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This study discusses the epidemiological, clinical, and pathological characteristics of two outbreaks of ocular infection in ostriches (Struthio camelus) caused by the trematode Philophthalmus sp. The outbreaks occurred in the states of Ceará and Rio Grande do Norte in Northeast Brazil. Ostrich farming was categorized as semi-intensive farming with free access to the weir and river. The clinical symptoms for infection included nictitating membrane inflammation, epiphora (tearing), eyelid edema, ocular congestion, eyeball destruction, emaciation, and death, and the infection period ranged from 8 to 16 months. Macroscopically, thickening of the eyelids and conjunctiva were observed, with orange parasites infestation. Histologically, the lesions were characterized as lymphoplasmacytic and heterophilic, multifocal to coalescing, moderate, chronic conjunctivitis associated with hyperplasia and ectasia of the Harderian gland, and numerous parasites. The parasites were oval and flattened with an oral suction cup, acetabulum, and thick cuticle containing spicules. The diagnosis of philophthalmiasis was based on epidemiological, clinical, and pathological findings associated with the morphological characteristics of the parasites present in the conjunctival sacs which were similar to the trematode Philophthalmus sp. Philophthalmiasis can occur in ostriches raised on urban and rural properties in Northeastern Brazil, probably associated with the contact of birds with contaminated water, and is characterized by severe conjunctivitis that can result in the loss of the eyeball and death of the animals. RESUMO: Descrevem-se as características epidemiológicas, clínicas e patológicas de dois surtos de infecção ocular pelo trematódeo Philophthalmus sp. em avestruzes ocorridos nos estados do Ceará e Rio Grande do Norte no Nordeste do Brasil. As propriedades tinham em comum, a criação semi-intensiva e livre acesso a açude e rio. Os sinais clínicos incluíam protrusão da membrana nictante, lacrimejamento, edema palpebral, congestão ocular, destruição do globo ocular, emagrecimento e morte. A evolução clínica variou de oito a 16 meses. Macroscopicamente, observou-se espessamento das pálpebras e conjuntivas associado a numerosas estruturas parasitárias alaranjadas. No segundo surto, as lesões eram mais graves e consistiam em perda do globo ocular direito e anexos. Histologicamente, as lesões caracterizavam-se por conjuntivite linfoplasmocítica e heterofílica, multifocal a coalescente, moderada, crônica associada a hiperplasia e ectasia da glândula de Harderian e numerosas estruturas parasitárias. Os parasitas eram ovalados, achatados com ventosa oral e acetábulo e cutícula espessa contendo espículas. O diagnóstico de filoftalmíase foi realizado com base nos achados epidemiológicos, clínicos e patológicos associadas as características morfológicas dos parasitas presentes nos sacos conjuntivais compatíveis com o trematódeo Philophthalmus sp. A filoftalmíase pode ocorrer em avestruzes criados em propriedades urbanas e rurais no Nordeste do Brasil, provavelmente associado ao contato das aves com água contaminada e caracteriza-se por quadros de conjuntivite grave que pode resultar com a perda do globo ocular e morte dos animais.

Struthio camelus spatzi Stresemann, 1926: 139. Holotype: Egg, Museum für Naturkunde, Berlin, ZMB B.1180a (not examined). Referred specimen: Adult male skeleton ZMB 36879 Stresemann, 1927: 135. Remark: The skeleton ZMB 36879 comes from one of three birds, referred to by Stresemann (1927) as ‘cotypes’, kept at that time in Berlin Zoo. Expanded diagnosis: Smaller than the living subspecies (with most dimensions 88–100%) except for the synsacrum (Supporting Information, Table S3), postacetabular pelvis (Supporting Information, Table S4), distal ends of the humerus (Supporting Information, Table S2), femur except for a smaller corpus diameter (Supporting Information, Table S5), and pedal phalanges III/1 and III/2 (Fig. 2; Supporting Information, Tables S9 and S10). Tarsometatarsus length S. c. syriacus). The ratio of the length of tibiotarsus to tarsometatarsus is> 1.15, compared with 1.11–1.14 in extant ostriches. Phalanges III/1 and III/2 are as in extant ostriches, with the respective total lengths of ~ 90 mm (in the lower range of S. c. camelus) and 60 mm (as in S. c. camelus). The ratio of the length of tarsometatarsus to phalanx III/2 is 7.1, compared with 7.6–9.0 (8.0–9.0 for males) in extant ostriches. The pattern of egg pores of the intermediate type is as described by Schönwetter (1927), Sauer (1968, 1972) and Mikhailov & Zelenkov (2020). crista plantaris mediana; ct, crista trochanteris; dl, foramen dorsale laterale; dm, foramen dorsale mediale; em, epicondylus medialis; fd, facies tibialis distalis; ff, facies femoralis; fg, facies glenoidalis; fl, fovea ligmenti capitis; fm, foramen plantare mediale; fp, facies tibialis proximalis; fpl, foramen plantare laterale; il, impressio ligamenti collateralis medialis longi; l, condylus lateralis; ll, labrum laterale; lm, labrum mediale; m, condylus medialis; p, processus procoracoideus; pc, processus craniolateralis (sternocoracoideus); pm, foramen plantare mediale; sf, semicondylus fibularis; sp, sulcus patellaris; st, semicondylus tibiofibularis; t, trochanter; tf, tuberositas femoralis; ti, tuberculum m. iliofibularis; tIII, trochlea metatarsi III; tIV, trochlea metatarsi IV; tl, trabecula lateralis; tt, tuberositas tibialis. For explanation of measurement tags, see Table 1. SKELETAL VARIATION AND SEXUAL DIMORPHISM Although the coefficients of variation of most measurements in the living ostriches do not exceed 6% (Supporting Information, Tables S2–S 13), some of them are distinctly higher as a result of variable ossification (intrinsic variation) or, in addition, some indeterminacy owing to the absence of exact measurement points when taking minimum width or depth measurements across continuous surfaces. A high intrinsic variability affects single details, such as the sternal interspinal width (CV = 7.4), pelvic angular width (CV = 10.1), the cranial (CV = 8.5) and caudal (CV = 12.1) interforaminal distances of the tarsometatarsus and the proximal width between the cotylar margins of phalanx III/1 (CV = 7.1). The indeterminacy and variability of measurement position might have contributed to the variation of the sternal postcostal width (CV = 9.6), pelvic postacetabular width (CV = 8.9), fibular corpus width (CV = 8.8), tarsometatarsal corpus depth (CV = 8.4) and many transverse measurements of phalanx III/2: corpus width (CV = 9.1), apical width (CV = 7.0), trochlear depth (CV = 7.1) and foveal width (CV = 7.1), with the foveal width also being highly variable in phalanx III/3 (CV = 9.5). The most variable and thus the least usable measurement turned out to be the interischiadic width (ischiadic span) of the pelvis (CV = 19.9), suggesting a strong intrinsic component of this variability in addition to the indeterminacy of the measurement point. With a notable exception for the length of the tibiotarsus (Supporting Information, Table S6) and, especially, the tarsometatarsus (Supporting Information, Table S8), most measurement values (71 of 95medians), including the transverse measurements of the tibiotarsus and tarsometatarsus, tend to be higher in females. However, the differences proved to be statistically significant or near-significant in only 14 measurements (Table 2). In ten of them, the ostrich females have consistently wider and/or deeper ends of limb bones, which suggests that the female skeleton (at least the appendicular skeleton) is more robust even if the males are taller owing to longer tarsometatarsi and tibiotarsi. Only three bones, namely the scapulocoracoid, humerus and pedal phalanx III/3, are significantly longer compared with males., Published as part of Elzanowski, Andrzej & Louchart, Antoine, 2022, Metric variation in the postcranial skeleton of ostriches, Struthio (Aves: Palaeognathae), with new data on extinct subspecies, pp. 88-105 in Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society 195 (1) on pages 95-97, DOI: 10.1093/zoolinnean/zlab049, http://zenodo.org/record/6530641, {"references":["Stresemann E. 1926. Die Vogelausbeute des Herrn Paul Spatz in Rio de Oro. Ornithologische Monatsberichte 34: 137 - 139.","Stresemann E. 1927. Ueber die einstige Verbreitung von Struthio camelus in Algerien. Ornithologische Monatsberichte 35: 135 - 136.","Schonwetter M. 1927. Die Eier von Struthio camelus spatzi Stresemann. Ornithologische Monatsberichte 35: 13 - 17.","Sauer EGF. 1968. Calculations of struthious egg sizes from measurements of shell fragments and their correlation with phylogenetic aspects. Cimbebasia A 1: 27 - 55.","Sauer EGF. 1972. Ratite eggshell and phylogenetic questions. Bonner Zoologische Beitrage 23: 3 - 48.","Mikhailov KE, Zelenkov N. 2020. The late Cenozoic history of the ostriches (Aves: Struthionidae), as revealed by fossil eggshell and bone remains. Earth Science Reviews 208: 103270."]}

A desinfecção dos ovos incubáveis é um processo importante e necessário, pois no momento da postura os ovos adquirem uma quantidade de microrganismos que se aderem à casca, uma vez que à maioria dos problemas resultantes da invasão de microrganismos deve-se a falhas na sanitização dos ovos. O objetivo do experimento foi avaliar a eficiência de diferentes princípios ativos na desinfecção de ovos de avestruz sobre a contaminação dos ovos e os índices produtivos da incubação. Foram utilizados 16 ovos distribuídos em dois grupos experimentais em Delineamento Inteiramente Casualizado. Os princípios ativos utilizados como desinfetantes foram amônia quaternária e formaldeído. A fim de detectar e quantificar a contaminação realizou-se análise microbiológica na superfície da casca dos ovos após desinfecção. Os parâmetros de desempenho da incubação foram avaliados por meio do peso dos ovos nos dias 0 e 38 de incubação (g), índice de perda de peso do ovo (%), taxa de mortalidade (%), embriodiagnóstico (%) e eclodibilidade (%). Os resultados obtidos mostram que não houve diferença entre os princípios ativos utilizados quanto à capacidade de desinfecção, uma vez que os resultados da análise microbiológica foram negativos para todos os microrganismos pesquisados nos dois tipos de desinfetantes. Para os parâmetros de incubação não houve efeito significativo (p>0,05) entre os tratamentos em nenhuma das variáveis analisadas. Dessa forma, pode-se concluir que os dois métodos são eficientes na desinfecção dos ovos, mantendo-os livre de agentes microbianos durante os processos de armazenagem e incubação, além de não afetar os parâmetros da incubação.

Semen analyses have gained momentum in various livestock industries. However, in farmed ostriches, semen analysis is still in its experimental stage, and males are not screened for sperm quality before breeding. This study investigated the correlations between computer-aided sperm analysis (CASA) technology and the traditional, yet affordable, mass sperm motility score. Semen was collected from nine South African Black ostrich males (mean age ± SD: 5.25 ± 1.21 years), using the dummy female method for 5 consecutive days monthly, for 8 months. Mass sperm motility scores were recorded on a scale of 1–5 (1: little to no sperm movement; 5: rapid sperm movement). The CASA traits recorded were: total motility (MOT), progressive motility (PMOT), curve–linear velocity (VCL), straight-line velocity (VSL), average path velocity (VAP), amplitude of lateral head displacement (ALH), linearity (LIN), straightness (STR), wobble (WOB), and beat-cross frequency (BCF). The results revealed positive correlations between mass sperm motility and PMOT, MOT, VCL, and VAP ranging from 0.34 to 0.59 (p < 0.0001). In contrast, negative correlations were recorded between mass sperm motility and LIN, STR, and BCF, with correlations ranging from −0.20 to −0.39 (p < 0.0001). VSL, ALH, and WOB were not correlated to mass sperm motility (p > 0.05). Ostrich farmers may thus be able to evaluate sperm motility reliably and potentially select breeding males by using the affordable mass sperm motility scoring method. Determining the correlation between these methods and fertility after artificial insemination or natural mating is however needed.

Struthio camelus camelus Linnaeus, 1758 LITERATURE. — Dowsett (1993); Portier et al. (2002); Dowsett et al. (2013); Borrow & Demey (2014). STATUS. — Probably extinct in the wild., Published as part of Boano, Giovanni, Belemsobgo, Urbain, Silvano, Fabrizio, Hema, Emmanuel M., Belemsobgo, Aristide, Dimobe, Kangbéni & Pavia, Marco, 2022, An annotated checklist of the birds of Burkina Faso, pp. 27-107 in Zoosystema 44 (2) on page 32, DOI: 10.5252/zoosystema2022v44a2, http://zenodo.org/record/5999691, {"references":["DOWSETT R. J. 1993. - Afrotropical avifaunas: annotated country checklists, in DOWSETT R. J. & DOWSETT- LEMAIRE F. (eds). A Contribution to the Distribution and Taxonomy of Afrotropical and Malagasy birds Tauraco Research Report 5, Tauraco Press, Liege: 1 - 322.","PORTIER B., LUNGREN C. & OUEDA G. H. 2002. - Birding in Burkina Faso, more than just birdwatching. Dutch Birding 24: 127 - 141.","DOWSETT R. J., ATKINSON P. W. & CADDICK J. A. 2013. - Checklist of the birds of Burkina Faso: 1 - 12. https: // www. africanbirdclub. org / [accessed 14 October 2013].","BORROW N. & DEMEY R. 2014. - Field Guide of the Birds of Western Africa. II edition. Christopher Helm, London, 592 p."]}

RESUMO A indústria de fertilizantes no Brasil vem crescendo de forma acelerada puxada pelo aumento do agronegócio, porém essa cadeia industrial envolve operação contínua em meio agressivo, gerando paradas para manutenção corretiva devido ao desgaste da cadeia industrial por corrosão. Nos últimos anos, o custo da indústria com manutenção chegou a 4% em relação ao faturamento bruto. Com o objetivo de diminuir esse custo e visando à sustentabilidade, têm-se investido em novas técnicas para proteger a planta de produção contra os efeitos severos da corrosão, objetivando o aumento da produção, diminuição das paradas para manutenção, prorrogação da vida útil da planta e diminuição de resíduos tóxicos. Vários estudos com extratos de origem animal e vegetal têm sido realizados como possíveis aditivos de proteção à corrosão de superfícies metálicas, por serem considerados ambientalmente corretos, formando um filme na interface metal-meio corrosivo. Esse trabalho mostra estudos de corrosão por técnicas eletroquímicas em aço 1020 contendo extratos de Struthio Camelus (avestruz), Crolatus Durissus (cobra cascavel) e de Elaeis Guineensis (palma) em solução de Cloreto de Sódio (NaCl) e Ureia 3%. Os resultados indicaram uma diminuição significativa nas taxas de corrosão do aço quando submetido a Ureia 3% na presença de todos os extratos, quando comparado com os resultados obtidos na presença de NaCl 3%. O aço carbono com extrato de Crolatus Durissus em Ureia 3% apresentou taxa de corrosão de 0,003 mm/ano, o melhor comportamento nesse meio, seguido do extrato de Elaeis Guineensis, 0,009 mm/ano. O aço na presença de Elaeis Guineensis com NaCl 3% apresentou uma taxa de corrosão de 0,05 mm/ano, sendo o melhor resultado para esse meio corrosivo. ABSTRACT The fertilizer industry in Brazil has been growing at an accelerated pace driven by the increase in The fertilizer industry in Brazil has been growing at an accelerated pace driven by the increase in agribusiness, however this industrial chain involves continuous operation in an aggressive environment, generating stops for corrective maintenance due to the wear and tear of the industrial chain due to corrosion. In recent years, the cost of the industry with maintenance has reached 4% in relation to gross sales. With the objective of reducing this cost and aiming at sustainability, new techniques have been invested to protect the production plant against the severe effects of corrosion, aiming at increasing production, reducing maintenance stops, extending the plant’s useful life and decrease in toxic waste. Several studies with extracts of animal and plant origin have been carried out as possible corrosion protection additives for metallic surfaces, as they are considered environmentally correct, forming a film at the corrosive metal-medium interface. This work shows corrosion studies by electrochemical techniques on 1020 steel containing extracts of Struthio Camelus (ostrich), Crolatus Durissus (rattlesnake) and Elaeis Guineensis (palm and palm kernel) in a solution of Sodium Chloride (NaCl) and 3% Urea. The results indicated a significant decrease in the corrosion rates of steel when submitted to 3% Urea in the presence of all extracts, when compared with the results obtained in the presence of 3% NaCl. Carbon steel with Crolatus Durissus extract in Urea 3% showed a corrosion rate of 0.003 mm/year, the best behavior in this medium, followed by Elaeis Guineensis extract, 0.009 mm/year. Steel in the presence of Elaeis Guineensis with 3% NaCl showed a corrosion rate of 0.05 mm/year, being the best result for the medium.

The selection of animals with lower production costs can be achieved by using feed efficiency and growth curve information. Kleiber ratio (KR) is an alternative option for discriminating against the animals that have the greatest weight gain about their final weight. Alternative feed efficiency and growth curves for ostriches of the African Black (AB) and Red Neck (RN) breeds and their crossbreeds (CB) were investigated using KR and Gompertz equation. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used. The highest adult weight was identified in the RN and CB. AB was more precocious than the RN and CB individuals. Only AB animals reached 75% of their mature weight at one year of age. At 180 days, AB showed better KR. AB was different from the others, mainly for KR at 90 days and 180 days. Considering multivariate analysis, AB animals were different from the others, regardless of sex, mainly for KR at 90 days and KR at 180 days. Other subgroups separated the animals by sex. In a market preferring animals of minor structure (smaller cuts) and greater precocity, it would be suitable to opt for AB. When animals with greater body structure (larger cuts) are desired, males RN and CR is the best option, however, it will be slaughtered with greater age and lower value for KR (may generate a bigger production cost ). It is possible to obtain animals with precocity and high KR, being well represented by the AB breed. A seleção de animais com custos de produção mais baixos pode ser alcançada usando a eficiência alimentar e informações da curva de crescimento. A razão de Kleiber (KR) é uma alternativa para discriminar os animais que apresentam maior ganho de peso em relação ao peso final. Eficiência alimentar alternativa e curvas de crescimento para avestruzes das raças African Black (AB) e Red Neck (RN) e seus cruzamentos (CB) foram investigadas usando a equação de KR e Gompertz. Análises univariadas e multivariadas foram utilizadas. O maior peso adulto foi observado no RN e no CB. AB foi mais precoce do que os indivíduos RN e CB. Apenas animais AB atingiram 75% de seu peso adulto até um ano de idade. Aos 180 dias, AB tem maior KR. AB foi diferente dos demais, principalmente para KR aos 90 dias e 180 dias. Considerando a análise multivariada, os animais AB diferiram dos demais, independente do sexo, principalmente pelos seguintes parâmetros: KR aos 90 dias, KR aos 180 dias. Outros subgrupos separaram os animais por sexo. Em um mercado que prefere animais de menor estrutura corporal (cortes menores) e maior precocidade, seria adequado optar pela AB. Para animais com maior estrutura corporal (cortes maiores), os machos RN e CR são a melhor opção, porém, serão abatidos com maior idade e menor valor para KR (pode gerar um maior custo de produção). É possível obter animais com precocidade e alto KR, sendo bem representados pelo AB.

Ostriches are big birds whose growth rate requires adequate nutrition and somewhat clean environments, especially for captive ones. The ostrich and the remaining three members of the herd, which sparingly fed on green spinach (Spinacia oleracea) and occasionally, some commercial chicken grower mash, lived in an unkempt environment with no vaccination or medical history. Although there are reports of proventricular impaction, rickets, and tibiotarsal rotation separately in ostriches, their co-existence in an ostrich needs documentation to deepen the current knowledge base concerning its predisposing factors and pathophysiology of the case. A post-mortem examination of a fresh ostrich carcass revealed over-distended proventriculus with considerable amounts of foreign materials, “rachitic rosary” beads in both ribs, and comparatively swollen and angulated or rotated left tibiotarsal bone. These led to a diagnosis of proventricular impaction associated with rickets and tibiotarsal deformity predisposed by poor management practice. Therefore, the prompt and adequate feeding of balanced diets, in the right amount and at the right time, in a cleaner environment would have prevented the development of the conditions in the captive ostrich &nbsp

In the present study, different eggs were collected and analyzed from five various animal species: European pond turtle (Emys orbicularis (Linnaeus, 1758)), giant African land snail (Achatina fulica (Bowdich, 1822)), common ostrich (Struthio camelus (Linnaeus, 1758)), white, light-brown, and dark-brown laying hen (Gallus gallus domesticus (Linnaeus, 1758) and European quail (Coturnix coturnix (Linnaeus, 1758). The typical mineral shell mainly composed of the calcite polymorph of CaCO3 but the eggshell consists of membranes, that composed mainly of proteins. The shell quality also could be assigned by several external and internal factors such as oviposition time, animal genotype and age, housing system (for poultry), and mineral nutrition complex. The CaCO3 content was determined by the standard titration method, coz the titration could provide a reliable method for evaluation of CaCO3 content in different types of eggshells. The structural surface characterization of eggshells was performed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with a field emission gun. In terms of chemical composition, ostrich eggshells generally did not differ much from those of laying hen, turtles, giant snails, or quail eggs, but the concentration of calcium carbonate was the highest. The average calcium carbonate content of various eggshells is between 84 and 98%. The thickness of the eggshell ranges from 0.08 to 1.89 mm, and it is not the same over the entire surface of the egg. At the sharp end of the egg, the shell is slightly thicker than at the blunt end. The purpose of this study was to study the quantitative content of calcium carbonate in various eggshells of different animals to draw further conclusions in which animals the eggshell contains the maximum amount of biological calcium carbonate.

The ostrich oil of Struthio camelus (Ratite) found uses in folk medicine as an anti-inflammatory in eczema and contact dermatitis. The anti-inflammatory effect of a γ-lactone (5-hexyl-3H-furan-2-one) isolated from ostrich oil and its formulated nano-emulsion in formalin-induced paw edema was investigated in this study. Ostrich oil was saponified using a standard procedure, the aqueous residue was fractionated, purified, and characterized as γ-lactone (5-hexyl-3H-furan-2-one) through the interpretation of IR, NMR, and MS analyses. The γ-lactone was formulated as nano-emulsion using methylcellulose (MC) for oral solubilized form. The γ-lactone methylcellulose nanoparticles (γ-lactone-MC-NPs) were characterized for their size, shape, and encapsulation efficiency with a uniform size of 300 nm and 59.9% drug content. The γ-lactone was applied topically, while the formulated nanoparticles (NPs) were administered orally to rats. A non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (diclofenac gel) was used as a reference drug for topical use and ibuprofen suspension for oral administration. Edema was measured using the plethysmograph method. Both γ-lactone and γ-lactone-MC-NPs showed reduction of formalin-induced paw edema in rats and proved to be better than the reference drugs, diclofenac gel and ibuprofen emulsion. Histological examination of the skin tissue revealed increased skin thickness with subepidermal edema and mixed inflammatory cellular infiltration, which were significantly reduced by the γ-lactone compared to the positive control (p-value = 0.00013). Diuretic and toxicity studies of oral γ-lactone-MC-NPs were performed. No diuretic activity was observed. However, lethargy, drowsiness, and refusal to feeding observed may limit its oral administration.

SUMMARY: Ostrich females producing eggs in the absence of males was a major breakthrough for the development of an artificial insemination (AI) protocol. This study evaluated monthly egg production (EP) and average egg weight (EW) for 71 individually penned female ostriches from 2009 to 2020 and estimated the genetic parameters for these traits. EP was highly variable compared to EW (coefficients of variation: 124.9 vs. 10.27%, respectively). EP continued throughout the year with maxima from July to December and minima in February and May. The two-trait heritability (h2) for EP was low at 0.13, while EW had a higher h2 of 0.40. EP and EW were not genetically correlated. The genetic improvement of EP and EW for females used for AI is feasible. Further studies should target incubation and hatching traits after AI.

The ostrich (Struthio camelus, Linnaeus 1758) is the largest bird in the world. It is of great economic importance in Africa and is found across several countries. With developments in breeding systems, morphological studies that facilitate the application of the knowledge are necessary, considering the species has unique anatomical features. The objective of the present study was to describe the major tributaries of the hepatic vein in the species. Ten viscera of adult individuals of both sexes, which were injected with Neoprene latex through the hepatic vein, were used to visualize their tributaries. After the vascular repletion, the tissues were fixed and conserved in 10% formaldehyde aqueous solution. The hepatic carrier system was dissected and photo-documented. The left hepatic vein receives blood from the proventricle and gastric ventricle, while the right hepatic vein is responsible for the drainage of blood into the following organs: spleen, through the proventriculosplenic vein; pancreas, through the pancreaticoduodenal vein; jejunum, through the jejunum trunk; and the colon, which forms the cranial mesenteric vein. Resumo O avestruz (Struthio camelus, Linnaeus 1758) é a maior ave do mundo, com uma importância comercial acentuada na África e expandindo-se para diversos países. Assim, com o desenvolvimento dos sistemas de criação, tornam-se necessários estudos morfológicos que subsidiem as áreas aplicadas, pois a espécie apresenta características anatômicas próprias. O objetivo deste estudo foi a descrição dos principais afluentes da veia porta-hepática nesta espécie. Para a realização do presente trabalho, foram utilizadas dez vísceras de animais adultos, de ambos os sexos, que foram injetados com Neoprene látex por meio da veia porta-hepática para evidenciar os seus afluentes. Após a repleção vascular, os animais foram fixados e conservados em solução aquosa de formaldeído a 10%. O sistema porta-hepático foi dissecado e fotodocumentado. Observou-se que a veia porta-hepática esquerda recebe sangue da região do proventrículo e ventrículo gástrico. A veia porta-hepática direita é a responsável pela drenagem do sangue nos seguintes órgãos: baço, por meio da veia proventriculoesplênica, pâncreas, pela veia pancreaticoduonais, jejuno, por meio do tronco jejunal, e o cólon, que forma a veia mesentérica cranial.

The effect of extensive human presence and regular gentle handling performed at an early age (0&ndash, 3 months old) on stress responses and reactivity of juvenile ostriches towards humans was investigated. A total of 416 ostrich chicks over two years were exposed to one of three treatments for three months after hatching, namely, Human Presence 1 (HP1, N = 144): extensive/prolonged human presence with physical contact (touch, stroking), gentle human voice, and visual stimuli, Human Presence 2 (HP2, N = 136): extensive/prolonged human presence without physical contact, but with gentle human voice and visual stimuli, and the Standard treatment (S, N = 136): human presence limited to routine feed and water supply as a control. At 7.5 months of age, the plasma heterophil/lymphocyte (H/L) ratio was measured before and 72 h after feather harvesting and feather clipping to determine acute stress responses, while chronic stress was measured by quantification of corticosterone (CORT) concentrations in the floss feathers of the birds. Birds&rsquo, behavioural response towards a familiar or an unfamiliar handler was evaluated at 12 months using docility and fear tests, and through behavioural observations conducted on random days between the ages of 8&ndash, 13 months. Willingness to approach, and to allow touch interactions, aggressiveness, and exhibition of sexual display towards the handler, was recorded. No difference in the H/L ratios before and after feather harvesting and clipping was observed in HP1 birds, whereas H/L ratios showed a significant increase 72 h post feather harvesting and clipping in HP2 and S birds (p &lt, 0.05). Birds from the S treatment exhibited a significantly (p &lt, 0.05) higher feather CORT concentration compared with HP1 birds, while HP2 birds had intermediate responses. Birds&rsquo, reactivity towards humans and temperament as evaluated using behavioural observations, docility, and fear tests was not affected by treatment (p &gt, 0.05). However, HP1 and HP2 birds were more inclined (p &lt, 0.05) to approach a familiar rather than an unfamiliar handler during the behavioural observations, indicating an ability to distinguish between a familiar and an unfamiliar handler. Overall, the results indicate that early gentle human interactions with ostrich chicks can be beneficial in reducing physiological stress sensitivity later in life and facilitate the ability of ostriches to distinguish between familiar and unfamiliar handlers.

Aproximadamente 20% dos ovos de avestruz são inférteis, podendo ser consumidos na alimentação humana. No entanto, seu elevado volume e perecebilidade indicam a necessidade de um processamento tecnológico adequado. Nesse sentido, objetivou-se determinar a composição química de ovos de avestruz in natura, bem como os parâmetros físicos, químicos e microscópicos dos ovoprodutos de avestruz, após desidratação. Determinou-se a composição química de ovos in natura de avestruz e de galinha. As claras, gemas e ovos integrais de avestruz foram fermentados e desidratados em mini spray-dryer. Após a desidratação, determinou-se o rendimento, composição e diâmetro de partículas dos ovoprodutos coletados em ciclone e na câmara do spray-dryer. A gema e a clara de ovos in natura de avestruz apresentaram maior teor proteico (respectivamente 15,21% e 11,54%) e lipídico (respectivamente 38,48% e 0,34%), em comparação aos ovos de galinha. As amostras coletadas do ciclone apresentaram menor percentual de umidade e melhor uniformidade no diâmetro de partículas. Os ovoprodutos de avestruz apresentaram rendimento, uniformidade e valor nutricional satisfatórios, demonstrando que a secagem por spray-dryer é mais uma alternativa para a conservação e aproveitamento desse alimento na alimentação humana.

Libyostrongylus douglassii is a gastrointestinal nematode parasite of ostriches that can cause up to 50% mortality in young birds. The objective of this study was to compare the predatory capacity of two isolates of the predatory fungi Duddingtonia flagrans (AC001 and CG722 isolates) and one of Arthrobotrys cladodes (CG719) on infective larvae (L3) of L. douglassii under laboratory conditions, in 2% water-agar medium. The results showed that the fungi tested were effective in preying upon the L3 of L. douglassii (P < 0.05), compared with the control group. However, there was no difference in predatory capacity between the fungi tested (P > 0.05) during the seven days of experimental testing. In comparison with the control, without fungus, there were significant decreases (P < 0.05) of 85.2% (AC001), 81.2% (CG722) and 89.2% (CG719) in the average numbers of L3 of L. douglassii recovered from treatments with the isolates tested. In the present study, the three isolates of the predatory fungi D. flagrans (AC001 and CG722) and A. cladodes (CG719) were efficient at in vitro destruction of the L3 of L. douglassii. Libyostrongylus douglassii é um nematóide parasito gastrintestinal de avestruzes que pode causar até 50% de mortalidade em aves jovens. O objetivo deste trabalho foi comparar a capacidade predatória de dois isolados de fungos predadores Duddingtonia flagrans (isolados AC001 e CG722) e um Arthrobotrys cladodes (CG719) sobre larvas infectantes (L3) de L. douglassii em condições laboratoriais, em meio ágar–água 2%. Os resultados demonstraram que os fungos testados foram eficientes em predar as L3 de L. douglassii (P < 0,05) em relação ao grupo controle. Contudo, não foi observada nenhuma diferença na capacidade predatória entre os fungos testados (P > 0,05) durante os sete dias do ensaio experimental. Em comparação ao controle, sem fungo, houve uma redução significativa (P < 0,05) de 85,2% (AC001); 81,2% (CG722) e 89,2% (C719) na média de L3 recuperadas nas placas do grupo tratado com os isolados testados. No presente trabalho, os três isolados de fungos predadores D. flagrans (AC001 e CG722) e A. cladodes (CG719) foram eficientes na destruição in vitro das L3 de L. douglassii.

Some fragments of ancient protein are less prone to degradation because they bind strongly to the surfaces of minerals.

The mesenteric arteries of birds are important for the irrigation of the digestive tract and are associated with weight gain and food conversion. This study aimed to describe the origins, skeletopy, measures and main branches of cranial and caudal mesenteric arteries in ostriches. Forty-one cadavers of ostrich chicks, 23 males and 18 females, obtained from a farmer after natural death. The cadavers were fixed with 10% formaldehyde solution and their vascular system was filled with colored Petrolatex® S-65. The cranial and caudal mesenteric arteries and its proximal branches were dissected in situ and measured with a digital caliper. The mesenteric artery had an average length of 3.68cm±1.04 and emerged from the descending aorta at the level of the eighth thoracic vertebra in most cases; it branched into jejunal and ileocecal arteries. The jejunal artery sent a mean of 14 (14.04±2.08) branches to the jejunum. The ileocecal artery sent a rectal branch and another branch that irrigated ileum, cecum and rectum. In a male specimen the ileocecal artery was originated from the celiac artery. The caudal mesenteric artery emerged in the terminal portion of the descending aorta predominantly at the level of the 4th and 6th sacrocaudal vertebrae. Near the caudal end of the kidney it issued the cranial and caudal branches. The first irrigated the rectum and anastomosed with the rectal branch of the cranial mesenteric artery; the second irrigated the final part of the rectum, cloaca and cloacal bursa. There was no significant difference (p

Made available in DSpace on 2018-12-11T17:03:23Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2016-07-30 Toxoplasma gondii has a worldwide distribution with different genotypes reported in animals and humans. The parasite is of great importance to food production and public health, highlighted by the high diversity of hosts, i.e. ostriches. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of T. gondii infection in ostriches from a Brazilian slaughterhouse, the genotype, and the associated risk factors. T. gondii antibodies were detected in 38/344 (11.05%) serum samples using the modified agglutination test using formalin-fixed tachyzoites (MAT-HS); the parasite was isolated from 14/38 (36.84%) ostrich brain samples using the mouse bioassay; and the DNA was detected from 25/38 (65.79%), using PCR. In farms, the water tank was considered the main risk factor (OR = 141.87; p-value < 0.05), and oocysts were detected in 30% (6/20) in soil of paddocks before animals were slaughtered (1st sampling), and 40% (8/20) one-year after (2nd sampling) using microscopy and PCR. Non-ostrich fecal samples on the ground resulted negative. Bioassay isolation was confirmed by PCR. All PCR positive samples were sequenced and resulted in 100% homology to Toxoplasma gondii repetitive DNA sequence (GenBank access number EF648168-1). These samples were also typed through RFLP-PCR using 11 markers: SAG1, SAG2 (5'-3'SAG2 and alt.SAG2), SAG3, BTUB, GRA6, L358, c22-8, c29-6, PK1, Apico and CS3. Two isolates had a complete genotype, typed from the ostrich tissue. In ostrich samples, the parasite load ranged from 19,043 (TgOsBr1, avirulent) to 54,829 parasites mL-1 (TgOsBr2, virulent) using qPCR, whereas soil samples ranged from 11 to 2,275 parasites mL-1. Both typed isolates resulted on atypical clones, one previously reported to cause congenital toxoplasmosis in Brazilian patients (TgOsBr1, ToxoDB #206). Thus, these findings support the occurrence of T. gondii in slaughtered ostriches from Brazil, ostriches as sentinel for environmental contamination with T. gondii, the genotypic variability in Brazilian isolates, and the first isolation and genotyping of T. gondii from Brazilian slaughtered ostriches. Department of Pathobiology and Population Medicine College of Veterinary Medicine Mississippi State University, 240 Wise Center Drive Department of Veterinary Hygiene and Public Health School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science UNESP Univ. Estadual Paulista Department of Veterinary Hygiene and Public Health School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science UNESP Univ. Estadual Paulista

This study was conducted to determine the presence of enterobacteria in the eggs of ostriches reared on a farm with a history of reproductive failure. Ninety samples from twenty eggs were submitted to bacteriological tests. The results showed Enterobacteria growth in 100% of the eggs. The microorganisms isolated were Hafnia alvei in 50% (10/20), Serratia spp. in 20% (4/20), Escherichia coli in 15% (3/20), and Citrobacter freundii in 15% (3/20). All eggs presented poor eggshell quality, which favored enterobacteria contamination. Hafnia alvei was present only in the internal egg structures (albumen and yolk sac), suggesting the possibility of vertical infection.

In recent years, industrial breeding of ostrich (Struthio camelus) has been widely developed in Iran. Growth hormone (GH) is a peptide hormone that stimulates growth and cell reproduction in different animals. The aim of this study was to clone and sequence the ostrich growth hormone gene in E. coli, done for the first time in Iran. The cDNA that encodes ostrich growth hormone was isolated from total mRNA of the pituitary gland and amplified by RT-PCR using GH specific PCR primers. Then GH cDNA was cloned by T/A cloning technique and the construct was transformed into E. coli. Finally, GH cDNA sequence was submitted to the GenBank (Accession number: JN559394). The results of present study showed that GH cDNA was successfully cloned in E. coli. Sequencing confirmed that GH cDNA was cloned and that the length of ostrich GH cDNA was 672 bp; BLAST search showed that the sequence of growth hormone cDNA of the ostrich from Iran has 100% homology with other records existing in GenBank.

Com o objetivo de estimar parâmetros genéticos de características de desempenho e carcaça de avestruzes criados comercialmente, foi utilizado o método Bayesiano, por meio do algoritmo amostrador de Gibbs, disponível no programa MTGSAM (Multiple Trait Gibbs Sampling for Animal Models). Foram estimadas as herdabilidades e correlações genéticas para: peso vivo ao nascer (PN); peso vivo corrigido aos 190 dias (P190) e aos 360 dias (P360) de idade; peso vivo pré-abate (PVO); perda de peso durante o transporte e jejum (PTA); peso de carcaça (PCA); e rendimento de carcaça (RCA). As herdabilidades respectivas foram 0,11; 0,12; 0,33; 0,05; 0,04; 0,20; 0,05. Para as correlações, foram encontrados os valores de -0,11 entre rendimento de carcaça e peso ao nascer; 0,84 e 0,68 para peso de carcaça com peso aos 190 dias e peso de carcaça com peso aos 360 dias; 0,61 e 0,33 para rendimento de carcaça com peso aos 190 dias e rendimento de carcaça com peso aos 360 dias. Não é viável selecionar para peso ao nascer ou para rendimento de carcaça como é para peso aos 360 dias de idade e peso de carcaça. A seleção para peso aos 360 dias de idade pode melhorar o peso da carcaça, ao passo que a seleção para peso aos 190 dias pode aumentar o rendimento de carcaça.With the objective of estimating genetic parameters of performance and carcass characteristics of commercially reared ostriches in Ourinhos, SP, it was used the Bayesian method, by using Gibbs sampling algorithm, available in the program MTGSAM (Multiple Trait Gibbs Sampling in Animal Models). It was estimated the heritabilities and genetic correlations for: birth live weight (BW), corrected live weight at 190 days (W190) and at 360 days (W360) of age; pre-slaughter live weight (PSW), weight loss during transport and fasting (WLT), carcass weight (CW) and carcass dressing (CD). The respective heritabilities were 0.11, 0.12, 0.33, 0.05, 0.04, 0.20, 0.05. For the correlations, it was found values of -0.11 between carcass dressing and birth live weight, 0.84 and 0.64 for carcass weight with weight at 190 days of age and carcass weight with weight at 360 days. Selection for birth weight or for carcass dressing is not feasible as it is for weight at 360 days of age and carcass weight. The selection for weight at 360 days of age can improve carcass weight whereas selection for weight at 190 days can increase carcass dressing.

Para avaliar a digestibilidade in vitro de leguminosas do semiárido nordestino usando inóculo cecal de avestruzes por meio da técnica Tilley e Terry Reversa, usou-se o feno de alfafa (Medicago sativa) como referência aos fenos de canafístula (Senna multijuga), de cunhã (Clitoria ternatea), de leucena (Leucaena leucocephala), de mata-pasto (Senna obtusifolia) e de sabiá (Mimosa caesalpiniifolia). Verificou-se, pelo teste de Duncan (PTo evaluate the in vitro digestibility of forage legume from semi-arid northeast region using caecal inoculum liquor of ostriches with Reverse Tilley and Terry technique, the alfalfa hay (Medicago sativa) was used as reference food for comparison between hays of canephori (Senna multijuga), clitoria (Clitoria ternatea), leucaena (Leucaena leucocephala), kills pasture (Senna obtusifolia) and thrush (Mimosa caesalpiniifolia). There was, by Duncan test (P

Para avaliar a digestibilidade in vitro de leguminosas do semiárido nordestino usando inóculo cecal de avestruzes por meio da técnica Tilley e Terry Reversa, usou-se o feno de alfafa (Medicago sativa) como referência aos fenos de canafístula (Senna multijuga), de cunhã (Clitoria ternatea), de leucena (Leucaena leucocephala), de mata-pasto (Senna obtusifolia) e de sabiá (Mimosa caesalpiniifolia). Verificou-se, pelo teste de Duncan (P

The aim of this study was to examine the endothelial surface morphology and perform a morphometric analysis of the corneal endothelial cells of ostrich (Struthio camelus) using scanning electron microscopy. Polygonality, mean cell area, cell density and coefficient of variation of mean cell area were analyzed. The normal corneal endothelium consisted of polygonal cells of uniform size and shape with few interdigitations of the cell borders. Microvilli appeared as protusions on the cellular surface. The average cell area was 269±18µm² and the endothelial cell density was 3717±240cells mm-2. The coefficient of variation of the cell area was 0.06, and the percentage of hexagonal cells was 75%. The parameters evaluated did not differ significantly between the right and the left eye from the same ostrich. The results of this study showed that the ostrich corneal endothelial cells appear quite similar to those of the other vertebrates.Objetivou-se examinar a superfície posterior do endotélio corneano e realizar análise morfométrica das células endoteliais da córnea de avestruz (Struthio camelus) valendo-se da microscopia eletrônica de varredura. Avaliaram-se o número de lados, a área celular média, a densidade celular e o coeficiente de variação da área celular. O endotélio corneano de avestruz constitui-se de células poligonais uniformes em tamanho e forma, e com poucas interdigitações das bordas celulares. Visibilizaram-se microvilosidades na superfície celular. A área celular média foi de 269±18µm² e a densidade celular foi de 3717±240 células mm-2. O coeficiente de variação foi de 0,06 e o percentual de células hexagonais de 75%. Não foram observadas diferenças significativas entre os parâmetros avaliados entre os olhos esquerdo e direito. Este estudo demonstrou que o endotélio corneano de avestruz é semelhante ao descrito em outros vertebrados.

An analysis was made of 30 four-day-old ostriches to evaluate their protein, metabolite, mineral, and serum enzyme profiles, to correlate them with the birds' sex. The values obtained were: Total proteins 3.59±0.72g/dL, albumin 1.04±0.14g/dL, globulins 2.51±0.56g/dL, A:G ratio 0.43± 0.07, total cholesterol 615.10±101.15mg/dL, high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) 132.72±20.33mg/dL, low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) 454.93±90.81mg/dL, very low density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C) 27.45±9.96mg/dL, triglycerides 137.23±49.78mg/dL, uric acid 6.24±2.15mg/dL, urea 18.27±12.33mg/dL, creatinine 0.30±0.04mg/dL, total calcium 9.38± 0.76mg/dL, ionized calcium 7.17±0.64mg/dL, phosphorus 6.96±0.91mg/dL, Ca:P ratio 1.37±0.21, iron 24.74±13.02µg/dL, sodium 142.03±6.17mEq/L, chlorides 109.59± 4.99mEq/L, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) 200.67±31.42 U/L, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) 3.90±1.92 U/L, γ-glutamyltransferase (GGT) 1.18±0.73 U/L, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) 597.30± 231.36 U/L, and creatine kinase (CK) 2348.30±755.60 U/L. Males and females showed significant differences in total proteins, globulins, alkaline phosphatase, A:G ratio, and uric acid.A fim de avaliar o perfil de proteínas séricas, metabólitos, minerais e enzimas séricas e correlacionar com o sexo das aves, este estudo analisou 30 avestruzes de quatro dias de idade. Os valores obtidos foram: proteínas totais 3,59±0,72g/dL; albumina 1,04±0,14g/dL; globulinas 2,51±0,56g/dL; relação A:G 0,43± 0,07; colesterol total 615,10±101,15mg/dL; lipoproteína de alta densidade colesterol (HDL-C) 132,72±20,33mg/dL; lipoproteína de baixa densidade colesterol (LDL-C) 454,93±90,81mg/dL; lipoproteína de muito baixa densidade colesterol (VLDL-C) 27,45±9,96 mg/dL; triglicérides 137,23±49,78mg/dL; ácido úrico 6,24±2,15mg/dL; uréia 18,27±12,33mg/dL; creatinina 0,30±0,04mg/dL; cálcio total 9,38±0,76mg/dL; cálcio ionizado 7,17±0,64mg/dL; fósforo 6,96±0,91mg/dL; relação Ca:P 1,37±0,21; ferro 24,74±13,02µg/dL; sódio 142,03±6,17mEq/L; cloretos 109,59±4,99mEq/L; aspartato aminotransferase (AST) 200,67±31,42 U/L; alanina aminotransferase (ALT) 3,90±1,92 U/L; γ-glutamiltransferase (GGT) 1,18±0,73 U/L; fosfatase alcalina (ALP) 597,30± 231,36 U/L; e creatina quinase (CK) 2348,30±755,60 U/L. Diferenças significativas existiram para proteínas totais, globulinas, fosfatase alcalina, relação A:G e ácido úrico entre machos e fêmeas.

The macroscopic features of the venous drainage of the reproductive system of the male ostrich were studied in six pre-pubertal and three sexually mature and active birds. Each testis was drained by one to four testicular veins. The right testicular veins drained the right testis and epididymis and its appendix to the caudal vena cava and to the right common iliac vein, whereas the left testicular veins drained the left testis and epididymis and its appendix exclusively to the left common iliac vein. A number of variations in the drainage pattern based on the point of entry and number of testicular veins were observed. The cranial aspect of the testis was also linked to the caudal vena cava or common iliac vein via the adrenal veins. The cranial, middle and caudal segments of the ductus deferens (and ureter) were drained by the cranial, middle and caudal ureterodeferential veins respectively, to the caudal testicular veins, the caudal renal veins and pudendal / caudal part of the internal iliac veins. In some specimens, the caudal ureterodeferential veins also drained into the caudal mesenteric vein. The surface of the phallus was drained by tributaries of the pudendal vein. The basic pattern of venous drainage of the reproductive organs of the male ostrich was generally similar to that described for the domestic fowl. However, important differences, including the partial fusion of the caudal renal veins, drainage of the cranial aspect of the testes via the adrenal veins, drainage of the caudal ureterodeferential veins into the caudal mesenteric vein and the presence of veins draining the surface of the phallus, were observed. Although significant, these differences may simply reflect variations in the normal pattern of venous drainage of the reproductive tract of birds which could be verified by studying more specimens and more species.

An analysis was made of 30 four-day-old ostriches to evaluate their protein, metabolite, mineral, and serum enzyme profiles, to correlate them with the birds' sex. The values obtained were: Total proteins 3.59±0.72g/dL, albumin 1.04±0.14g/dL, globulins 2.51±0.56g/dL, A:G ratio 0.43± 0.07, total cholesterol 615.10±101.15mg/dL, high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) 132.72±20.33mg/dL, low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) 454.93±90.81mg/dL, very low density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C) 27.45±9.96mg/dL, triglycerides 137.23±49.78mg/dL, uric acid 6.24±2.15mg/dL, urea 18.27±12.33mg/dL, creatinine 0.30±0.04mg/dL, total calcium 9.38± 0.76mg/dL, ionized calcium 7.17±0.64mg/dL, phosphorus 6.96±0.91mg/dL, Ca:P ratio 1.37±0.21, iron 24.74±13.02µg/dL, sodium 142.03±6.17mEq/L, chlorides 109.59± 4.99mEq/L, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) 200.67±31.42 U/L, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) 3.90±1.92 U/L, γ-glutamyltransferase (GGT) 1.18±0.73 U/L, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) 597.30± 231.36 U/L, and creatine kinase (CK) 2348.30±755.60 U/L. Males and females showed significant differences in total proteins, globulins, alkaline phosphatase, A:G ratio, and uric acid. A fim de avaliar o perfil de proteínas séricas, metabólitos, minerais e enzimas séricas e correlacionar com o sexo das aves, este estudo analisou 30 avestruzes de quatro dias de idade. Os valores obtidos foram: proteínas totais 3,59±0,72g/dL; albumina 1,04±0,14g/dL; globulinas 2,51±0,56g/dL; relação A:G 0,43± 0,07; colesterol total 615,10±101,15mg/dL; lipoproteína de alta densidade colesterol (HDL-C) 132,72±20,33mg/dL; lipoproteína de baixa densidade colesterol (LDL-C) 454,93±90,81mg/dL; lipoproteína de muito baixa densidade colesterol (VLDL-C) 27,45±9,96 mg/dL; triglicérides 137,23±49,78mg/dL; ácido úrico 6,24±2,15mg/dL; uréia 18,27±12,33mg/dL; creatinina 0,30±0,04mg/dL; cálcio total 9,38±0,76mg/dL; cálcio ionizado 7,17±0,64mg/dL; fósforo 6,96±0,91mg/dL; relação Ca:P 1,37±0,21; ferro 24,74±13,02µg/dL; sódio 142,03±6,17mEq/L; cloretos 109,59±4,99mEq/L; aspartato aminotransferase (AST) 200,67±31,42 U/L; alanina aminotransferase (ALT) 3,90±1,92 U/L; γ-glutamiltransferase (GGT) 1,18±0,73 U/L; fosfatase alcalina (ALP) 597,30± 231,36 U/L; e creatina quinase (CK) 2348,30±755,60 U/L. Diferenças significativas existiram para proteínas totais, globulinas, fosfatase alcalina, relação A:G e ácido úrico entre machos e fêmeas.

O tamanho dos ovos está relacionado com a sobrevivência e o crescimento de filhotes de aves precociais. A inter-relação entre ovo e filhote pode ser importante para a produção animal, fornecendo subsídios para decisões estratégicas de economia, manejo e bem-estar animal. Este estudo analisou a relação entre o peso dos ovos antes da incubação e o desenvolvimento de filhotes de avestruzes (N=48) aos quinze dias de idade. Os filhotes foram criados em grupos, em berçários, com alimentação comercial e sem cuidado parental. Nos filhotes, mensurou-se o peso, a altura da cernelha e o comprimento do tarso-metatarso. Houve uma significativa diferença nos pesos dos ovos, mas as medidas corporais equivalentes dos filhotes não foram estatisticamente diferentes. Em concordância com estudos em outras espécies de aves, o peso do ovo não parece influenciar o crescimento dos filhotes de avestruzes até os 15 dias de vida, em avestruzes.The size of the eggs is related to survival and chick growth in precocial birds. The interrelationship between egg and chick development can be important for the animal production, supplying data for strategic decisions of economy, handling and animal welfare. This study analyzed the relation between the weight of the eggs and the development of ostrich chicks (N=48) at age of fifteen days old. The chicks were kept in indoor nurseries, in groups, without parental care, and fed commercial feed. It was recorded the weight, the back height and the length of the tarsus-metatarsus. There was a significant difference in the weight of the eggs, but the correspondent body chicken measures were not statistically different. In agreement to the studies in other species of birds, the weight of the egg does not seem to influence the growth of the ostriches at fifteen days old.

Proteins persist longer in the fossil record than DNA, but the longevity, survival mechanisms and substrates remain contested. Here, we demonstrate the role of mineral binding in preserving the protein sequence in ostrich (Struthionidae) eggshell, including from the palaeontological sites of Laetoli (3.8 Ma) and Olduvai Gorge (1.3 Ma) in Tanzania. By tracking protein diagenesis back in time we find consistent patterns of preservation, demonstrating authenticity of the surviving sequences. Molecular dynamics simulations of struthiocalcin-1 and -2, the dominant proteins within the eggshell, reveal that distinct domains bind to the mineral surface. It is the domain with the strongest calculated binding energy to the calcite surface that is selectively preserved. Thermal age calculations demonstrate that the Laetoli and Olduvai peptides are 50 times older than any previously authenticated sequence (equivalent to ~16 Ma at a constant 10°C). DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.17092.001, eLife digest The pattern of chemical reactions that break down the molecules that make our bodies is still fairly mysterious. Archaeologists and geologists hope that dead organisms (or artefacts made from them) might not decay entirely, leaving behind clues to their lives. We know that some molecules are more resistant than others; for example, fats are tough and survive for a long time while DNA is degraded very rapidly. Proteins, which are made of chains of smaller molecules called amino acids, are usually sturdier than DNA. Since the amino acid sequence of a protein reflects the DNA sequence that encodes it, proteins in fossils can help researchers to reconstruct how extinct organisms are related in cases where DNA cannot be retrieved. Time, temperature, burial environment and the chemistry of the fossil all influence how quickly a protein decays. However, it is not clear what mechanisms slow down decay so that full protein sequences can be preserved and identified after millions of years. As a result, it is difficult to know where to look for these ancient sequences. In the womb of ostriches, several proteins are responsible for assembling the minerals that make up the ostrich eggshell. These proteins become trapped tightly within the mineral crystals themselves. In this situation, proteins can potentially be preserved over geological time. Demarchi et al. have now studied 3.8 million-year-old eggshells found close to the equator and, despite the extent to which the samples have degraded, discovered fully preserved protein sequences. Using a computer simulation method called molecular dynamics, Demarchi et al. calculated that the protein sequences that are able to survive the longest are stabilized by strong binding to the surface of the mineral crystals. The authenticity of these sequences was tested thoroughly using a combination of several approaches that Demarchi et al. recommend using as a standard for ancient protein studies. Overall, it appears that biominerals are an excellent source of ancient protein sequences because mineral binding ensures survival. A systematic survey of fossil biominerals from different environments is now needed to assess whether these biomolecules have the potential to act as barcodes for interpreting the evolution of organisms. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.17092.002

Proteins persist longer in the fossil record than DNA, but the longevity, survival mechanisms and substrates remain contested. Here, we demonstrate the role of mineral binding in preserving the protein sequence in ostrich (Struthionidae) eggshell, including from the palaeontological sites of Laetoli (3.8 Ma) and Olduvai Gorge (1.3 Ma) in Tanzania. By tracking protein diagenesis back in time we find consistent patterns of preservation, demonstrating authenticity of the surviving sequences. Molecular dynamics simulations of struthiocalcin-1 and -2, the dominant proteins within the eggshell, reveal that distinct domains bind to the mineral surface. It is the domain with the strongest calculated binding energy to the calcite surface that is selectively preserved. Thermal age calculations demonstrate that the Laetoli and Olduvai peptides are 50 times older than any previously authenticated sequence (equivalent to ~16 Ma at a constant 10°C).

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of the duration (24 hours, 60 days and 120 days) of frozen storage (−20 ºC) on the fatty acid composition of meat from ostriches supplemented with linseed and rapeseed. The study was carried out on muscles of 40 ostriches raised on five dietary groups: control with no supplementation (C), with 4% linseed (L4); 8% linseed (L8); and 5% rapeseed (R5); or 10% rapeseed (R10) in the diet. As the frozen storage period increased, the fatty acid profile of the ostrich meat in all the “enriched” groups changed, especially treatments L4 and L8. There was a decrease in the polyunsaturated fatty acid content (especially from 61 to 120 days of storage) including linolenic, arachidonic and docosahexaenoic acids. However, storage did not influence the fatty acid profile of ostrich meat up to 60 days. These results suggest that freezing is an acceptable method for preserving ostrich meat (up to 60 days), causing only a small decrease in the fatty acids of ostrich meat enriched with n-3 fatty acids. However, further research on prolonged frozen storage is recommended.Keywords: Exotic Meat; Frozen, Lipids; n-3; n-6; Poultry, Diet, Struthio camelus

Summary The aim of this study was to investigate the topographical, anatomical and histological characteristics of syrinx in five ostriches. It was observed that the syrinx in the ostrich was tracheobronchial type and was composed of three different cartilage groups, namely tympanum, cartilagines (cartt.) tracheosyringeales and cartt. bronchosyringeales. Tympanum and cartt. tracheosyringeales were formed from three and four cartilage rings, respectively, while cartt. bronchosyringeales was formed from three C-shaped cartilage rings. The pessulus did not contain any ossified or cartilaginous tissues and was made up of a double folded mucous membrane extending dorsoventrally from median walls of bronchus primarius into the cavum syringis.

Aproximadamente 20% dos ovos de avestruz são inférteis, podendo ser consumidos na alimentação humana. No entanto, seu elevado volume e perecebilidade indicam a necessidade de um processamento tecnológico adequado. Nesse sentido, objetivou-se determinar a composição química de ovos de avestruz in natura, bem como os parâmetros físicos, químicos e microscópicos dos ovoprodutos de avestruz, após desidratação. Determinou-se a composição química de ovos in natura de avestruz e de galinha. As claras, gemas e ovos integrais de avestruz foram fermentados e desidratados em mini spray-dryer. Após a desidratação, determinou-se o rendimento, composição e diâmetro de partículas dos ovoprodutos coletados em ciclone e na câmara do spray-dryer. A gema e a clara de ovos in natura de avestruz apresentaram maior teor proteico (respectivamente 15,21% e 11,54%) e lipídico (respectivamente 38,48% e 0,34%), em comparação aos ovos de galinha. As amostras coletadas do ciclone apresentaram menor percentual de umidade e melhor uniformidade no diâmetro de partículas. Os ovoprodutos de avestruz apresentaram rendimento, uniformidade e valor nutricional satisfatórios, demonstrando que a secagem por spray-dryer é mais uma alternativa para a conservação e aproveitamento desse alimento na alimentação humana. Approximately 20% of ostrich eggs are infertile and can be consumed by humans, however, its high volume and perishability indicate the need of appropriate technological processes. Thus, this study aimed to determine the chemical composition of in natura ostrich eggs, as well as physical, chemical and microscopic parameters of ostrich egg products after dehydration. The chemical composition of in natura ostrich and chicken eggs was determined. Ostrich egg whites, yolks and whole eggs were fermented and dried in mini spray-dryer. After dehydration, yield, composition and particle diameter of egg products collected in the cyclone and spray-dryer chamber were evaluated. In natura ostrich egg white and yolk showed higher protein (respectively 15.21% and 11.54%) and fat (respectively 38.48% and 0.34%) contents, when compared to chicken eggs. Samples collected from the cyclone showed a lower moisture content and better particle diameter uniformity. The ostrich egg products presented satisfactory yield, uniformity and nutritional value, demonstrating that the spray-dryer technique is another alternative for conservation and use of this food for human consumption.

Duzentos e quarenta avestruzes, com idades entre 12 e 24 meses, foram examinados quanto ao parasitismo por Struthiolipeurus spp. Destes, 168 apresentavam-se infestados por piolhos (70%). Todas as aves foram tratadas com solução de cipermetrina a 15%, na diluição de 1ml/l, por pulverização com auxílio de uma bomba costal. Os animais positivos foram reexaminados nos dias 7, 14 e 21 após o tratamento, e não foram mais encontrados piolhos. A cipermetrina apresentou 100% de eficácia no controle de piolhos do gênero Struthiolipeurus em avestruz.

Several young ostrich, including nestlings, with lassitude and inappetence followed by death or victim of sudden death were immediately brought to diagnosis at an Animal Health Laboratory. At necropsy, animals presented hemorrhage and altered content of the vitelline sac, and necrotic foci in the small intestine; one animal showed necrotic pleuropneumonia with psammomatosus bodies in the lung parenchyma. The cultures from different samples revealed Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Serratia marcescens, Enterobacter aglomerans, and Pseudomonas mendocina. It was suggested one case of septicemia in an animal with exclusive growth of K. pneumoniae isolated from samples of small intestine, lung, and liver.

Commercially reared ostriches at Msengi farm situated in the Chinhoyi area of Mashonaland West province in Zimbabwe were found to be infected with the 'oriental eye fluke', Philopthalmus gralli, in 2001. This was the 1st record of the fluke in Zimbabwe. Trials were conducted to identify a suitable drug for the treatment of this fluke. A total of 12 ostriches confirmed to be infected with the fluke through clinical examination of the eyes and identification of the fluke were randomly divided into 3 equal groups, with each group receiving a different treatment protocol. The 3 drugs used were doramectin, levamisole and closantel. Each of the drugs was used in combination with chloramphenicol as an eye ointment. Levamisole was administered topically into the eye whereas doramectin and closantel were administered parenterally as an intramuscular injection. The results indicated a positive response in levamisole-treated birds but there were no noticeable responses to doramectin and closantel treatments.

Проведено мікробіологічний моніторинг патогенної мікробіоти слизових оболонок очей страусів афри¬канських (Struthio camelus), які утримуються при інтенсивній системі у природних ареалах західних областей України. Для підрахунку загального мікробного числа використовували м’ясо-пептонний агар і бульйон (МПА і МПБ), для виявлення ентеробактерій – середовище Плоскірева і Левіна. Під час моніторингу патогенної мікробіоти кон’юнктиви очей страусів африканських (Struthio camelus) виділено від 20 до 50 тис. грам-нега¬тивних коків та близько 500 тис. грам-позитивних мікроорганізмів. To improve the adaptive quality of synanthrope species to environmental factors temperate continental climate of Western Ukraine was monitoring a pathogenic microbiota of eye conjunctiva of African ostrich (Struthio camelus). The study was conducted at the Research Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology of the mucous membranes in the Uzhgorod National University. Sowing research material was performed by seeding directly on the dish with the appropriate nutrient environment and seeding diluted. All samples were seeded on classical modern (chromogenic) and differential diagnostic culture environment. Meat peptonnyy agar and broth (MPA and MPB) were using to calculate the total microbial count, environments Ploskiryev and Levin – for detection of Enterobacteriaceae. Environments Endo, agar Klihlera, enterococ and streptococ agars, URI Select agar, egg-salt agar (ESA), blood agar (BA) and bismuth-sulfite agar (BSA); tests for acetate, citrate, mannitol, lactose, glucose, catalase and phenylalanine, OXI and INDOL tests, serological tests Latex- Staph+, Strep+ esherihiozni and diagnostic serum were used as storage, selective and differential diagnostic. Biochemical semiautomatic test systems: API, Enter 24, Anaero 23, Kandy and Enterococc were used for identification. During the monitoring of pathogenic microbiota of mucous membranes of eyes of Struthio camelus were isolated from 20 to 50 thousand Gram-negative cocci and about 500 thousand gram-positive microorganisms. Among isolates in natural landscape zone of Carpathian region the highest degree of microbial contamination were large groups of microorganisms mucous with jagged edges and shiny surface of Gram-negative cocci colony of Klebsiella pneumonia. In other two samples Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumonia were allocated which make up the same proportion of colony forming units. Groups of Gram-negative cocci of Escherichia coli were small slimy colonies with smooth edges and a shiny smooth surface. Microbiological monitoring in the other two habitats was allocated only isolates of Staphylococcus aureus − gram-positive cocci, which grew as a small gray-yellow colonies round shape with a shiny surface.

The effects of laying month and length of the storage period on hatchability of ostrich (Struthio camelus) eggs were studied. A total of 1,740 hatching eggs gathered between April and May from a farm located in the province of Córdoba, Southern Spain, were stored at 17-18.5C and 30% RH for periods varying from 1 to 28 days, and subsequently incubated at 36.4C and 22% RH. It was found that egg weight increased as the laying season progressed, with the eggs laid in April showing lower weights than the eggs laid from May to August (P

Les ratites sont un groupe dont l’importance à grandit au cours des dernières années aussi bien par les élevages d’autruches ou d’émeus pour leur viande que par leur place en parc zoologique. Dans un contexte comme dans l’autre, les vétérinaires sont amenés à faire des autopsies de ces animaux. Il est donc important de connaître l’anatomie de chaque espèce pour pouvoir reconnaître le pathologique du physiologique, mais aussi pour pouvoir adapter les gestes cliniques tels que des prises de sang, des injections ou encore la contention au mieux possible pour chaque individu. Cet ouvrage présente une comparaison de l’anatomie des différentes espèces du groupe des ratites entre-elles et mais aussi par rapport aux autres oiseaux, et montre en quoi ces particularités anato-miques ont une importance pour la clinique.

Among the meat products that may be made from ostrich meat, stand out breaded restructured. Considering that conventional breaded meat products have a high fat content, the development of a batter containing ostrich meat and using collagen fiber as a fat substitute is an opportunity to offer the consumer a breaded product with lower fat content. Thus, this study aimed to develop and evaluate the sensory, physical and physicochemical characteristics of a restructured meat product fingers, drawn from the use of smaller cuts commercial value of ostrich meat (Struthio camelus) using collagen fiber as fat replacer. The study was divided into two experiments. The first experiment consisted in product development restructured fingers, by determining the best formulations for experimental design (Response Surface Methodology), matching levels of the independent variables: ostrich meat and collagen fiber, considering as dependent variables the acceptance criteria sensory and instrumental hardness (shear force). The second experiment consisted of the evaluation of sensory characteristics (sensory hardness, acceptance, purchase intent, preference and consumer expectations), physical (instrumental hardness) and physicochemical (chemical composition and analysis of molecular interactions by infrared spectroscopy) of the formulations selected in the first experiment. The formulation prepared with 78.00% of ostrich meat and 3.43% collagen fiber showed lower sensory hardness, good acceptance, positive purchase intent and high consumer expectations, and desirable values of instrumental hardness, higher content of protein and lower fat content, and an indication that it may be a good alternative consumption for ostrich meat. Dentre os produtos cárneos que podem ser elaborados a partir da carne de avestruz, destacam-se os reestruturados empanados. Tendo em vista que os produtos cárneos empanados convencionais apresentam um alto conteúdo de gordura, a elaboração de um empanado contendo carne de avestruz e utilizando colágeno em fibra como substituto de gordura é uma oportunidade para oferecer ao consumidor um produto empanado com menor conteúdo lipídico. Dessa forma, esta pesquisa objetivou desenvolver e avaliar as características sensoriais, físicas e físico-químicas de um produto cárneo reestruturado empanado, elaborado a partir do aproveitamento de cortes de menor valor comercial de carne de avestruz (Struthio camelus), utilizando colágeno em fibra como substituto de gordura. O estudo foi dividido em dois experimentos. O primeiro experimento consistiu no desenvolvimento do produto reestruturado empanado, através da determinação das melhores formulações por planejamento experimental (Metodologia de Superfície de Resposta), combinando níveis das variáveis independentes: carne de avestruz e colágeno em fibra, considerando como variáveis dependentes os parâmetros de aceitação sensorial e dureza instrumental (força de cisalhamento). O segundo experimento consistiu na avaliação das características sensoriais (dureza sensorial, aceitação, intenção de compra, preferência e expectativa do consumidor), física (dureza instrumental) e físicoquímicas (composição química e análise das interações moleculares por espectroscopia de infravermelho) das formulações selecionadas no primeiro experimento. A formulação elaborada com 78,00% de carne de avestruz e 3,43% de colágeno em fibra apresentou menor dureza sensorial, boa aceitação, intenção de compra positiva e alta expectativa dos consumidores, além de valores desejáveis de dureza instrumental, maior conteúdo de proteína e menor conteúdo de gordura, sendo um indicativo de que poderá ser uma boa alternativa de consumo para a carne de avestruz.

Libyostrongylus douglassii is a gastrointestinal nematode parasite of ostriches that can cause up to 50% mortality in young birds. The objective of this study was to compare the predatory capacity of two isolates of the predatory fungi Duddingtonia flagrans(AC001 and CG722 isolates) and one of Arthrobotrys cladodes (CG719) on infective larvae (L3) of L. douglassii under laboratory conditions, in 2% water-agar medium. The results showed that the fungi tested were effective in preying upon the L3 of L. douglassii (P < 0.05), compared with the control group. However, there was no difference in predatory capacity between the fungi tested (P > 0.05) during the seven days of experimental testing. In comparison with the control, without fungus, there were significant decreases (P < 0.05) of 85.2% (AC001), 81.2% (CG722) and 89.2% (CG719) in the average numbers of L3 of L. douglassii recovered from treatments with the isolates tested. In the present study, the three isolates of the predatory fungi D. flagrans (AC001 and CG722) andA. cladodes (CG719) were efficient at in vitro destruction of the L3 of L. douglassii. Libyostrongylus douglassii é um nematóide parasito gastrintestinal de avestruzes que pode causar até 50% de mortalidade em aves jovens. O objetivo deste trabalho foi comparar a capacidade predatória de dois isolados de fungos predadores Duddingtonia flagrans (isolados AC001 e CG722) e umArthrobotrys cladodes (CG719) sobre larvas infectantes (L3) de L. douglassii em condições laboratoriais, em meio ágar–água 2%. Os resultados demonstraram que os fungos testados foram eficientes em predar as L3 de L. douglassii (P < 0,05) em relação ao grupo controle. Contudo, não foi observada nenhuma diferença na capacidade predatória entre os fungos testados (P > 0,05) durante os sete dias do ensaio experimental. Em comparação ao controle, sem fungo, houve uma redução significativa (P < 0,05) de 85,2% (AC001); 81,2% (CG722) e 89,2% (C719) na média de L3 recuperadas nas placas do grupo tratado com os isolados testados. No presente trabalho, os três isolados de fungos predadores D. flagrans (AC001 e CG722) e A. cladodes (CG719) foram eficientes na destruição in vitro das L3 deL. douglassii.

Avian mycobacteriosis (AM) is a zoonotic disease caused by Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC), which can spread from avians to other farmed animals such as cattle and pigs as well as to humans. This study is the first report of granulomatous inflammation, as a result of avian mycobacteriosis, in the follicular pharyngeal tonsils of a farmed ostrich. The head of an apparently healthy farmed adult ostrich was obtained after slaughter. Each pharyngeal fold displayed a large tissue mass. This tissue was routinely prepared for light microscopy and stained with haematoxylin and eosin, periodic acid Schiff, Grocott methenamine silver, Gram and Ziehl-Neelsen. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were performed to identify Mycobacterium spp. and Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex, respectively. Histologically, the tissue masses consisted of confluent mature micro-granulomata that were characterised by central caseous necrosis surrounded by multinucleated giant cells, macrophages and lymphoid cells and an outer mature fibrous connective tissue capsule. Within some foci of caseous necrosis were variably sized colonies of small, Gram-negative, acid-fast bacilli, which showed positive IHC labelling for Mycobacterium spp., leading to a presumptive diagnosis of AM. PCR thus proved useful in excluding the presence of notifiable Mycobacterium spp. The significance and role of the pharyngeal tonsils of ratites in diseases such as AM warrant specific attention. Moreover, as ratites are known to present with AM infections with apparently no visible loss in body condition, as presumably occurred in the present case, it is imperative that unusual masses in apparently healthy ratites be thoroughly investigated.

Os parasitos são responsáveis por prejuízos econômicos na estrutiocultura, visto reduzirem a produção. Para determinar a frequência de nematoides gastrintestinais e de Cryptosporidium sp., em avestruzes, bem como os fatores associados a transmissão, foram colhidas amostras de fezes de 342 avestruzes, dos quais 188 eram adultos e 154 jovens, criados em sete plantéis no Polo Regional do Paraguaçu, para a contagem de ovos por grama de fezes, identificação de larvas de terceiro estádio de nematoides e de oocistos de Cryptosporidium sp. Os dados relacionados aos animais e ao ambiente foram obtidos por meio de visita às propriedades e entrevistas com os produtores. A associação entre a carga parasitária e às variáveis de manejo dos animais foi analisada pelo teste Qui-quadrado e por Razão de Odds, com intervalo de confiança de 95%. Em todos os plantéis, foram encontradas aves infectadas. Em 88,3% das amostras de fezes, foram detectados ovos de nematoides gastrointestinal, e, em 18,8%, oocistos de Cryptosporidium sp. Larvas de Libyostrongylus dentatus (98%), L.douglassii (2%) e Codiostomum sp. (2%) foram identificadas nas coproculturas. Fatores ambientais e de manejo estão associados com risco de enteroparasitos em criações de avestruz. As aves mantidas em piquetes de topografia acidentada, na ausência de outros animais ou que recebiam água procedente de poços ou cisternas, apresentavam menores chances de infecção por nematoides, enquanto para o gênero Cryptosporidium, as criações em áreas planas, com presença de outros animais nos piquetes e o fornecimento da água do rio aumentam as chances (2,7 vezes) de infecção. The parasites are responsible for economic losses in the ostrich, by reducing the production and productivity. To determine the frequency and the factors associated with transmission of gastrointestinal nematodes and Cryptosporidium sp. in ostriches, 342 faecal samples were collected from 188 adults and 154 young ostriches raised in seven herds in the Regional Pole of Paraguaçu. Samples were evaluated for fecal eggs count, nematodes third-stage larvae and Cryptosporidium sp oocysts frequency. The data related to animals and their environments have been obtained by visiting the properties and interviews with producers. The association between parasite burden and the variables of management of the animals was analyzed by chi-square and "Odds ratio", with an interval of 95%. In all flocks were found infected birds. In 88.3% of stool samples were detected eggs of gastrointestinal nematodes, and 18.8% Cryptosporidium sp oocysts. Libyostrongylus dentatus (98%), L.douglassii (2%) and Codiostomum sp (2%) larvae were identified in faecal cultures. Environmental and management factors were associated with risk enteric parasites in ostrich farms. It was found that the ostriches kept in paddocks of irregular topography, in the absence of other animals or receiving water coming from wells or cisterns had lower chances of infection by nematodes. As for the Cryptosporidium genus, the creation in flat areas, with the presence of other animals in the paddocks and the supply of river water increases the chances (2.7 times) of infection.

A ave avestruz (Struchio camelus) é originária da África, pertencendo a família das Ratitas. Seu valor zootécnico vem crescendo especialmente na região noroeste do Estado de São Paulo. Para a realização deste trabalho, utilizamos 20 peças de avestruz (Struthio camelus), machos e fêmeas, jovens e adultos, oriundos de criatórios da região noroeste do Estado de São Paulo. Após a abertura do trato gastrintestinal, ao longo da sua margem livre, escoamos as vias bilíferas mediante suaves massagens, canalizamos o ducto excretor, utilizando para tanto uma sonda flexível de polietileno de calibre compatível com a mencionada estrutura e, em seguida, injetamos por esta via Neoprene-látex “450” corado. Estas glândulas foram, a seguir, distendidas em base rígida, fixadas em solução de formol a 10%, esquematizadas e fotografadas. O ramo principal direito resulta do ramo lateral direito, ramo lobo quadrado e do ramo processo caudado em sete fígados. Em 13 peças, o ramo lateral direito é formado pelos ramos lateral direito e do processo caudado. O ramo esquerdo recebe os componentes oriundos do lobo lateral esquerdo e ramo do lobo medial esquerdo em todas as sete peças. Para ele, também aflui componente oriundo do lobo quadrado em 13 preparações e do processo caudado em sete fígados. Conclui-se que o fígado no avestruz não apresenta vesícula biliar, fazendo com que o ducto colédoco seja a única via de excreção da bile, resultando sempre da convergência do ducto hepático direito com o ducto hepático esquerdo. The aim of this study was evaluate the influence of physical exercise (marcha gait) on serum values of CK and AST The Ostrich (Struthio camelus) is originally from Africa and belongs to the ratite’s family. Since its zootechnic value has been increasing, especially in the northwest region of the state of São Paulo, we studied the biliary system in the liver of this animal. To carry through it were used 20 ostrich livers, males and females, young and adults from place to production ostrich in the northwest region of the State of São Paulo. After the opening of the gastrointestinal tract and disposal of the bile through gentle massage, we cannulated the hepatic excretory duct with a flexible probe, compatible in size with the duct, and injected colored Neoprene latex “450” in the biliary system. Following this procedure, the livers were fixed in aqueous solution of formaldehyde to 10% dissected, schematized and photographed. The right main branch is derived from the right lateral, square lobe and the caudate process branches in 7 livers. In 13 livers, the right side branch is forned by the right side and caudate process branches. The left branch receives the components from the left lateral lobe and branch of the medial left lobe in 7 livers. It also receives component from the square lobe and from the caudate process in 13 and 7 livers, respectively. In conclusion, the ostrich liver has no gallbladder, causing the duct is the only route of excretion of bile, always resulting from the convergence of the right hepatic duct with the left hepatic duct.

A study was conducted on variation in sex ratio and group size of ostriches (Struthio camelus) in Serengeti National Park and adjacent partially protected areas in northern Tanzania. Data were collected for two years (2005- 2006), along 388 km of roads. The two areas were compared with respect to ostrich sex ratio (male: female) and group size. Seasonal variation of these variables (sex ratio and group size) was also determined. Repetitive sampling showed an overall femaleskewed sex ratio, which was significantly different from unity. The sex ratio inside the National Park was also significantly skewed towards females, whereas that in the partially protected areas was skewed in favour of the males. There was a significant difference in sex ratios between the two areas (Chi square: !2 = 48.041, DF = 2, p

Libyostrongylus sp. are nematodes that infect ostriches. Libyostrongylus douglassii was first described in ostriches from several countries in the world. Later Libyostrongylus dentatus was morphologically identified in ostriches in the USA and Brazil, and mixed infection is common in the latter country. The internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of the ribosomal DNA gene is used for genetic variability assessment and phylogenetic reconstruction for many organisms. Through genetic analysis the status of different species morphologically defined was confirmed and a molecular method was developed to differentiate both species. ITS1, 5.8S, ITS2 regions of L. douglassii and L. dentatus were characterized. Regarding complete ITS region, the K2-p genetic distance between the species was 0.060 (SE 0.008) and the intra-specific distance was 0.002 (SE 0.001) for L. dentatus and 0.006 (SE 0.002) for L. douglassii. NJ and MP phylogenetic analysis of ITS1 and ITS2 regions indicated that both species belong to the Trichostrongylidae family, and are evolutionarily different, suported by high bootstrap value. Based on ITS DNA polymorphisms, a molecular approach was designed to detect both species. These results are the first molecular characterization of L. douglassii and L. dentatus, and provide new tools for the identification of these parasites of veterinary importance.

Background The avian glottis channels air from the oropharynx to the trachea and is situated on an elevated structure, the laryngeal mound. It is imperative that the glottis be protected and closed during swallowing, which in mammals is achieved by covering the glottis with the epiglottis, as well as by adduction of the arytenoid cartilages. An epiglottis, however, is reportedly absent in birds. Ratites such as Struthio camelus and Dromaius novaehollandiae possess a very wide glottis in comparison to other birds. The question therefore arises as to how these large birds avoid inhalation of ingesta through a wide glottis, with apparently little protection, particularly as their feeding method involves throwing the food over the glottis to land in the proximal esophagus. Results In S. camelus when the glottis was closed and the tongue body retracted, the smooth tongue root became highly folded and the rostral portion of the laryngeal mound was encased by the pocket in the base of the ∩ − shaped tongue body. In this position the lingual papillae also hooked over the most rostral laryngeal projections. However, in D. novaehollandiae, retraction of the tongue body over the closed glottis resulted in the prominent, triangular tongue root sliding over the rostral portion of the laryngeal mound. In both S. camelus and D. novaehollandiae these actions resulted in the rostral portion of the laryngeal mound and weakest point of the adducted glottis being enclosed and stabilised. Conclusions Only after conducting a comparative study between these two birds using fresh specimens did it become clear how specific morphological peculiarities were perfectly specialised to assist in the closure and protection of the wide glottis. We identify, describe and propose a unique anatomical mechanism in ratites, which may functionally replace an epiglottis; the linguo-laryngeal apparatus.

The effects of human imprinting and foster parenting by adult ostriches on the survival and growth performance of ostrich chicks were compared to conventional chick-rearing practices in two separate experiments. In the first experiment, the growth rate and survival of chicks imprinted onto humans were compared with those of chicks reared by adult foster parents (n = 100 for both groups). Survival is expressed as proportions, while weights were measured in kg. Treatment did not affect chick survival to 3 weeks (0.90 for imprinted chicks vs. 0.89 for foster chicks), or from 4 to 12 weeks (0.86 vs. 0.83, respectively). Chick weight was not significantly different between groups at 4 weeks, but at older ages, those chicks reared by foster parents consistently outperformed imprinted chicks (means ± SEs being 12.8 ± 0.4 vs. 8.2 ± 0.4 kg at 9 weeks, 37.1 ± 0.8 vs. 19.9 ± 0.80 kg at 18 weeks and 46.2 ± 1.1 vs. 28.6 ± 1.2 kg at 22 weeks). In the second experiment, the treatments consisted of a human-imprinted group of chicks and a group subjected to conventional rearing methods (as customary on the research farm). Chick survival to four weeks was significantly higher for imprinted chicks than for conventionally reared chicks (0.97 vs. 0.84), although chick weight was independent of treatment at 4 weeks (6.27 ± 0.16 kg for the imprinted group vs. 6.18 ± 0.17 kg for the conventional group) and at 15 weeks (respectively 16.5 ± 0.68 vs. 15.2 ± 0.70 kg). Overall, chicks reared by foster parents were heavier than human-imprinted chicks, while early survival of imprinted chicks was better than that of chicks reared by conventional handling. Imprinting thus affected survival of ostrich chicks relative to conventional rearing practices. Because most ostrich chicks are reared with conventional methods, the present study indicates that improvements can be made by adopting alternative approaches. Further studies are needed to ascertain how foster parenting and imprinting may be utilized to optimize chick performance, including the long-term consequences of these practices.Keywords: Parental care, Struthio camelus, animal welfare, animal behaviour

p.1054-1065 Submitted by Suelen Reis (suziy.ellen@gmail.com) on 2013-05-23T18:31:20Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Alex Oliveira.pdf: 91482 bytes, checksum: a69c7a118c2912d57cf4c4e2e08115bf (MD5) Approved for entry into archive by Alda Lima da Silva(sivalda@ufba.br) on 2013-05-28T19:39:33Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 Alex Oliveira.pdf: 91482 bytes, checksum: a69c7a118c2912d57cf4c4e2e08115bf (MD5) Made available in DSpace on 2013-05-28T19:39:33Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Alex Oliveira.pdf: 91482 bytes, checksum: a69c7a118c2912d57cf4c4e2e08115bf (MD5) Previous issue date: 2012 Os parasitos são responsáveis por prejuízos econômicos na estrutiocultura, visto reduzirem a produção. Para determinar a frequência de nematoides gastrintestinais e de Cryptosporidium sp., em avestruzes, bem como os fatores associados a transmissão, foram colhidas amostras de fezes de 342 avestruzes, dos quais 188 eram adultos e 154 jovens, criados em sete plantéis no Polo Regional do Paraguaçu, para a contagem de ovos por grama de fezes, identificação de larvas de terceiro estádio de nematoides e de oocistos de Cryptosporidium sp. Os dados relacionados aos animais e ao ambiente foram obtidos por meio de visita às propriedades e entrevistas com os produtores. A associação entre a carga parasitária e às variáveis de manejo dos animais foi analisada pelo teste Qui-quadrado e por Razão de Odds, com intervalo de confiança de 95%. Em todos os plantéis, foram encontradas aves infectadas. Em 88,3% das amostras de fezes, foram detectados ovos de nematoides gastrointestinal, e, em 18,8%, oocistos de Cryptosporidium sp. Larvas de Libyostrongylus dentatus (98%), L.douglassii (2%) e Codiostomum sp. (2%) foram identificadas nas coproculturas. Fatores ambientais e de manejo estão associados com risco de enteroparasitos em criações de avestruz. As aves mantidas em piquetes de topografia acidentada, na ausência de outros animais ou que recebiam água procedente de poços ou cisternas, apresentavam menores chances de infecção por nematoides, enquanto para o gênero Cryptosporidium, as criações em áreas planas, com presença de outros animais nos piquetes e o fornecimento da água do rio aumentam as chances (2,7 vezes) de infecção. Salvador

The objective was to determine the growth responses of Black Neck ostrich chicks to different dietary levels of L-carnitine in pre-starter diets. Thirty-two day-old ostrich chicks were randomly divided into four treatments with four replicates, each containing two chicks. All birds received the same basal diet supplemented with 0 (T0, control), 125 (T125), 250 (T250) or 600 (T600) mg L-carnitine per kg. Responses were monitored over three growth phases, 0 - 15, 16 - 30 and 31 - 60 days, the total period being 60 days. T600 had the lowest live weight (LW) and live weight gain (LWG) over the 60-day treatment period. Live weight and LWG values of T125 and T250 did not differ from those of T0. T600 had the worst feed conversion ratio (FCR) during the different stages (0 - 15, 16 - 30 and 31 - 60 days) and over the total 60-day period. Feed intake (FI) was reduced significantly in the T125 and T600 treatments compared to T0 and T250 treatments over the total period. The treatment, T125, showed the lowest FI and FCR responses over the total period, whereas there was no difference between T0 and T250. The results suggest that supplementing the pre-starter diet with 125 mg/kg of L-carnitine can improve the performance of ostrich chicks by decreasing the FCR. In contrast, the suppressive effect of a high inclusion level (T600) might indicate that ostrich chicks are sensitive to a high level of inclusion that could cause adverse effects.