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Temperature has a crucial influence on the places where species can survive and reproduce. Past research has primarily focused on survival, making it unclear if temperature fluctuations constrain reproductive success, and if so whether populations harbour the potential to respond to climatic shifts. Here, using two decades of data from a large experimental breeding programme of the iconic ostrich (Struthio camelus) in South Africa, we show that the number of eggs females laid and the number of sperm males produced were highly sensitive to natural temperature extremes (ranging from −5 °C to 45 °C). This resulted in reductions in reproductive success of up to 44% with 5 °C deviations from their thermal optimum. In contrast, gamete quality was largely unaffected by temperature. Extreme temperatures also did not expose trade-offs between gametic traits. Instead, some females appeared to invest more in reproducing at high temperatures, which may facilitate responses to climate change. These results show that the robustness of fertility to temperature fluctuations, and not just temperature increases, is a critical aspect of species persistence in regions predicted to undergo the greatest change in climate volatility., Climate change may pose a challenge not only for survival of animals but also for their reproduction. Here, Schou et al. analyse how male and female ostrich fertility relates to fluctuating temperature across 20 years, finding reduced fertility away from the thermal optimum, but also individual variation in thermal tolerance.

El yacimiento de Torrellano (Mioceno Superior, provincia de Alicante) ha proporcionado cientos de fragmentos de cáscara de tipo básico ornitoide, caracterizadas fundamentalmente por su gran grosor y por presentar los poros en el interior de hendiduras alargadas. Se han encontrado cáscaras de estructura similar en numerosos yacimientos del Terciario y Cuaternario de Asia, África y Europa. En todos los casos se ha establecido su semejanza con las cáscaras de la extinta ratite gigante Aepyornis maximus (Aepyornithidae). Se describen las cáscaras del nuevo yacimiento de Torrellano y se comparan con material similar. Algunos de los caracteres descritos han sido utilizados para realizar un análisis cladístico junto con ratites actuales (Struthio, Rhea, Apteryx, Dromaius, Casuarius), el género Tinamus, y material fósil (Diamantornis wardi, Diamantornis corbetti y Dinornithidae). El cladograma obtenido a partir de los datos de ratites actuales corrobora trabajos previos y muestra que los caracteres de las cáscaras están relacionados con la filogenia y son, por tanto, útiles para establecer hipótesis de parentesco. En este caso, el material de Torrellano, queda incluido dentro del crown group de ratites, aunque formando parte de una politomía que no puede resolverse con los caracteres empleados. Por otro lado, Struthio aparece como grupo hermano de los parataxones D. wardi y D. corbetti, lo cual podría confirmar las hipótesis existentes sobre la posible relación de estos parataxones con la familia Struthionidae.

Present study was planned to determine variations in external and internal quality egg parameters of different avian species including ostrich Struthio camelus, ducks Anas platyrhynchos, chicken Gallus gallus, turkeys Meleagris gallopavo and grey francolin Francolinus pondicerinus. All the birds were kept under similar rearing conditions. A total of 150 eggs were collected for each species to record external features of these eggs. Statistically significant (p

In this study, the ultrastructural development of germ cells in the ostrich embryo was analysed. The nuclear organisation and morphological characteristics of cytoplasm in the developing germ cells, on embryonic days 20, 26, and 36 and the day of hatching (5 samples from each stage) was analysed using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Germ cells located in the cortex of left ovaries were identified by their large size and centrally located nucleus, with a conspicuous nucleolus. In these cells, the cytoplasm contained an abundance of mitochondria and free ribosomes. The structure of Balbiani body, a villous-like elevation in wide intercellular space and desmosome junction between two adjacent germ cells was also studied. The germ cells during embryonic development showed structural differences in both the nucleus and cytoplasm.

A large incomplete ostrich femur from the Lower Pleistocene of North China, kept at the Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle (Paris), is described. It was found by Father Emile Licent in 1925 in the Nihewan Formation (dated at about 1.8 Ma) of Hebei Province. On the basis of the minimum circumference of the shaft, a mass of 300 kg, twice that of a modern ostrich, was obtained. The bone is remarkably robust, more so than the femur of the more recent, Late Pleistocene, Struthio anderssoni from China, and resembles in that regard Pachystruthio Kretzoi, 1954, a genus known from the Lower Pleistocene of Hungary, Georgia and the Crimea, to which the Nihewan specimen is referred, as Pachystruthio indet. This find testifies to the wide geographical distribution of very massive ostriches in the Early Pleistocene of Eurasia. The giant ostrich from Nihewan was contemporaneous with the early hominins who inhabited that region in the Early Pleistocene.

The avian lung is highly specialized and is both functionally and morphologically distinct 30 from that of their closest extant relatives, the crocodilians. It is highly partitioned, with a 31 unidirectionally ventilated and immobilized gas-exchanging lung, and functionally decoupled, 32 compliant, poorly vascularized ventilatory air-sacs. To understand the evolutionary history of 33 the archosaurian respiratory system, it is essential to determine which anatomical 34 characteristics are shared between birds and crocodilians and the role these shared traits play 35 in their respective respiratory biology. To begin to address this larger question, we examined 36 the anatomy of the lung and bronchial tree of ten American alligators (Alligator 37 mississippiensis) and eleven ostriches (Struthio camelus) across an ontogenetic series using 38 traditional and micro-computed tomography (µCT), three-dimensional (3D) digital models, and 39 morphometry. Intraspecific variation and left to right asymmetry were present in certain 40 aspects of the bronchial tree of both taxa but was particularly evident in the cardiac (medial) 41 region of the lungs of alligators and the caudal aspect of the bronchial tree in both species. The 42 cross-sectional area of the primary bronchus at the level of the major secondary airways and 43 cross-sectional area of ostia scaled either isometrically or negatively allometrically in alligators 44 and isometrically or positively allometrically in ostriches with respect to body mass. Of fifteen 45 lung metrics, five were significantly different between the alligator and ostrich, suggesting that 46 these aspects of the lung are more interspecifically plastic in archosaurs. One metric, the 47 distances between the carina and each of the major secondary airways, had minimal 48 intraspecific or ontogenetic variation in both alligators and ostriches, and thus may be a 49 conserved trait in both taxa. In contrast to previous descriptions, the 3D digital models and CT 50 scan data demonstrate that the pulmonary diverticula pneumatize the axial skeleton of the 51 ostrich directly from the gas-exchanging pulmonary tissues instead of the air sacs. Global and 52 specific comparisons between the bronchial topography of the alligator and ostrich reveal 53 multiple possible homologies, suggesting that certain structural aspects of the bronchial tree 54 are likely conserved across Archosauria, and may have been present in the ancestral 55 archosaurian lung.

Accurate diet formulations are required to fulfil the nutrient requirements of birds in order to achieve optimal production. Knowing how the skin, nodule and feather production characteristics vary with diets of different nutrient densities will help in least-cost modelling. Feather growth and nodule development are factors that were previously neglected in ostrich diet formulation, both of which are essential for the development of a predictive production model. In this trial, 120 birds were placed in 15 pens. Varying energy regimes (high, medium and low) and accompanying protein and amino acid profile levels (level 1–5) were assigned ad libitum to each pen. A randomly selected bird from each pen was slaughtered at 1, 35, 63, 103, 159, 168 and 244 days of age. During the slaughter, each bird was weighed, stunned, exsanguinated, defeathered and eviscerated. Feathers from four regions of the skin were plucked and weighed. The shaft diameter of the wing feathers was measured. The nodule size of the tanned skin was measured for each slaughter age. The data were transformed to natural logarithms and regressed against the total feather weight and the total featherless empty body protein weight to set up allometric growth equations. A prediction equation to determine nodule size of the live bird was proposed. Feed cost optimisation is paramount, and results from this study will aid in setting up least-cost optimisation (simulation) formulation models.

In memory of Ingemar Gustavsson 23rd International Colloquium on Animal Cytogenetics and Genomics (23 ICACG) took place in June 9–12, 2018 in Saint-Petersburg, Russia. Organized biennially, the Colloquium runs from 1970. From its very start this meeting is associated with the name of Ingemar Gustavsson to whom we dedicated the Colloquium 2018. The long and productive career of Ingemar Gustavsson had focused on chromosomes and their fundamental role in animal physiology, fertility, health and production in the context of agriculture and veterinary medicine. His meticulous analysis of breeding data performed back in 1964–69 resulted in the unequivocal identification of an association between heterozygosity for the 1/29 translocation in Swedish cattle and reduction in the fertility of the breed. Eventually, the argument in favor of selective elimination of bulls carrying the translocation from the breeding programs prevailed and the field of modern veterinary cytogenetics was established. Participants from fourteen different countries attended the 23 ICACG in Russia, the country having long lasting traditions in cytogenetics and the Scientific schools of N.K. Koltzov, S.S. Chetverikov and A.S. Serebrovsky, geneticists who made important conceptual contributions to studies of chromosomes and genes, population genetics and evolutionary theory as early as in the beginning of the XX-th century. All the abstracts received were subdivided between plenary and seven scientific sessions covering the issues in evolutionary and comparative cytogenetics, cytogenetics and genomes of domestic animals, meiosis studies, particular chromosome analyses, clinical cytogenetics, karyotypes and genomes of vertebrate and invertebrate animals, chromatin studies. In the abstract text below each presentation is marked with a capital letter: „L” stands for lectures, „O” for oral presentations and „P” for poster presentations. We gratefully acknowledge the support from the Saint-Petersburg Association of Scientists and Scholars (SPbSU), Veterinary Genetics Center ZOOGEN, Russian Foundation for Basic Research (RFBR), VEUK, Helicon, Axioma BIO, BioVitrum, Sartorius, DIA-M companies. The current collected abstracts comprise written contributions of the presentations during the 23 ICACG and were edited by Svetlana Galkina and Maria Vishnevskaya. The next Colloquium – 24 ICACG – will be held at the University of Kent in Canterbury (UK) in 2020. Please, cite abstracts as follows: Gall JG (2018) Giant chromosomes and deep sequences: what the amphibian egg tells us about transcription. In: Galkina SA, Vishnevskaya MS, Mikhailova EI (Eds) 23rd Inernational Colloquium on Animal Cytogenetics and Genomics (23rdICACG), June 9–12, 2018, St Petersburg, Russia. Comparative Cytogenetics 12(3): p–p. https://doi.org/10.3897/CompCytogen.v12i3.27748

This study included preparation of ostrich meat burger with different levels of ostrich fat. The first treatment was free-fat and the second treatment 5% fat, the third treatment was 10% fat, the fourth and the fifth was 15% and 20% respectively and stored in 18 ± 2 co for 120 days. Changes in chemical indicators were studied including peroxide value (PV), thiobarbituric acid (TBA), free fatty acids (FFA) and total volatile nitrogen (TVN) during storage periods 1, 30, 60, 90 and 120 days. The results showed that there is significantly increased (P

In rapidly growing animals there are numerous selective pressures and developmental constraints underpinning the ontogenetic development of muscle-tendon morphology and mechanical properties. Muscle force generating capacity, tendon stiffness, elastic energy storage capacity and efficiency were calculated from muscle and tendon morphological parameters and in-vitro tendon mechanical properties, obtained from a growth series of ostrich cadavers. Ontogenetic scaling relationships were established using reduced major axis regression analysis. Ostrich pelvic limb muscle mass and cross-sectional area broadly scaled with positive allometry, indicating maintained or relatively greater capacity for maximum isometric force generation in bigger animals. The length of distal limb tendons was found to scale with positive allometry in several tendons associated with antigravity support and elastic energy storage during locomotion. Distal limb tendon stiffness scaled with negative allometry with respect to body mass, with tendons being relatively more compliant in larger birds. Tendon material properties also appeared to be size-dependent, suggesting the relative increased compliance of tendons in larger ostriches is due in part to compensatory distortions in tendon material properties during maturation and development, not simply from ontogenetic changes in tendon geometry. Our results suggest that the previously reported increase in locomotor economy through ontogeny in the ostrich is likely due to greater potential for elastic energy storage with increasing body size. In fact, the rate of this increase may be somewhat greater than the conservative predictions of previous studies thus illustrating the biological importance of elastic tendon structures in adult ostriches.

With the aim of characterising the different stress patterns in several egg types and evaluating the resistivity of the eggshell while impacting in free fall, experimental tests and computational simulations have been performed on eggs of the species Gallus gallus (domestic hen), Struthio camelus (ostrich), and Testudo sp. (tortoise). The different types of failure were determined for each taxa and stress distribution maps were recorded and correlated between experimental results and simulations using finite element analysis (FEA). For domestic hens, the numerical results obtained in both tests have highly correlation with the results obtained in previous works; for ostrich (S. camelus) and tortoise (Testudo sp.) eggshells, this new data represented a useful tool to understand in further works the failure mechanisms of the eggshells. More interestingly, the present study provides the first empirical and mathematic results that allow confident safety intervals to be established that relate to the laying process in the poultry industry

This study determined the distribution and specialized morphology (gaps and fenestrations, irregular endothelium, internalization of luminal material) of vessels in the spongy and erectile tissue of the phallus in the ostrich. Specimens from the phallus harvested from 18 sexual mature and active ostriches were utilized. General routine fixation was used for tissue blocks and then they were processed conventionally for observation under the Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM). The spongy tissue in the root of the phallus exhibited several blood vessels (mainly venules) within connective tissue strands. The capillaries displayed thick and attenuated endothelial profiles, whereas the venules were lined with an attenuated endothelium. Both vessel types displayed fenestrations and prominent gaps supported by a continuation of the basal lamina. Numerous cytoplasmic processes extended from the capillary endothelium, in places appearing to enclose and sequestrate luminal contents by phagocytosis. The internalized material appeared in the form of relatively large, pale vesicles. The endothelium was extremely irregular in profile, in some instances appearing to be composed of more than one layer of squamous cells. The erectile tissue lining the phallic sulcus presented relatively few capillaries and venules. These vessels exhibited features similar to those seen in the spongy tissue but the endothelial cells were markedly more complex and irregular in design.

Introduction: Ostrich characteristics include fast running, of which the probable enablers have been studied. Yet little research has taken place on one anatomical feature. It is mainly the special integuments on the ostrich foot which facilitate fast running on sand, because as point of direct sand contact they bear the whole weight and provide all the forward force. This study elucidates aspects of the integuments. Material and Methods: A stereo microscope, scanning electron microscope (SEM), and confocal scanning laser microscope were used to observe these integuments. Their surface structure was shown accurately in photographs. An SEM equipped with energy dispersive spectroscopy was used to check element contents of the upper and bottom areas and those on the lateral area of the 3rd toe. Results: The content of some chemical elements on the upper area (Mg 2.04%, Si 0.18%, P 1.97%, Ca 0.59%, and S 0.69%) was higher than that of the bottom area (Mg 0.14%, Si 0.09%, P 0.10%, Ca 0.28%, and S 0.90%). Zinc was the particular element on the upper area, while sodium, chlorine, and potassium were the specific elements on the bottom area. The parts which must withstand different frictions contained different chemical compounds. Conclusion: The microscopic plane with layer-like structure and stripes may contribute to the wear-resistance of the papillae. The polygonal and prism structures are helpful to fix papillae in a firmer way.

The development of gut microbiota during ontogeny in vertebrates is emerging as an important process influencing physiology, immune system, health, and adult fitness. However, we have little knowledge of how the gut microbiome is colonised and develops in non-model organisms, and to what extent microbial diversity and specific taxa influence changes in fitness-related traits. Here, we used 16S rRNA gene sequencing to describe the successional development of the faecal microbiota in juvenile ostriches (Struthio camelus; n = 71) over their first three months of life, during which time a five-fold difference in weight was observed. We found a gradual increase in microbial diversity with age, an overall convergence in community composition among individuals, multiple colonisation and extinction events, and major taxonomic shifts coinciding with the cessation of yolk absorption. In addition, we discovered significant but complex associations between juvenile growth and microbial diversity, and identified distinct bacterial groups that had positive (Bacteroidaceae) and negative (Enterobacteriaceae, Enterococcaceae, Lactobacillaceae) correlations with the growth of individuals at specific ages. These results have broad implications for our understanding of the development of gut microbiota and its association with juvenile growth.

Forty-eight 3-month old African ostrich females were divided into four groups: control and 3 experimental comprising 12 animals each. All the animals were fed the adopted diet and the experimental groups additionally received a feed supplement based on shell rock and bentonite, at a rate of 5 g/kg, 10 g/kg and 15 g/kg, respectively, for 9 months. At the beginning and the end of the experiment blood samples were collected for hematological and biochemical analyses. At the end of the experiment, 3 ostriches from each group were slaughtered and the quality of their meat was examined. At 12 months of age the weight of the birds in the experimental groups was significantly higher (P≤0.05) in comparison to the control group, by 11 kg, 13.3 kg or 16.4 kg, respectively. During the experiment, an increase in the number of red blood cells, leukocytes and hemoglobin was recorded, however all tested hematological parameters remained within the range of physiological values. The biochemical blood parameters in all groups of ostriches did not change significantly at the beginning and the end of experiment. However, the levels of total protein, glucose, Ca and P in the experimental groups showed an upward trend in correlation with the dosage of the tested feed additive. Feed additive contributed to a change in the chemical composition and biological value of the meat. In comparison with the control group, an increase in ash, fat, protein and energy content, the level of mineral elements and vitamins in the meat of the experimental ostriches was noted, in a reliable dependence on the inclusion rate of the feed additive (P≤0.05). We concluded that the use of feed additive positively affects body mass and hematological blood parameters, as well as the nutritional and biological value of ostrich meat., Četrdeset i osam crnih afričkih nojeva, ženki u dobi od tri mjeseca podijeljeno je u četiri skupine. U kontrolnoj i tri pokusne skupine bilo je po 12 životinja. Kontrolna (ili prva) skupina hranjena je prilagođenim obrokom, dok su pokusne skupine, druga, treća i četvrta, dodatno primale dodatak hrani, mješavinu ljuski stijena i bentonita u dozama od 5 g/kg, 10 g/kg ili 15 g/kg tijekom 9 mjeseci. Na početku i na kraju pokusa uzimani su uzorci krvi za hematološke i biokemijske analize. Na kraju pokusa po 3 noja iz svake skupine je žrtvovano te je pretražena kakvoća njihova mesa. U dobi od 12 mjeseci u svim je skupinama utvrđeno značajno povećanje tjelesne mase: tjelesna masa ptica u pokusnim skupinama bila je značajno viša (P≤0,05), i to za 11 kg u drugoj skupini, za 13,3 kg u trećoj skupini i za 16,4 kg u četvrtoj skupini, u usporedbi s kontrolnom skupinom. Tijekom pokusa opažen je porast brojnosti eritrocita, leukocita te koncentracije hemoglobina, ali su ti, kao i ostali testirani hematološki pokazatelji, bili unutar fizioloških vrijednosti. Biokemijski krvni pokazatelji u svim skupinama nojeva nisu se značajno mijenjali na početku ni na kraju pokusa. No, razine ukupnih proteina, glukoze, Ca i P, pokazivale su rastući trend u svim pokusnim skupinama u korelaciji s dozom testiranog dodatka hrani. Dodatak hrani utjecao je na promjene u kemijskom sastavu i biološkoj vrijednosti mesa. U usporedbi s kontrolnom skupinom, zabilježen je porast u sadržaju pepela, masti, proteina i energije te u razini minerala, vitamina i nekih aminokiselina u mesu pokusnih nojeva, u postojanoj ovisnosti o udjelu dodatka hrani (P≤0,05). Zaključili smo da je uporaba dodatka hrani povoljno utjecala na rast, hematološke pokazatelje krvi, kao i na nutritivnu i biološku vrijednost mesa nojeva.

The columella auris of the ostrich is derived as in the crocodile from three sources; the two upper segments of the hyoid arch (pharyngohyal and epihyal) and a laterohyal component. The latter contributes the homologue of the crocodilian suprastapedial (or lacertilian intercalary) as well as the tympanic process and the material of the lateral limb (which is not lacking as stated in the literature) of the lateral prong (supracolumellar arcade). Conditions in Struthio camelus confirm the views expressed by the authors in their paper on Crocodilus niloticus regarding the homologies of the columellar processes. The avian infracolumellar process represents the crocodilian infrastapedial plus the interhyal which in addition to primary arch material, includes a secondary subepidermal part. The ceratohyal (usually called stylohyal in the literature) remains attached to the columella through the infracolumellar process.

Ancient DNA (aDNA) analysis of extinct ratite species is of considerable interest as it provides important insights into their origin, evolution, paleogeographical distribution and vicariant speciation in congruence with continental drift theory. In this study, DNA hotspots were detected in fossilized eggshell fragments of ratites (dated ≥25000 years B.P. by radiocarbon dating) using confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). DNA was isolated from five eggshell fragments and a 43 base pair (bp) sequence of a 16S rRNA mitochondrial-conserved region was successfully amplified and sequenced from one of the samples. Phylogenetic analysis of the DNA sequence revealed a 92% identity of the fossil eggshells to Struthio camelus and their position basal to other palaeognaths, consistent with the vicariant speciation model. Our study provides the first molecular evidence for the presence of ostriches in India, complementing the continental drift theory of biogeographical movement of ostriches in India, and opening up a new window into the evolutionary history of ratites.

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

A comprehensive description of the spectral characteristics of retinal photoreceptors in palaeognaths is lacking. Moreover, controversy exists with respect to the spectral sensitivity of the short-wavelength-sensitive-1 (SWS1) opsin-based visual pigment expressed in one type of single cone: previous microspectrophotometric (MSP) measurements in the ostrich (Struthio camelus) suggested a violet-sensitive (VS) SWS1 pigment, but all palaeognath SWS1 opsin sequences obtained to date (including the ostrich) imply that the visual pigment is ultraviolet-sensitive (UVS). In this study, MSP was used to measure the spectral properties of visual pigments and oil droplets in the retinal photoreceptors of the emu (Dromaius novaehollandiae). Results show that the emu resembles most other bird species in possessing four spectrally distinct single cones, as well as double cones and rods. Four cone and a single rod opsin are expressed, each an orthologue of a previously identified pigment. The SWS1 pigment is clearly UVS (wavelength of maximum absorbance [λmax] = 376 nm), with key tuning sites (Phe86 and Cys90) consistent with other vertebrate UVS SWS1 pigments. Palaeognaths would appear, therefore, to have UVS SWS1 pigments. As they are considered to be basal in avian evolution, this suggests that UVS is the most likely ancestral state for birds. The functional significance of a dedicated UVS cone type in the emu is discussed.

Background The ostrich Struthio camelus reaches the highest speeds of any extant biped, and has been an extraordinary subject for studies of soft-tissue anatomy and dynamics of locomotion. An elongate tarsometatarsus in adult ostriches contributes to their speed. The internal osteology of the tarsometatarsus, and its mechanical response to forces of running, are potentially revealing about ostrich foot function. Methods/Principal Findings Computed tomography (CT) reveals anatomy and bone densities in tarsometatarsi of an adult and a young juvenile ostrich. A finite element (FE) model for the adult was constructed with properties of compact and cancellous bone where these respective tissues predominate in the original specimen. The model was subjected to a quasi-static analysis under the midstance ground reaction and muscular forces of a fast run. Anatomy–Metatarsals are divided proximally and distally and unify around a single internal cavity in most adult tarsometatarsus shafts, but the juvenile retains an internal three-part division of metatarsals throughout the element. The juvenile has a sparsely ossified hypotarsus for insertion of the m. fibularis longus, as part of a proximally separate third metatarsal. Bone is denser in all regions of the adult tarsometatarsus, with cancellous bone concentrated at proximal and distal articulations, and highly dense compact bone throughout the shaft. Biomechanics–FE simulations show stress and strain are much greater at midshaft than at force applications, suggesting that shaft bending is the most important stressor of the tarsometatarsus. Contraction of digital flexors, inducing a posterior force at the TMT distal condyles, likely reduces buildup of tensile stresses in the bone by inducing compression at these locations, and counteracts bending loads. Safety factors are high for von Mises stress, consistent with faster running speeds known for ostriches. Conclusions/Significance High safety factors suggest that bone densities and anatomy of the ostrich tarsometatarsus confer strength for selectively critical activities, such as fleeing and kicking predators. Anatomical results and FE modeling of the ostrich tarsometatarsus are a useful baseline for testing the structure’s capabilities and constraints for locomotion, through ontogeny and the full step cycle. With this foundation, future analyses can incorporate behaviorally realistic strain rates and distal joint forces, experimental validation, and proximal elements of the ostrich hind limb.

Literary sources are analyzed in relation to the features of growing of African ostriches in enclosure terms as one of directions of farm. It is shown that raising ostriches on the territory of the West region of Ukraine can be perspective livestock industry.

Submitted by Guilherme Lemeszenski (guilherme@nead.unesp.br) on 2013-08-22T18:40:13Z No. of bitstreams: 1 S1516-635X2007000400002.pdf: 99865 bytes, checksum: 5b9ae5970ec8018d52dd017c40f412bb (MD5) Made available in DSpace on 2013-08-22T18:40:13Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 S1516-635X2007000400002.pdf: 99865 bytes, checksum: 5b9ae5970ec8018d52dd017c40f412bb (MD5) Previous issue date: 2007-12-01 Made available in DSpace on 2013-09-30T19:25:27Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2 S1516-635X2007000400002.pdf: 99865 bytes, checksum: 5b9ae5970ec8018d52dd017c40f412bb (MD5) S1516-635X2007000400002.pdf.txt: 24672 bytes, checksum: e9a3e478c7c5f7e82bf32d8c41154d98 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2007-12-01 Submitted by Vitor Silverio Rodrigues (vitorsrodrigues@reitoria.unesp.br) on 2014-05-20T13:41:05Z No. of bitstreams: 2 S1516-635X2007000400002.pdf: 99865 bytes, checksum: 5b9ae5970ec8018d52dd017c40f412bb (MD5) S1516-635X2007000400002.pdf.txt: 24672 bytes, checksum: e9a3e478c7c5f7e82bf32d8c41154d98 (MD5) Made available in DSpace on 2014-05-20T13:41:05Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2 S1516-635X2007000400002.pdf: 99865 bytes, checksum: 5b9ae5970ec8018d52dd017c40f412bb (MD5) S1516-635X2007000400002.pdf.txt: 24672 bytes, checksum: e9a3e478c7c5f7e82bf32d8c41154d98 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2007-12-01 This article aimed at compiling recent studies on the main factors that influence ostrich meat quality and carcass yield. Few articles investigated the effect of subspecies, which generally are not even mentioned. There are important dietary effects, particularly those caused by dietary protein to energy ratio. Rigor mortis follow-up studies showed that there are no losses in meat quality when carcasses are hot-deboned. Age at slaughter influences some meat quality traits, such as tenderness and lipid content. Few effects of gender have been observed, and at the same age at slaughter, both male and female present the same meat quality traits. UNESP School Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science UNESP School Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science Department of Animal Production UNESP School Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science UNESP School Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science Department of Animal Production

We developed a three-dimensional, biomechanical computer model of the 36 major pelvic limb muscle groups in an ostrich (Struthio camelus) to investigate muscle function in this, the largest of extant birds and model organism for many studies of locomotor mechanics, body size, anatomy and evolution. Combined with experimental data, we use this model to test two main hypotheses. We first query whether ostriches use limb orientations (joint angles) that optimize the moment-generating capacities of their muscles during walking or running. Next, we test whether ostriches use limb orientations at mid-stance that keep their extensor muscles near maximal, and flexor muscles near minimal, moment arms. Our two hypotheses relate to the control priorities that a large bipedal animal might evolve under biomechanical constraints to achieve more effective static weight support. We find that ostriches do not use limb orientations to optimize the moment-generating capacities or moment arms of their muscles. We infer that dynamic properties of muscles or tendons might be better candidates for locomotor optimization. Regardless, general principles explaining why species choose particular joint orientations during locomotion are lacking, raising the question of whether such general principles exist or if clades evolve different patterns (e.g. weighting of muscle force-length or force-velocity properties in selecting postures). This leaves theoretical studies of muscle moment arms estimated for extinct animals at an impasse until studies of extant taxa answer these questions. Finally, we compare our model’s results against those of two prior studies of ostrich limb muscle moment arms, finding general agreement for many muscles. Some flexor and extensor muscles exhibit self-stabilization patterns (posture-dependent switches between flexor/extensor action) that ostriches may use to coordinate their locomotion. However, some conspicuous areas of disagreement in our results illustrate some cautionary principles. Importantly, tendon-travel empirical measurements of muscle moment arms must be carefully designed to preserve 3D muscle geometry lest their accuracy suffer relative to that of anatomically realistic models. The dearth of accurate experimental measurements of 3D moment arms of muscles in birds leaves uncertainty regarding the relative accuracy of different modelling or experimental datasets such as in ostriches. Our model, however, provides a comprehensive set of 3D estimates of muscle actions in ostriches for the first time, emphasizing that avian limb mechanics are highly three-dimensional and complex, and how no muscles act purely in the sagittal plane. A comparative synthesis of experiments and models such as ours could provide powerful synthesis into how anatomy, mechanics and control interact during locomotion and how these interactions evolve. Such a framework could remove obstacles impeding the analysis of muscle function in extinct taxa.

Ratites differ distinctively in the anatomy of their digestive tract. For example Ostriches (Struthio camelus) have a particularly long voluminous colon and long paired caeca Rheas (Rhea spp.) are characterised by a short colon with particularly prominent paired caeca and Emus (Dromaius novaehollandiae) – have neither very prominent caeca nor a prominent colon. We tested whether digesta excretion patterns corresponded to these differences in anatomy expecting Ostriches to have the longest and Emus the shortest digesta retention times and Rheas possibly showing a selective retention of fluids observed in other birds and mammals with prominent caeca. We used 6 Ostriches (97 123kg) 5 Greater Rheas (R. americana 22 27kg) and 2 Emus (32 34kg) fed a common diet of alfalfa pellets ad libitum in captivity. Intake per unit of metabolic body mass did not differ between Ostriches and Rheas but was significantly higher in Emus which also displayed higher defecation frequencies and lower fiber digestibility. Mean digesta retention time for small fiber particles (2 mm) differed significantly among species (Ostrich: 30 36h; Rhea: 7 19h; Emu: 1.3 1.8h) but there were no differences between the retention of 2 mm or 8 mm particles or a solute marker within species. The shape of the marker excretion curves corresponded to digesta mixing in the digestive tract of Ostriches and Rheas but not Emus. The calculated dry matter gut fill ( of body mass) was significantly higher in Ostriches (1.6 1.8) than Rheas (0.3 1.0) and Emus (0.2). Ostriches had the highest and Emus the lowest fecal dry matter concentration. These physiological findings match the differences in digestive anatomy and support the concept that in ratites herbivory – and hence flightlessness – evolved repeatedly in different ways.

The three-dimensional anatomy of the ostrich (Struthio camelus) knee (femorotibial, femorofibular, and femoropatellar) joint has scarcely been studied, and could elucidate certain mechanobiological properties of sesamoid bones. The adult ostrich is unique in that it has double patellae, while another similar ratite bird, the emu, has none. Understanding why these patellae form and what purpose they may serve is dually important for future studies on ratites as well as for understanding the mechanobiological characteristics of sesamoid bone development. For this purpose, we present a three-dimensional anatomical study of the ostrich knee joint, detailing osteology, ligaments and menisci, and myology. We have identified seven muscles which connect to the two patellae and compare our findings to past descriptions. These descriptions can be used to further study the biomechanical loading and implications of the double patella in the ostrich.

The ostrich (Struthio camelus var. domesticus) is an important animal in the livestock industry in South Africa. Ostrich production is an intensive production system and feed cost contributes approximately 75% of the total cost of production. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of the replacement of soybean oilcake meal (SOCM) with cottonseed oilcake meal (CSOCM) on the production performance of slaughter ostriches. A total of 105 birds of both sexes were divided into five groups of 21 birds each. All birds were fed five iso-nutritional diets in which SOCM was gradually replaced by CSOCM (0% up to 12% of the total diet). Ostriches in each treatment were subdivided into three replicate pens containing seven birds each. Body weights of birds were recorded at the start of the experiment and thereafter on a monthly basis throughout the study. Inclusion level of CSOCM had no effect on the feed intake and feed conversion rate of slaughter ostriches. Birds consuming the diet with 0% CSOCM had a significantly lower growth rate than the birds consuming the diets containing respectively 9% and 12% CSOCM. In a complementary palatability study, no significant differences in feed intake were observed between the diets with and without CSOCM.Keywords: Cottonseed oilcake meal, feed intake, growth, ostriches

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.

Previous studies on the immunoglobulin (Ig) genes in avian species are limited (mainly to galliformes and anseriformes) but have revealed several interesting features, including the absence of the IgD and Igκ encoding genes, inversion of the IgA encoding gene and the use of gene conversion as the primary mechanism to generate an antibody repertoire. To better understand the Ig genes and their evolutionary development in birds, we analyzed the Ig genes in the ostrich (Struthio camelus), which is one of the most primitive birds. Similar to the chicken and duck, the ostrich expressed only three IgH chain isotypes (IgM, IgA and IgY) and λ light chains. The IgM and IgY constant domains are similar to their counterparts described in other vertebrates. Although conventional IgM, IgA and IgY cDNAs were identified in the ostrich, we also detected a transcript encoding a short membrane-bound form of IgA (lacking the last two C(H) exons) that was undetectable at the protein level. No IgD or κ encoding genes were identified. The presence of a single leader peptide in the expressed heavy chain and light chain V regions indicates that gene conversion also plays a major role in the generation of antibody diversity in the ostrich. Because the ostrich is one of the most primitive living aves, this study suggests that the distinct features of the bird Ig genes appeared very early during the divergence of the avian species and are thus shared by most, if not all, avian species.

There are many synthetic materials for the treatment of bone defects, which have their own advantages and disadvantages. We aimed to compare the efficacy of ostrich eggshell, which is cheap and easily available, and demineralized bone matrix in healing of cranial bone defects.A full-thickness circular bone defect was created in the frontal bone of 40 Wistar rats. Group 1 was the operative control group. In group 2, demineralized bone matrix applied into the defects; in group 3, Struthio camelus (ostrich) eggshell implants (OSIs) were applied into the defects; and in group 4, ostrich eggshell powders were applied into the defects. Computed tomographic analysis was performed to evaluate the healing of bone defects, the bone density, the OSI area measurements, and the OSI volume and density. At the end of the 24th week, all rats were killed. New bone formation, infection, resorption, and tissue reactions were evaluated.Ostrich eggshell implants were slightly resorbed, integrated with bone, stable, and supplied good cranial completeness. Ostrich eggshell powders were totally resorbed at the sixth month. There were no significant differences between control and ostrich eggshell groups in new bone formation.Ostrich eggshell did not seem to be an osteoproductive material, but it has some important advantages as an implant. Ostrich eggshell has a strong structure, is cheap, is shaped easily, and does not cause tissue reaction or infection. Ostrich eggshell could be a good alternative graft material for craniomaxillofacial procedures. Further studies are required to find out the potential use of the ostrich eggshell in craniomaxillofacial reconstructions.

Biomineralization processes are involved in bone and teeth formation, optical/acoustic/magnetic sensors (Mann, 2001), even as in pathological aspects like cardiovascular calcifications, renal or gallbladder stones and others (Narayana & Subramanian, 2010). A remarkable example is the formation of eggshell in avians. The eggshell is the only rigid part of an avian egg, made up of calcium carbonate and some biological macromolecules. The eggshell is a mineral structure with a highly specialized function (Lammie et al., 2005). The question about the role of individual matrix proteins in avian eggshell calcification is an important subject of investigation (Hincke et al., 1999). This is so because the role of individual matrix proteins in avian eggshell calcification is poorly understood, and has never been investigated as calcium or carbonate’s biosensors have. Lakshminarayanan et al., (2005) have done a comparative study of the structure/function relationship of avian eggshell matrix ansocalcin and ovocleidin-17 (OC-17) proteins. These two proteins belong to the C-type lectin family, and share a high degree of similarity, though they interact differently with the growing calcium carbonate crystals, which suggest that their role in eggshell calcification is different as shown by Reyes-Grajeda et al., (2003). Nowadays, an increasing number of studies in C-type lectin-like proteins contained in the avian eggshell matrix have been reported elsewhere (Drickamer, 1999) but they have not been considered as biological sensors for inorganic ions. In this way, Mann & Siedler have determined the amino acid sequence of OC-17, a major protein of the hen s (Gallus gallus) eggshell (Mann & Siedler, 1999); later, struthiocalcin-1 and 2 (SCA-1 and SCA-2) present in ostrich (Struthio camelus) eggshell matrix (Mann & Siedler, 2004), and they have recently, elucidated the amino acid sequence of two proteins of emu (Dromaius novaehollandiae) dromaiocalcin-1 and 2 and two proteins in rhea (Rhea americana) rheacalcin-1 and 2 (Mann & Siedler, 2006). Mann suggested that the structure of the ostrich eggshell was very similar to that of avian eggshells; for example, ansocalcin had the same number of aminoacid

The Ostrich communal breeding system involves several females laying in a single nest. Only the ‘major’ female and the territorial male, however, provide parental care from incubation to fledging of chicks. Eggs are turned and displaced frequently upon the onset of incubation, and the major female evicts excess eggs out of the nest when the number of eggs is above a specific threshold level. A previous study indicated that the major female ostrich recognises her own eggs and selectively evicts eggs of minor females based on size, shape and shell texture. Our aim was to investigate if accepted and ejected eggs differ in colour characteristics. We quantified colour by measuring egg reflectance spectra, which were subsequently analysed using a visual model approach. Within clutches, there were no significant differences in colour between accepted and ejected eggs. These results suggest that female ostriches do not discriminate against foreign eggs based on deviations in colour.OSTRICH 2010, 81(3): 247–250

The ostrich (Struthio camelus) is the largest extant biped. Being flightless, it exhibits advanced cursorial abilities primarily evident in its characteristic speed and endurance. In addition to the active musculoskeletal complex, its powerful pelvic limbs incorporate passive structures wherein ligaments interact with joint surfaces, cartilage and other connective tissue in their course of motion. This arrangement may enable energy conservation by providing joint stabilisation, optimised limb segment orientation and automated positioning of ground contact elements independently of direct muscle control. The intertarsal joint is of particular interest considering its position near the mid-point of the extended limb and its exposure to high load during stance with significant inertial forces during swing phase. Functional-anatomical analysis of the dissected isolated joint describes the interaction of ligaments with intertarsal joint contours through the full motion cycle. Manual manipulation identified a passive engage-disengage mechanism (EDM) that establishes joint extension, provides bi-directional resistance prior to a transition point located at 115° and contributes to rapid intertarsal flexion at toe off and full extension prior to touch down. This effect was subsequently quantified by measurement of intertarsal joint moments in prepared anatomical specimens in a neutral horizontal position and axially-loaded vertical position. Correlation with kinematic analyses of walking and running ostriches confirms the contribution of the EDM in vivo. We hypothesise that the passive EDM operates in tandem with a stringently coupled multi-jointed muscle-tendon system to conserve the metabolic cost of locomotion in the ostrich, suggesting that a complete understanding of terrestrial locomotion across extinct and extant taxa must include functional consideration of the ligamentous system.

During the period January 2004 to December 2005 four different ostrich farms were investigated to evaluate the presence of thermotolerant Campylobacter. A total of 150 ostriches were examined and all were found to be clinically healthy. Campylobacter spp. were isolated from 60/150 cloacal swabs. Among the isolates, 48 were identified as Campylobacter jejuni whereas the remainder were identified as Campylobacter coli. Campylobacter lari was not isolated. The ostriches, although apparently in a healthy body condition, can be considered, theoretically, as potential Campylobacter carriers.

Ostrich (Struthio camelus) sera from apparently 302 healthy birds on 32 different farms around the country were analysed for three essential trace elements (copper, zinc and manganese) by atomic absorption spectrometry with the objective establishing baseline values which could be used as guidelines in the diagnosis of deficiency or toxicity of the trace elements in ostriches. Trace elements levels in ostrich sera were also determined according to age groups i.e chicks, growers and breeders. Comparisons were also done to determine whether the geographical regions had any influence on the levels of the trace elements in the different categories of birds. Results indicated significant variations with regard to age and geographical region variations in the level of copper. No significant age variations were evident for manganese levels but regional differences were noted. Zinc levels did not show significant geographical differences but variation in the concentration of the trace element according to age was strongly evident. (Zimbabwe Veterinary Journal, 2000, 31 (2&3): 57-64)

(1) This research was carried out to investigate changes in egg production and hatchability as influenced by age and breeding season of 10 trios (two females, one male) of ostrich (Struthio camellus) during 1998 to 2002. (2) Breeding season affected number of eggs laid per female per season, average egg weight, length of laying period and clutch sequence. (3) The number of eggs laid per female per season was 25 in the first breeding season and 57 by the fifth breeding season. The laying period lasted 169 d in the first season whereas it was 210 d by the fifth season. The breeding season became longer year by year. (4) The number of clutches was two in the first season, three in the second and 4 in the later breeding seasons: the mean interval between cycles was 9 to 10.6 d and the mean number of eggs in one cycle varied from 12 to 14.4. (5) The breeding season affected the hatchability of fertile eggs, chick weight at hatching, hatchability of total eggs, fertility, malpositioned embryos, deformed chicks and assisted chicks during hatching. The first 4 variables increased and the last three decreased, with each breeding season. (6) Weight loss of eggs and length of incubation were unaffected by the breeding season. Hatchability which was 64.3% in the first season increased progressively and reached 73.1% in the fifth breeding season.

The aim of this paper is to evaluate the effects of the age of ostriches and month of laying on egg production and chickgrowth. On a small ostrich farm egg production, egg incubation and chick growth from hatching to 56 days of age wererecorded from 2000, when the breeders were 5 years old, until 2002. Ostriches were kept in groups and fed commercialfeed. In all, 568 eggs were laid and weighed at laying and during incubation (at 15th and 30th day of incubation), while353 chicks were weighed at hatching, 7, 14, 28 and 56 days of age.The female’s productivity was calculated assuming a laying of 3.5 eggs per week and ranged between 45% and 48%.The fertility was around 70% with a peak of 74% recorded in 2001. The hatchability of all eggs was higher than 62%with a peak of 72% in 2001, while the hatchability of fertile eggs was higher than 90%. In each year the number of eggslaid increased from March to July, productivity showed a positive trend from May to June, while the fertility and hatchabilityof all eggs, as well as fertile eggs, was unaffected by year and month. As the hens aged, the egg mass grew constantlywith an increase of about 8%. During the first 30 days of incubation the egg weight decreased with the percentagesof weight loss around 10.0%. At hatching, the weight of chick ranged between 765 g and 847 g, respectively, in2000 and 2002. Egg weight influenced the hatching weight showing a linear relationship (R2=0.84). The effect of eggweight on the chick weight decreased as the chick grew. At 56 days of age, only the effect of year is significant. Themonth of laying did not demonstrate any effect on chicken weight.

1. This study was conducted to examine some egg characteristics and determine the effects of eggshell thickness and eggshell porosity on water loss and hatchability of eggs in ostriches. 2. Shell thickness did not correlate significantly with hatchability. However, eggs of low shell thickness lost more mass (13.03%) than those with intermediate (11.22%) and high (10.36%) shell thickness. Mass loss during incubation was higher in hatched (11.98%) than unhatched eggs (11.09%). Shell thickness was negatively correlated to egg mass loss (r = -0.65). 3. The pore density was correlated with hatchability. Hatchability was 50% lower in eggs with low pore densities (40.93%) than with high densities (80.94%). Pore density was positively correlated with egg mass loss (r = 0.63). Incubation mass losses of hatched and unhatched eggs were not significantly different. 4. Mean eggshell water vapour conductance (G) value and shell conductance constant (k) were 87.77 +/- 4.21 mg H2O/d/Torr and 2.44 respectively (n = 15). 5. Because of eggshell functional properties and resulting low egg mass loss hatchability is low when ostrich eggs are artificially incubated. The mass of eggs used in the experiment was relatively high and their eggshell water vapour conductance was low. As a result, egg incubation mass loss was lower than it should be. It is concluded that incubator humidity should be low (25%) to allow enough mass loss during incubation from the eggs.

In studies carried out on the parasites infecting ostriches (Struthio camelus) in Spain, trophozoites of Retortamonas sp. have been found in the intestinal contents of 28 out of 146 slaughtered ostriches. The species infecting ostriches could not be determined from the morphological data available. However, these findings are important as they constitute the first report of the genus Retortamonas in birds.