Buckwheat is a nutritious seed often included in the diet of cage and aviary birds.
- Appearance: Buckwheat is a triangular seed, light brown to greyish in colour, with a slightly rough shell.
Benefits for Birds:
- Balanced Nutrition: Buckwheat offers a combination of proteins, carbohydrates, and fibres, contributing to a balanced diet.
- Energy: The complex carbohydrates provide a sustainable source of energy for the daily activities of birds.
- Digestive System: The fibres promote good digestion and healthy bowel regulation.
- Proteins: The proteins in buckwheat support growth, reproduction, and the maintenance of muscle mass in birds.
Instructions:
- Quantity: Use buckwheat as a supplement to a varied diet.
- Preparation: Buckwheat can be given as is or mixed with other seeds to provide a complete diet.
- Storage: Keep buckwheat seeds in a dry and cool place to prevent moisture and mould.
Precautions:
- Complementarity: Buckwheat should not be the sole source of food. Ensure to provide a varied diet to cover all the nutritional needs of birds.
Buckwheat is a nutritious and beneficial addition to the diet of birds, contributing to their overall well-being and balanced nutrition.
Analytical Composition:
Crude Protein: Approximately 12-14%
- Provides essential plant proteins for growth, reproduction, and maintenance of bird health.
Crude Fats: Approximately 2-4%
- Contains essential fats that provide energy and support proper cell function.
Carbohydrates: Approximately 65-70%
- Mainly in the form of starch, providing a sustainable source of energy for birds.
Crude Fibre: Approximately 6-8%
- Aids in digestion and maintaining good intestinal health.
Ash (Minerals): Approximately 1-2%
- Includes various important minerals:
- Calcium: Approximately 0.2-0.3%
- Phosphorus: Approximately 0.3-0.4%
- Magnesium: Approximately 0.2-0.3%
- Iron: Approximately 2-3 mg/100 g
Vitamins:
- Vitamin B1 (Thiamine): Approximately 0.3 mg/100 g
- Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin): Approximately 0.2 mg/100 g
- Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine): Approximately 0.3 mg/100 g
- Vitamin E: Moderate amounts
Additional Features:
- Antioxidants: Contains flavonoids such as rutin and quercetin, which may offer antioxidant benefits.
- Phytates: Presence of phytates, which can interfere with the absorption of certain minerals but also provide antioxidant properties.
Buckwheat for birds is a good source of proteins, complex carbohydrates, and fibres, contributing to a balanced diet. The levels of fats are moderate, and it contains essential minerals and vitamins for bird health. As with any food, it should be used as a supplement to a varied diet to ensure a complete nutrient intake.