Darkling beetles provide a high-protein feed source that supports muscle growth and feather regeneration in poultry. The presence of chitin in the beetles also helps improve gut health by fostering beneficial gut flora and enhancing digestion.
This study demonstrates the value of darkling beetles as a protein-rich feed that promotes overall poultry health and gut function. Read more.
Poultry Hub - Darkling Beetles in Poultry Houses
Darkling beetles, particularly lesser mealworms, are rich in nutrients like protein and fats. The chitin content is beneficial for digestive health in poultry, helping to optimize nutrient absorption and promoting stronger immune responses.
This study supports the use of darkling beetles for improving digestion and immunity in poultry diets. Read more.
Small and Backyard Poultry - Darkling Beetles in Poultry Houses
Darkling beetles are a valuable source of protein for poultry, providing essential nutrients that enhance feather growth and promote gut health through their chitin content.
This article highlights the role of darkling beetles in supporting better nutrient absorption and boosting poultry immunity. Read more.
Scientific Resources
British Poultry Science Journal - Evaluation of Yellow Mealworm Meal as a Protein Feedstuff in the Diet of Broiler Chicks
Yellow mealworm meal significantly increased body weight and average daily gain, making it an acceptable protein feedstuff for broiler chicks without any adverse effects. (2020)
This study demonstrates the nutritional benefits of mealworms, showing that their inclusion in poultry diets improves growth performance. Read More.
Cambridge University Press - Worm meal: a potential source of alternative protein in poultry feed
Insect-based proteins like mealworm are a rich source of essential amino acids, such as lysine and methionine, which are critical for feather growth and repair in poultry. (2020
This study highlights that mealworms provide essential amino acids, such as lysine and methionine, which are critical for feather growth and repair in poultry. Read More.
Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition - Insect meal: An alternative feed resources for poultry
Chitin derivatives found in insect-based proteins, including mealworms, stimulate the innate immune system in poultry, improving their disease resistance (2015).
This study confirms that feeding broiler chickens mealworm meal enhances immune response due to the prebiotic effects of chitin, leading to better disease resistance. Read More.
Scientific Resources
Cambridge University Press - Sunflower meal in poultry diets: a review
Sunflower seeds are a valuable source of linoleic acid, an essential fatty acid that plays a crucial role in energy provision and immune function in poultry. It is particularly important in maintaining body weight during colder months, improving egg quality and overall health
This study highlights how sunflower seeds improve nutrient digestibility and contribute to the overall health and productivity of chickens, especially through the delivery of essential fats and antioxidants. Read More.
MDPI - Effects of Sunflower Meal Supplementation as a Complementary Protein Source in the Laying Hen’s Diet on Productive Performance, Egg Quality, and Nutrient Digestibility
Effects of Sunflower Meal Supplementation as a Complementary Protein Source in the Laying Hen’s Diet on Productive Performance, Egg Quality, and Nutrient Digestibility (2021).
This demonstrates sunflower seeds help improve egg quality by enhancing the nutrient profile of the yolk, while also supporting the hens health during moulting and stress. Read More.
SciELO - Utilization of Sunflower Seed in Poultry Diets
Sunflower seed inclusion increased yolk content of essential fatty acids like linoleic acid and improved overall egg quality without negatively affecting performance (2000).
This research shows sunflower seeds improve the nutritional content of eggs by increasing linoleic acid levels, which helps maintain healthy body weight and immune resilience during colder months. Read more.
Scientific Resources
Cambridge University Press - The use of whole wheat in poultry diets.
Wheat-based diets provide a highly digestible source of carbohydrates and energy, which is essential for maintaining growth and egg production in poultry. (2007)
This study shows that wheat is a digestible source of energy for poultry, essential for growth and egg production. It also improves energy efficiency in broilers. Read More.
EXTENSION - WHEAT IN POULTRY DIETS. Dr. Jacquie Jacob, University of Kentucky.
Wheat is an excellent source of metabolisable energy for chickens, providing between 3170 and 3210 Kcal/kg, which supports their daily energy needs, production, and overall health.
Wheat provides 3170-3210 Kcal/kg of metabolisable energy, crucial for chickens' energy needs. It is also palatable, ensuring consistent feed intake for growth and health. Read More.
MDPI - Climatic Conditions Influence the Nutritive Value of Wheat as a Feedstuff for Broiler Chickens
Wheat has a high starch content, which is crucial for providing energy in poultry diets. The variability in its nutrient content, including protein and minerals, can significantly impact poultry performance and health.
Wheat’s starch provides key energy for poultry. Nutrient variability affects performance, demonstrating wheat’s role in maintaining energy and health. Read More.
Scientific Resources
IntechOpen - Assessment of Maize (Zea mays) as Feed Resource for Poultry
Maize is highly digestible due to its low crude fibre content, averaging about 2.7% on a dry matter basis. Its high starch content (approximately 73%) makes it a valuable source of energy, supporting weight gain in poultry.
This study highlights that maize's high carbohydrate content and low fibre make it an efficient energy source that aids in poultry weight gain. Read More.
Small and Backyard Poultry - Corn in Poultry Diets (2016)
Corn is the easiest grain for chickens to digest and is low in fiber. Yellow dent corn provides approximately 3373 kcal/kg of energy, making it an excellent source of energy for poultry diets.
This study supports that maize provides high energy content, is easy to digest, and can be used for weight gain in chickens. Read More.
International Journal of Current Microbiology and Applied Sciences (2019)
Yellow maize contains pigments such as cryptoxanthin and xanthophyll, which help to enhance the bright yellow colour of egg yolks, adding visual appeal and indicating a nutrient-rich feed source. These natural pigments are essential in improving the quality of eggs.
This demonstrates the role of maize pigments in enhancing the colour of poultry egg yolks, adding visual quality to the eggs. Read More.
Scientific Resources
Extension - LUPINS IN POULTRY DIETS
Sweet lupins can constitute up to 40% of broiler diets without adverse effects on growth or feed efficiency. They are low in fat, rich in lysine, and provide valuable energy for poultry, making them an excellent addition to poultry nutrition programs. (2016)
This study shows that sweet lupins can be included in broiler diets up to 40% without negatively affecting growth or feed efficiency. It confirms lupins’ role as a low-fat, energy-rich feed ingredient that enhances the protein quality of the diet, particularly due to its high lysine content, which supports poultry metabolism and growth. Read More.
MDPI - Feeding Value of Lupins, Field Peas, Faba Beans and Chickpeas for Poultry: An Overview
Lupins (Lupinus albus and Lupinus angustifolius) are good sources of protein and energy in poultry diets, providing an average crude protein content of 200–400 g/kg, and are high in lysine, making them suitable for replacing soybean meal in feed formulations. Processing methods such as dehulling and enzyme treatment are critical for reducing anti-nutritional factors, improving nutrient availability and digestibility in poultry.
This study demonstrates that lupins are a viable alternative to soybean meal, providing high levels of protein and lysine, which are essential amino acids for poultry diets. Read More.
Scientific Resources
Frontiers - Lucerne Meal in Poultry Diets (2020)
Lucerne contains high fibre levels which promote the development of the digestive organs and enhance microbial populations in the intestines, leading to better nutrient absorption and improved gut health. The inclusion of lucerne meal at appropriate levels can also positively affect egg yolk pigmentation due to its carotenoid content.
This study supports lucerne's role in optimising poultry digestion and improving egg yolk quality. Read More.
The Poultry Site - Feeding Hens with Lucerne Boosts Egg Yolk Quality (2014)
Lucerne, when included in the diet of laying hens, positively influenced the yolk colour, with significant increases in beta-carotene and reduced cholesterol levels, improving egg quality.
This study demonstrates how lucerne enhances yolk pigmentation and supports poultry health without affecting egg production. Read More.
MDPI - Assessment of Feed Value of Lucerne for Poultry (2022)
Lucerne’s high polyphenol content supports gut microbiota health, providing antioxidant effects and helping maintain balanced intestinal flora in poultry. These benefits contribute to stronger immune systems and healthier birds.
This study highlights lucerne’s fibre and polyphenol content, which optimise gut health and overall bird wellness. Read More.
Scientific Resources
Zootechnical - Nutritional Value of Peas for Poultry (2020)
Peas are one of the legumes with high metabolic energy and are low in anti nutritional factors. They provide substantial protein content and are a valuable addition to poultry diets, complementing cereals effectively.
This study highlights peas as a source of protein and energy for poultry, supporting balanced nutrition. Read More.
Journal of Poultry Science - Nutritional and Biochemical Assessment of Field Peas (Pisum sativum L.) as a Protein Source in Poultry Diets (2010)
Pea protein is a rich source of essential amino acids like lysine, which is important for protein synthesis in poultry. It makes peas a valuable complement to cereal-based diets.
This research supports the role of peas in improving protein quality in poultry diets by providing essential amino acids like lysine, which are vital for poultry growth and development. Read More.
SciELO - Effects of the Replacement of Soybean Meal with Pea as Dietary Protein Source on Broilers (2013)
Replacing soybean meal with peas in poultry diets significantly enhanced protein utilization and increased serum protein levels in broilers, proving to be an effective alternative protein source.
This study shows that incorporating peas into poultry diets improves overall growth performance and protein absorption efficiency, making them a valuable substitute for traditional protein sources. Read More.
Scientific Resources
Journal of Insect Science - Zophobas morio: A ‘Sleeping Giant’ in Insect-Based Protein Sources (2021)
Darkling beetles (Zophobas morio) are rich in protein and fats, making them an ideal feed for poultry. The high chitin content in these beetles promotes gut health by supporting beneficial gut flora and enhancing digestion.
This study supports the use of darkling beetles as a valuable source of protein and fibre, contributing to overall poultry health. Read More.
Virginia Tech - Darkling Beetles and Mealworms
Darkling beetles provide a high-protein feed source that supports muscle growth and feather regeneration in poultry. The presence of chitin in the beetles also helps improve gut health by fostering beneficial gut flora and enhancing digestion.
This study demonstrates the value of darkling beetles as a protein-rich feed that promotes overall poultry health and gut function. Read more.
Poultry Hub - Darkling Beetles in Poultry Houses
Darkling beetles, particularly lesser mealworms, are rich in nutrients like protein and fats. The chitin content is beneficial for digestive health in poultry, helping to optimize nutrient absorption and promoting stronger immune responses.
This study supports the use of darkling beetles for improving digestion and immunity in poultry diets. Read more.
Small and Backyard Poultry - Darkling Beetles in Poultry Houses
Darkling beetles are a valuable source of protein for poultry, providing essential nutrients that enhance feather growth and promote gut health through their chitin content.
This article highlights the role of darkling beetles in supporting better nutrient absorption and boosting poultry immunity. Read more.