Let us remind ourselves, birds lose up to half their weight during a race. It is essential that the birds' muscle be developed by use of extra protein during training and the build up to a race. During the early parts of the race carbohydrate is used. This comes from muscle and liver stores of glycogen, formed from high starch ingredients such as maize. As the race continues body fat stores are mobilised to provide fuel. The total quality feeding energy (ME) value at 14 and costing factors of French Roundberry Maize is the best value compared to other types of maize varieties.

Research has shown that if oil is used in the mixtures the muscle can adapt to using it as an energy source. In CountryWide mixtures the diet oil comes from Safflower, Linseed, Rape Seed, Naked Oats and Cod Liver Oil. In the Hi Pro Energy Mix the levels are further increased by the inclusion of Roasted Soya Beans, Peanuts and Aniseed Oil. Once the starch and oil are exhausted as energy sources research has shown protein from the muscles is then used as a final fuel to finish the race.