Search

In this study, retinal whole-mount specimens were prepared and stained with 0.1% cresyl violet for the ganglion cell study in the Ostrich (Struthio camelus). The total number, distribution, and size of these cells were determined in different retinal regions. The mean total number of ganglion cells (three retinas) was 1 435 052 with an average density of 652 cells/mm2. The temporo – nasal area of the retina with high cell density were identified with the peak of 7525 cells/mm2 in the central area. The size of most ganglion cells ranged from 113–403 µm2, with smaller cells predominating along the temporo-nasal streak above the optic disc and larger cells comprising more of the peripheral regions. The average thickness of the retina was 196 µm. The central area was the thickest area (268.6 µm), whereas the peripheral area was the thinnest area. Thus, the specialization of ganglion cell densities, their sizes and the thickness of the retina support the notion that the conduction of visual information towards the brain from all regions of the retina is not uniform, and suggests that the temporo – nasal streak is the fine quality area for vision in ostriches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ostrich is susceptible to microorganisms of bacterial, fungal and parasitic origin. Anthrax, caused byBacillus anthracis, is dangerous to other livestock and humans.Salmonellais transmitted from rodents or wild bird reservoirs. Pausterellosis caused byPasteurella multocidaresults in air sac infections in ostriches. Colibacillosis is caused byEscherichia coli. Tuberculosis caused byMycobacterium avium, is very rare in ostriches. Aspergillosis principally afflicts chicks. Zygomycosis, a secondary fungal infection of the upper gastrointestinal tract, is caused byBasidia,MucorandRhizopus.Leucocytozoon struthionisandPlasmodiumspp. are harmless protozoa transmitted from flying arthropods. The tapeworm,Houttuynia struthionis, is dangerous in young ostriches. The adult ratite fluke (Philophthalmus gralli) is transmitted to ostriches following ingestion of infected freshwater crustaceans. Tick infestations of ostrich skin in Africa includeAmblyommaspp.,Haemaphysalis punctata,Hyalommaspp.,Rhipicephalus turanicusandArgusspp. The ostrich quillmite (Pterolichus bicaudatus) and louse (Struthioliperus struthionus) may lower skin and leather quality via pruritis and/or excessive preening and feather loss. Nemododa infections are rare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of the ostrich as a livestock animal necessitates an understanding of its ability to utilize specific nutrient requirements if efficient growth is to be realized. Male ostriches may have to be raised separately as they grow faster; they require higher protein diets and are more efficient feed converters for longer periods than female ostriches. Male ostriches exhibit slightly faster maturation rates than female ostriches. The corresponding age at which maximum growth is attained is 181 days for male ostriches and 199 days for female ostriches. The growth curve of ostriches is sigmoid and asymptotic. Body mass reached in 1 year is approximately 104 kg. The metabolic age of ostriches at hatching is approximately 13.7 days. Feed conversion has an impact on growth. The ostrich chick (aged <2 months) has a high feed conversion to body mass ratio of 2:1, which requires very accurate and careful management of chick nutrition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review discusses current data on nutrition in ostrich breeding birds. Nutritional demands increase during breeding particularly the calcium and phosphorus requirements for egg production. The correct balance of amino acids, vitamins and carbohydrates is important for the maintenance of high fertility after the attainment of sexual maturity at 24 months of age for female birds and 36 months of age for male birds. Most problems relating to health and performance, including fertility, hatching, chick survival, growth rates and deformities in the early weeks, are usually traced to inadequate breeder rations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ostrich (Struthio camelus) is an important agricultural animal. The successful raising of ostriches from hatching to grower to breeder bird stage requires high standards of nutrition, and the producer should be knowledgeable about how the ingredient will provide the essential nutrients for growth and development, the utilization capacity of each nutrient and expected performance outcomes. Correct nutrition of chicks is critical, as they are most vulnerable up to the age of 3 months. Correct nutrition in growers (3–12 months) is important for the attainment of healthy breeding birds. Detailed is an analysis of studies on correct balance of essential nutrients, protein/energy inclusions and of fiber. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ostrich is an important animal in many livestock industries and in the developing world. The digestive system of the ostrich differs considerably from that of non-ruminant animals or poultry. The genetic potential of an ostrich can be described by its characteristic growth curve. This present paper presents an account of the rearing, anatomy of the gastro-intestinal tract, and growth curves of this bird. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ostrich is an important animal in many livestock industries and in the developing world ostrich production is a valuable source of foreign currency netted from the export of meat and skins. Its successful growth and reproductive performance is dependent upon good nutrition. In Zimbabwe, one of the greatest costs involved in the upkeep of ostrich breeder birds is purchased feed (US$4555.45/10 birds p.a.). In order to cover these costs, the producer needs to ensure an adequate throughput of birds for slaughter. The energy provided by a particular feed source is important for growth and development of the bird. More research is required in ostrich nutrition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ostrich is an important animal in many livestock industries. A significant threat to this industry is losses from diseases. Newcastle disease is a notifiable, highly contagious viral infection of ostriches. Avian influenza may be transmitted from waterfowl, shorebirds and gulls to ostriches. Borna disease virus is a viral neurotropic infection spread mainly by rodents and felines. Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever is a viral disease transmitted by Hyalomma ticks to humans. Avipoxvirus afflicts ostrich chicks and is transmitted by mosquitoes or by direct contact with a pox lesion. Maintenance of a healthy and profitable enterprise requires the implementation, with assistance from the local veterinary authority, of comprehensive, practical and effective methods of health management and preventative medicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]