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1. The aim of this study was to estimate heritability and genetic correlations, first among behavioural responses of juvenile South African Black ostriches towards humans and secondly with slaughter weight and skin traits. 2. Behavioural traits, such as willingness of the birds to approach humans, keeping a distance from the human observer and allowing touch interactions by a human were recorded (n = 1012 birds). In addition, slaughter weight, skin size, scores for nodule size, nodule shape and the presence of hair follicles were recorded. 3. Single- and multi-trait animal model analyses performed on the data using ASReml4 revealed high heritability estimates of 0.44 for allowing touch interactions and 0.48 for both willingness to approach and keeping a distance from the human observer. In addition, significant genetic correlations among behavioural response traits were estimated, ranging from −0.99 between keeping a distance and willingness to approach the human observer, to 0.87 between allowing touch interactions and willingness to approach the human observer. 4. In contrast, genetic correlations of behavioural response traits with most slaughter and skin traits were low, variable, and not significant. The exception was hair follicle score, which appeared to be unfavourably correlated with key behavioural traits. 5. This study suggested that the temperament of ostriches could be improved by selection of birds that demonstrate willingness to associate with humans without compromising slaughter weight or skin traits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many historical records extend the known range of the African ostrich Struthio camelus to include almost the entire state territory of Libya. This significant expansion augments the spatial potentialities to reintroduce captive-bred progeny of the endangered red-necked ostriches (S. c. camelus) from zoos and wildlife centres. The latest Libyan ostriches lingered in Cyrenaica and Fezzan into the late 19th century, and presumably near Kufra into the 1930s. Their extermination coincided with the occupation by colonial European administrations. These east Saharan biotopes are extraordinarily resource-poor and climatically challenging due to wide thermal amplitudes and extreme drought. Old photographs from Kufra and Wadi Howar leave undecided if the Libyan ostriches adhered to the subspecies S. c. camelus, which appears possible, or if additional, partly substantiated but yet unconfirmed claims should be heeded which demand up to three subspecies in North Africa. A review of taxonomic interpretations reveals a weak foundation by reliable data of a pan-Saharan subspecies S. c. camelus, and additional research is suggested to provide a sound taxonomic concept, not least for the management of various regional breeding lineages in zoos, which safeguard the survival of this endangered bird. As an auxiliary finding, African wild dogs (Lycaon pictus) are attested as inhabitants of the southern Libyan Desert until the 1930s, where they had preyed upon the now equally extinct ostriches.

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The domestication of ostriches and commercialisation of ostrich farming started in South Africa in the 19th century for the production and harvesting of feathers. Ostrich feathers were the primary product of farmed ostriches until the collapse of the feather market in 1914. Because ostrich feathers are not used for flying, they have different attributes than other bird feathers, which makes them unique and valued. This review summarises knowledge regarding ostrich feather production and research since the feather industry has again become an important contributor to the farmers' income in South Africa, which supplies most of the ostrich feathers used worldwide. Wing feathers on ostriches grow at a rate of 2.5 to 5 cm per week, which varies based on the bird's age and nutritional status. Adult birds can produce 380–400 g of white plume. Factors such as good husbandry practices, age, sex, breed, nutrition and climate can affect feather production. In addition, genetic selection can be used to increase feather quantity and quality because the heritability of these feather production variables is significant and in the low to moderate range. Developments in these disciplines are summarised, and recommendations for future research are made. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT: In most countries, ostrich farming is considered a developing branch of the efficient poultry industry. The profitability of ostrich farm requires specific consideration of productions features such as the female fertility, egg production, hatchability, and growth performance. Hence, this study aimed to fit nonlinear functions to describe the ostrich egg production pattern to achieve the most appropriate and recommendable mathematical function for future studies. For this purpose, 14,507 daily records of 184 female ostriches in 5 production seasons (periods) during 2016 to 2021 were used. Five nonlinear functions including Incomplete gamma (Wood function), Corrected gamma (McNally), nonlinear Logistic (Yang), Logistic (Nelder), and Lokhorst were fitted for modeling the egg production curve in ostrich. The goodness of fit criteria's including Mean Square Error (MSE), Likelihood Ratio Test (LRT), Akaike Information Criterion (AIC), and Bayesian Information Criterion (BIC) were used to evaluate and selection of the best function. The results indicated that the Wood and the McNally functions with a slight difference in all fitting criteria were the best-fitted functions and the Yang function with the highest values of MSE, LRT, AIC, BIC, were the most inappropriate function to describe the ostrich egg production curve. The McNally and the Wood can be recommended as appropriate functions to describe egg production during 5 production seasons in the studied ostrich flock.

ABSTRACT: 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.

Artificial insemination (AI) in ostriches may present potential solutions to high proportions of infertile eggs commonly recorded on commercial farms and assist in reducing the number of males for breeding purposes thereby leading to a more economical and efficient farming system. Although non-invasive methods to collect semen and to artificially inseminate female ostriches have been developed, the insemination dose for maximum fertility of eggs remains unknown. This study was thus conducted to determine the minimum sperm dose that would promote fertility of eggs following AI in female ostriches. A total of 22 South African black ostriches (7 males and 15 females) aged between 2 and 9 years old were used. Semen samples were collected using the dummy female method and diluted 1:4 (semen: diluent) with an ostrich specific semen diluent. Females were inseminated with various sperm doses of diluted semen from the same male three times a week, every second day resulting in a total sperm dose of A: <2.5 × 109, B: 2.5–5 × 109, C: 5–7.5 × 109 and D: 7.5–9.6 × 109 sperm/week. Eggs produced after insemination were opened to determine the fertilization status of the germinal disc (GD) with an unaided eye. The fertile period was then calculated as the number of days fertilized eggs were laid after the last AI. Furthermore, the number of sperm trapped in the outer perivitelline membrane (sperm OPVL) above the GD region was counted under fluorescent light, following staining with 4′,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole to determine the rate of sperm loss and the number of days up to when the last egg containing sperm was laid. On average, a mean (±sd) of 35.34 ± 25.72% eggs produced after AI were fertilized. Fertility was lower (mean ± se) when sperm dose A was used (6.71 ± 9.40%), as compared to sperm dose B (46.01 ± 6.71%), C (37.34 ± 6.60%) and D (37.75 ± 8.36%) (P < 0.05). No significant difference was recorded in the latter three doses (P > 0.05). Furthermore, the length of the fertile period and the rate of sperm loss did not differ significantly between sperm doses (P > 0.05). Hence, a sperm dose of between 2.5 and 5 × 109 sperm/week is recommended to optimize fertility after AI in ostriches, as increasing the sperm dose would not benefit fertility. Further studies are, however, needed to determine the frequency of insemination that would maintain fertility throughout the breeding season as well as hatchability of eggs laid after AI. • Minimum sperm dose for optimal fertility and fertile period after artificial insemination in farmed ostriches was estimated. • A range of sperm dose inseminated per week was: <2.5 × 109, 2.5–5 x109, 5–7.5 × 109 and 7.5–9.6 × 109 sperm. • The minimum sperm dose optimizing fertility was 2.5–5 × 109 sperm per week. • No significant increase in fertility with higher sperm dose was recorded. • Length of the fertile period did not differ between sperm dose treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ostrich, the flightless Ratite, is the world's largest bird. Ostrich has been reared in Romania for many years, but we have limited information on this species. The aim of this paper is to provide information on the social behavior of the ostrich (Struthio camelus) in captivity. Ostrich products, meat skin, and eggs are considered luxury products not only in Romania but also abroad. Observations on the social behavior of captive ostrich were made on two extensive farms in Romania in Arad County. The most common behavior patterns are walking, sitting, standing, foraging, pecking, dancing, coprophagia and aggression. The captive ostriches spend most of their time standing, resting or bathing, and nest-making. In the summer period, ostriches show the greatest difference in their behavior, they are more inactive and sit more in rainy weather than in dry periods. In the breeding season, they become more aggressive. They are violent toward humans, juveniles, even each other and other species. Some individuals may be showing abnormal behavior such as feather pecking, anorexia, coprophagy, and dietary indiscretion. Understanding the feelings in animals through behavioral observations is a vital step in improving their welfare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Semen quality in ostriches is still being studied to optimize the reproductive performance of these birds in a commercial farming environment. Various methods such as mass sperm motility scoring and computer-aided sperm analysis (CASA) technology have been employed successfully to evaluate semen quality characteristics such as sperm motility. The relationship between these methods in assessing sperm motility in ostriches is unknown. This study evaluated the relationship between the CASA and the mass sperm motility scoring method when analyzing ostrich sperm motility. Positive significant correlations between these methods for sperm motility traits were recorded, suggesting that farmers could utilize the affordable mass sperm motility scoring to screen ostrich males for sperm quality. 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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current observation was designed to give a complete ultrastructural description of the pecten oculi of the common ostrich (Struthio camelus). Moreover, this study represents the first attempt to measurements the elements composition of the pecten oculi using scanning electron microscope–energy dispersive X‐ray (SEM–EDX) at three regions (apical, body, and basal). To accomplish this study, eight ostrich were examined grossly and under the electron microscope. The vaned‐shaped pecten oculi consisted of three regions (apex, body, and base) with 24–25 plates. The pecten oculi was located postero‐anteriorly near to the optic nerve disc that was attached by their bases to the retina forming a slightly elevated basal border joining the bases of all pleats, while the apex was linked in a circular bridge. The pleats are separated from each other by the inter‐pleat spaces that are very clear at the base and nearly not observed at the apical part. The outer pleat's surface carried numerous prominences that pointed to the existence of numerous afferent and efferent pecteneal blood capillaries vessels. The vitreopecteneal limiting membrane separated the pecten oculi from the vitreous body. Our findings concluded that, the high number of thick pecteneal pleats was related to the diurnal activity of the common ostrich. SEM–EDX shows that the carbon percentage in the three regions is the highest that representing about half of all elements, while the oxygen percent is about one‐third; meanwhile, the lowest percentage is the sulfate at the apical region, and the calcium at the body and basal regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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.

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.

A 4-year-old female ostrich (Struthio camelus) developed knuckling on its left foot after a traumatic event. Conservative treatment, rest, and traditional splinting methods failed to resolve the gait abnormality or improve mobility. A dynamic multicomponent orthotic shoe was then custom designed and fabricated with an ultra-high–molecular weight, low-pressure polyethylene polymer (St 1000 DIN16972 TG2) to correct the foot malposition. The affected foot and leg were wrapped with soft padding and the orthosis was attached and secured by nylon belts (Nylon PA [polyamide] 6, a semicrystalline polyamide polymer) with self-locking modified wrench straps. The orthosis immediately prevented knuckling and improved ambulation. After 2 weeks, this shoe was replaced with a modified orthotic shoe of lighter weight to improve kinetics and ease of use by the bird. The modified orthosis dramatically improved ambulation and was left attached to the affected leg for 7 more weeks. Thereafter, the bird was able to ambulate comfortably without the aid of the shoe, even though permanent anatomical changes to the affected leg seemed to restrict its speed of locomotion. The ostrich had another unfortunate traumatic event 10 weeks later, the result of which was knuckling on the contralateral (right) foot. After routine medical and supportive care, the orthosis was then applied to the right foot for a period of 9 weeks. During this period the bird was able to ambulate well, despite having to support the bulk of its weight on the previously affected left limb. At the end of 9 weeks, the orthosis was removed, and the bird was able to ambulate without aid, although the bird's speed of locomotion was considerably reduced. After recovery of its leg problems, the ostrich was confined to a relatively small paddock for the rest of its life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect human presence and interactions performed after hatch to 3 months of age has on ostrich meat quality, skin damage and reproductive performance at a later age was investigated in 416-day-old ostrich chicks. The chicks were allocated to one of the three treatments, which varied with regard to exposure to human presence and care for 3 months post-hatch: HP1—extensive human presence with physical contact (touch, stroking), gentle human voice and visual contact; HP2—extensive human presence with gentle human voice and visual contact without physical contact; S—standard control treatment, where human presence and visual contact were limited to routine management, feed and water supply only. Carcass attributes (carcass weight, dressing percentage and drumstick weight), meat quality traits (pH, colour and tenderness) and skin traits (skin size, skin grading and number of lesions) were evaluated on twenty-four 1-year-old South African Black (SAB) ostriches. Reproductive performance (egg production, average egg weight, number of clutches, clutch size, chick production, average chick weight, fertility and hatchability percentage) were recorded for the first three breeding seasons of 23 SAB pair-bred females from this study. No differences in carcass attributes, meat quality, skin traits and reproductive performance were found between treatments (P > 0.05). It was evident that exposure of day-old ostriches to extensive human presence and interaction as chicks did not influence carcass attributes, meat quality or skin traits at slaughter age, but more importantly, it did not compromise their reproductive performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study evaluated the effect of time of the year in which changes in photoperiod occurs on ostrich semen characteristics and male libido. Semen was collected for 5 days before, on and 5 days after winter solstice (21 June 2016), spring equinox (22 September 2016), summer solstice (21 December 2016) and autumn equinox (20 March 2017) in the southern hemisphere. Semen was collected from 10 South African Black ostrich males (average age ± standard deviation; 4.5 ± 2.27 years) using the dummy female. Semen volume, sperm concentration, total sperm per ejaculate, sperm motility traits, percentage of normal sperm, head and tail abnormalities and percentage of affected sperm in the hypo-osmotic swelling test (HOS) were evaluated. Male libido defined as the willingness of males to mount the dummy female was also recorded. Semen samples collected around summer solstice, spring and autumn equinox were higher in sperm concentration and sperm output compared with winter solstice (P < 0.05). Study periods did not influence semen volume, sperm motility traits, the percentage of normal sperm, head abnormalities and HOS. Tail abnormalities were higher around winter solstice than around spring equinox (P < 0.05). Male libido and the success of semen collection were significantly higher around spring equinox (P < 0.05). Changes in photoperiod in the southern hemisphere do not affect semen production in ostriches. However, high sperm output and male libido around spring equinox and summer solstice dates suggest that these periods may be preferred for semen collection for artificial insemination and storage purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ostrich is the largest living bird and has unique characteristics in its locomotor system that differentiate it from other bird species. The purpose of this study was to provide a reference atlas of reference-interval computed tomography (CT) and cross-sectional anatomy of the tarsometatarsal region and digits in the ostrich (Struthio camelus). The pelvic limbs of 25 ostriches were used for this imaging study. The transverse CT images were obtained from the middle third of the tarsometatarsal bone to the distal end of the third digit. The specimens were frozen and sectioned with an electric band saw at 1.5–2 cm intervals. The CT images were compared with the corresponding frozen cross sections. The bones, ligaments, and tendons were identified and labeled at each 1.5–2 cm intervals. The CT images provided anatomic details of the tendons and ligaments in the tarsometatarsal region and digits of the ostrich. The transverse CT images provided an excellent depiction of the anatomic structures of the leg and foot when compared with the corresponding frozen cross sections. The information presented in this study may be used as an initial reference when evaluating the CT images of an ostrich's tarsometatarsal region and digits. Moreover, the information provided in this report may be helpful in determining definitive diagnoses of musculoskeletal disorders affecting the lower leg in this species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study include (10) ceca (5 right and 5 left cecum) collected from five cadavers of adult male ostriches (Struthio camelus). Aged between (4-5) years mean weight (92±0.32) the specimens washed and cleaned from blood and debris by using tape water. The anatomical description shape length, weight and width were taken from three region of each cecum (base, middle, apex). The study revealed that the right cecum longer than the left one the mean length of right cecum (34.248 cm) and the left cecum (25.10 cm) and the mean width of (base, middle, tip) of right cecum is (6.78, 5.3, 0.51 cm) and the mean width (base, middle, tip) of left cecum (4.95, 4.3, 0.38) the mean weight of right cecum is (317 gm) and the left cecum is 290gm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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.

A total of 416 day-old ostrich chicks were randomly allocated to one of the three different husbandry practices for 3 months after hatch; HP1 (extensive human presence with gentle human voice, visual and gentle physical stimuli), HP2 (similar to HP1 but without physical stimuli) and S (human presence limited to supply of feed and water). Chick weight (kg) was measured at 6 and 12 weeks of age, while mortalities were recorded daily to calculate the survival rate. Finally, chicks' antibody responses to vaccination against Newcastle disease (NCD) was measured using the Hemagglutination-Inhibition (HI) test at 20 weeks of age. While HP1 chicks were heavier and survived better to 6 weeks of age than HP2 and S chicks (p <.05), no difference was observed thereafter (p >.05). Furthermore, HP1 chicks had an improved immune competence, as illustrated by their lower percentage of positive HI titers, compared to HP2 and S chicks (p <.05). Hence, integrating extensive human presence with positive human-chick interactions may assist in alleviating challenges related to chick rearing in the ostrich industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of gut microbiota during ontogeny is emerging as an important process influencing physiology, immunity and fitness in vertebrates. However, knowledge of how bacteria colonize the juvenile gut, how this is influenced by changes in the diversity of gut bacteria and to what extent this influences host fitness, particularly in nonmodel organisms, is lacking. Here we used 16S rRNA gene sequencing to describe the successional development of the faecal microbiome in ostriches (Struthio camelus, n = 66, repeatedly sampled) over the first 3 months of life and its relationship to growth. We found a gradual increase in microbial diversity with age that involved multiple colonization and extinction events and a major taxonomic shift in bacteria that coincided with the cessation of yolk absorption. Comparisons with the microbiota of adults (n = 5) revealed that the chicks became more similar in their microbial diversity and composition to adults as they aged. There was a five‐fold difference in juvenile growth during development, and growth during the first week of age was strongly positively correlated with the abundance of the genus Bacteroides and negatively correlated with Akkermansia. After the first week, the abundances of six phylogenetically diverse families (Peptococcaceae, S24‐7, Verrucomicrobiae, Anaeroplasmataceae, Streptococcaceae, Methanobacteriaceae) were associated with subsequent reductions in chick growth in an age‐specific and transient manner. These results have broad implications for our understanding of the development of gut microbiota and its associations with animal growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The husbandry and medical records, and necropsy reports, of 1,002 captive Struthioniformes that died at the Réserve Africaine de Sigean (France) from 1974 to 2015 were examined. The goal of this study was to determine the most common causes of mortality in ostriches (Struthio camelus), emus (Dromaius novaehollandiae), and American rheas (Rhea americana), in order to highlight common causes of mortality, as well as the influence of age, gender, and rearing methods on mortality. The most prevalent cause of mortality was pathology of digestive origin in the neonates of all three species, especially yolk-sac infections, which accounted for 41% of all deaths in this captive neonate population and was especially prevalent in hand-reared neonates. Other causes included musculoskeletal disorders in emus (particularly hand-reared) and rheas; trauma in neonate ostriches, mainly due to crushing by parents; leg deformities in emu chicks and juveniles; general sepsis in hand-reared ratite chicks due to a chlamydiosis outbreaks (1989–1990); trauma by conspecifics in subadult ostriches and emus; stress myopathy in subadult rheas, particularly after introduction to a new enclosure; evisceration inflicted by herbivorous enclosure mates on adult male ostriches; fatal peritonitis following salpingitis in adult female ostriches; and death associated with ocular disorder in adult male emus. Although this study was conducted at one institution, and its results reflect this zoo's management and zootechnical practices, its findings could well have implications for management practices involving other captive Struthioniforme populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Successful assisted reproduction techniques, with specific focus on in vitro semen storage for artificial insemination, are dependent on certain key elements which includes the biochemical profiling of semen. The objective of this study was to complete an ostrich seminal plasma (SP) evaluation by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) among seven males at different daily intervals (day 1, 3, 7, 11, 15, 19, 21, 23, 25, 26, 27, 28) for a period of 28 days during spring (August to September) for mineral profiling. The effect of collection day and male on sperm concentration, semen volume and seminal plasma volume, was explored as well as the relationships amongst these specific sperm traits and SP minerals. Variation amongst SP mineral concentrations, accounted for by the fixed effects of sperm concentration, semen volume, seminal plasma volume, collection day and male, ranged from 18% to 77%. Male had the largest effect on variation in SP minerals, namely: phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), sodium (Na), boron (B), iron (Fe), cobalt (Co), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), molybdenum (Mo), barium (Ba), arsenic (As) and selenium (Se). Sperm concentration instigated fluctuations of P, magnesium (Mg), B, zinc (Zn), Fe, aluminium (Al), Se, manganese (Mn) and lead (Pb). Semen volume had an effect on Na, K, B, Pb and Ba while seminal plasma volume only influenced variation in Na. There were fluctuations among collection days of specific micro minerals, Ni and Mo, with initial Ni concentrations being relatively greater and Mo at lesser concentrations. Semen volume, seminal plasma volume and sperm concentration varied amongst males. Sperm concentrations during the initial collection days, 1 and 3, were less than that for days 7 to 28. Significant variation of SP minerals and sperm characteristics among ejaculates and males suggest an association of these specific elements with sperm function and are, therefore, considered to be of potential importance to success of assisted reproduction technology for the ostrich. The relationship amongst sperm concentration and collection day confirms the need to conduct an initial period of collection to stabilise a greater sperm concentration to optimise sperm numbers for artificial insemination purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dilution of semen is a very important initial process for semen processing and evaluation, storage and preservation in vitro and efficient artificial insemination. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of two synthetic diluents (OS1 and OS2) on ostrich sperm motility parameters during in vitro storage. Formulation of OS1 was based on macro minerals (Na, K, P, Ca, Mg) and OS2 on the further addition of micro minerals (Se and Zn), based on mineral concentration determined in the ostrich seminal plasma (SP). Sperm motility was evaluated at different processing stages (neat, after dilution, during storage and after storage) by measuring several sperm motility variables using the Sperm Class Analyzer® (SCA). Processing (dilution, cooling and storage) of semen for in vitro storage purposes decreased the values for all sperm motility variables measured. The percentage motile (MOT) and progressive motile (PMOT) sperm decreased 20% to 30% during 24 h of storage, independent of diluent type. Quality of sperm swim (LIN, STR and WOB), however, was sustained during the longer storage periods (48 h) with the OS2 diluent modified with Se and Zn additions. Quality of sperm swim with use of OS1 was 6% to 8% less for the LIN, STR, and WOB variables. Male fitted as a fixed effect accounted for >60% of the variation for certain sperm motility variables (PMOT, MOT, VCL, VSL, VAP and ALH) evaluated at different processing stages. Semen from specific males had sustained sperm motility characteristics to a greater extent than that of other males during the 24-h storage period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the lipid profile of 5 different edible tissues (leg, thigh, heart, gizzard, and liver) of ostrich was analyzed. Ostrich edible tissues presented a low fat content (<5 g/100 g wet basis). Gizzard and heart revealed the highest amounts of total cholesterol (1.77 and 1.47 mg/g wet basis, respectively), differing significantly from all other tissues (which averaged 0.95 mg/g wet basis). The main tocochromanol in all tissues was α-tocopherol (10.3 µg/g wet basis in heart and an average of 3.4 µg/g wet basis for all the remaining tissues). All the samples presented a fatty acid profile, dominated by polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) (>38%), namely, linoleic and arachidonic acids. The leg presented simultaneously the highest PUFA/saturated fatty acids (SFA), the lowest n-6/n-3 ratios, and the most favorable lipid quality indices among all tissues in comparison. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ghrelin, the endogenous ligand for the growth hormone secretagogue receptor, has been identified in the lung of many vertebrates. While ghrelin-immunopositive (ghrelin-ip) cells have been found in the cerebellum, pancreas and gastrointestinal tract of African ostrich chicks (Struthio camelus), little is known about its distribution in the lung of the African ostrich. To provide the morphological basis of ghrelin function in the African ostrich lung, the distribution and morphological characteristics of ghrelinip cells were investigated using immunohistochemistry. The results indicate that the lung of African ostrich was composed of interstitial tissue and parenchyma. The interstitial tissue formed a layer of serosa on the surface of the lung. The parenchyma of the lung consisted of bronchial levels, atria and respiratory capillaries. The bronchi were divided into the primary, secondary and tertiary bronchi. The wall of the tertiary bronchus had openings for the atria and respiratory capillaries. The respiratory capillaries were surrounded by a rich blood capillary bed. Ghrelin-ip cells were located among the tertiary bronchus mucosal epithelial cells, respiratory capillary epithelial cells and macrophages. The ghrelin-ip cells showed cytoplasmic staining, they were cone, oval, spindle, round or irregular in shape and tended to be restricted to a single cell. These results demonstrate the presence of ghrelin-ip cells in the lung of the African ostrich and therefore it is speculated that ghrelin may have a physiological function in the lung of the African ostrich. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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.

A 2-year-old male ostrich ( Struthio camelus) presented with a rapidly growing soft tissue mass protruding from the ventromedial aspect of the right eye ( OD). The initial physical examination revealed a soft tissue mass attached to the medial inferior conjunctiva. The mass was excised with cryosurgery, and the conjunctival tissue margins were treated with cryoablation. Histopathological examination diagnosed granulomatous inflammation associated with scattered acid-fast bacteria. The ostrich recovered uneventfully and appeared healthy until recurrence of a grossly similar mass 2 months later. Gross examination revealed a botryoid mass attached to the inferior palpebral conjunctiva and extending onto the palpebral aspect of the nictitating membrane. Euthanasia was selected, and the histological diagnosis of the second mass was a mixed mucinous adenocarcinoma; however, no acid-fast bacteria were seen. Granulomatous conjunctival lesions have been previously described in the ostrich, while, to the authors' knowledge, neoplastic conjunctival lesions have not. Neoplasia should be considered as a differential diagnosis for a rapidly recurring, granulomatous conjunctival mass in this species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to develop a detailed and accessible set of reference images of the normal radiographic anatomy of the digits of the ostrich ( Struthio camelus), with emphasis on the metatarsophalangeal joint and its arthrography. The distal excised pelvic limbs of 10 normal ostriches of different ages (ranging from 10 to 365 days of age) obtained from an abattoir were radiographed, and 2 arthrograms were performed. To illustrate the normal radiographic anatomy of the tarsometatarsal bone, 39 images were selected, labelled, and presented along with detailed descriptions and corresponding images of the bony skeleton. These results provide a valuable dataset to assist in understanding the normal anatomy of the ostrich metatarsophalangeal joint and digits and allow comparison of abnormal corresponding structures in clinical cases in ostriches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In vitro production of germline chimeras and avian cloning may utilise the transfer of avian embryos from their original eggshell to a surrogate eggshell for culture during incubation. Such embryo transfer is valuable for avian cloning as the only alternative would be to transfer the cloned avian embryos into the infundibulum of recipient birds. Given the advances in paleogenomics, synthetic biology, and gene editing, a similar approach might be used to generate extinct species, i.e. de-extinction. One objective of the present research was to examine if ratite eggs could be manipulated via windowing and sham injection, similar to that which could allow for avian genome manipulation and subsequent development. The efficiency of interspecific avian embryo transfer using Chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus) donor eggs and Turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) recipient eggshells was also investigated. Egg windowing and embryo transfer techniques utilised in the present research were adapted from those found in the scientific literature. Presumed fertile eggs from Rhode Island Red (n = 40), Silkie (n = 2), and White Leghorn Chickens (n = 18), Turkey (n = 48), Emu (Dromaius novaehollandiae) (n = 79), and Ostrich (Struthio camelus) (n = 89) were used in this research. Of the 41 Chicken eggs used for transfers into recipient Turkey eggshells, only one (2.4%) produced a chick. Of 31 windowed Emu eggs, one embryo survived for 25 d but no chicks were produced. Of 36 windowed Ostrich eggs, one embryo survived and hatched. The efficiency of the windowing and embryo transfers to produce chicks was low and further refinements are needed. Importantly, the results herein establish that manipulating ratite embryos is possible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of a flock of females that can produce eggs and maintain egg production rate without the presence of males is a prerogative for a viable artificial insemination protocol in ostriches. Over six consecutive breeding seasons (May–December, 2009–2014), we recorded the egg production performance of 40 single-penned (ART) South African Black ostrich females (2–9 years of age), and compared these records with the egg production of 162 pair-mated females of comparable age from the breeding flock (BP). ART females laid significantly fewer eggs than BP females (mean ± SEM: 3.49 ± 0.13 eggs per month vs. 4.64 ± 0.09 eggs per month respectively; P < 0.001). Both groups showed a similar pattern of laying, with a peak production in July to September. The mean egg weight of ART females was significantly lower than those of BP females (1367 ± 2.25 g vs. 1423 ± 1.1 g, respectively; P < 0.001). Furthermore, female age significantly affected egg production and egg weight whereby BP females reached a peak egg production at 3 years of age, while in ART females, egg production was the highest at 5 years of age. Interestingly, the number of eggs produced, clutches and eggs per clutch of ART females were independent of visual stimulation from the males. These results indicate that male presence is not needed to ensure egg production. Continuous recruitment of young females based on human-friendly behaviour to breeding by artificial insemination from high egg production performance parents could improve egg production of the ART flock. Studies are also needed to gain a better understanding of underlying physiological mechanisms promoting spontaneous ovulation in this species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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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.

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).

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

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 most parts of the world ratite farming (i.e. farming of ostriches, emus and rheas) is a new fi eld of livestock production. These birds are livestock with broad utilisation of their products. Both wild and captive ostriches, emus and rheas may be infested with their own specifi c parasites as well as with external and internal parasites of other birds and animals. Eimeria spp. (protozoa), Houttuynia struthionis (cestoda) and Libyostrongylus douglassii (nematoda) belong to parasites causing the most serious economic losses in ratites in the world. As farming of these big birds is still in the beginning, many years of research and development are necessary to reach levels of medical and technological progress that is nowadays practised in poultry industry.

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.

The behaviour of ostrich chicks bred in captivity was studied by using groups with 30 birds in five age groups: from 10 to 40 days of age; from 41 to 60 days of age; from 61 to 90 days of age; from 91 to 120 days of age and from 121 to 150 days of age. Six birds at each age were ringed around one of their feet and observed for four consecutive days for eight hours daily in three periods (in the morning, at noon and in the afternoon), following the "one-zero" method for sampling. The order for observation of behaviour of the six selected birds was performed randomly at every thirty minutes, totalling 16 periods or 80 minutes/bird/day. Fourteen types of behaviour were observed. There were differences among ages for behaviour like standing, walking, running, ingesting stones, ingesting feces, picking and attacking. Non-parametric-tests were used to analyse the behaviour according to age of the bird and to the periods of the day. There was a statistical difference between in the morning and at noon periods on behaviours standing, walking, eating ration and in litophagia, which were observed more frequently at the first hours of the day. When periods of the morning and afternoon were compared, the birds' age had a significant effect on behaviour sand bathing. When the periods noon/afternoon were compared, the behaviours which presented significant differences were walking, running, drinking water, eating ration, litophagia, coprophagia, dancing, sand bathing, whose occurrence was the highest during dusk. It was observed that the behaviour of young ostriches diverge according to the age and to day period.

Most descriptions of the ostrich oropharynx and oesophagus are superficial and supply little meaningful morphological data. The aim of this investigation is describe the ostrich oropharingeal cavity, in order to supply the deficiency of macroscopic data about this important animal. Five heads of 12 to 14-month-old ostriches of either sex were anatomically dissected to expose the oropharynx. The ostrich oropharynx was "bell-shaped" composed by the maxillary and mandibular ramphoteca. The roof and floor presented two distinct regions different in colour of the mucosa. The rostral region was pale pink contrasting to creamy-pink coloured caudal region. The median longitudinal ridge extended rostrally from the apex of the choana to the tip of the beak in the roof and it is clearly more prominent and rigid than the homolog in the floor that appeared thin and stretched rostrally, continuing caudally surrounding the tongue and the laryngeal mound eventually merging with the oesophageal mucosa. The floor was formed by the interramal region, tongue and laryngeal mound containing shield-shaped glottis. It can be concluded that the present study, in addition to confirming the basic features of the oropharynx previously described for the ostrich, clarified the contradictory information presented in the literature and also provided new, unreported morphological data, some of which may be important when studying nutrition and health in these birds.

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

The effect of extensive human presence and regular gentle handling performed at an early age (0–3 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’ 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 8–13 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 < 0.05). Birds from the S treatment exhibited a significantly (p < 0.05) higher feather CORT concentration compared with HP1 birds, while HP2 birds had intermediate responses. Birds’ reactivity towards humans and temperament as evaluated using behavioural observations, docility, and fear tests was not affected by treatment (p > 0.05). However, HP1 and HP2 birds were more inclined (p < 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.

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.

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.

The ostrich (Struthio camelus) is widely appreciated as a fast and agile bipedal athlete, and is a useful comparative bipedal model for human locomotion. Here, we used GPS-IMU sensors to measure naturally selected gait dynamics of ostriches roaming freely over a wide range of speeds in an open field and developed a quantitative method for distinguishing walking and running using accelerometry. We compared freely selected gait-speed distributions with previous laboratory measures of gait dynamics and energetics. We also measured the walk-run and run-walk transition speeds and compared them with those reported for humans. We found that ostriches prefer to walk remarkably slowly, with a narrow walking speed distribution consistent with minimizing cost of transport (CoT) according to a rigid-legged walking model. The dimensionless speeds of the walk-run and run-walk transitions are slower than those observed in humans. Unlike humans, ostriches transition to a run well below the mechanical limit necessitating an aerial phase, as predicted by a compass-gait walking model. When running, ostriches use a broad speed distribution, consistent with previous observations that ostriches are relatively economical runners and have a flat curve for CoT against speed. In contrast, horses exhibit U-shaped curves for CoT against speed, with a narrow speed range within each gait for minimizing CoT. Overall, the gait dynamics of ostriches moving freely over natural terrain are consistent with previous labbased measures of locomotion. Nonetheless, ostriches, like humans, exhibit a gait-transition hysteresis that is not explained by steady-state locomotor dynamics and energetics. Further study is required to understand the dynamics of gait transitions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sedative effects of diazepam, midazolam, and xylazine after intranasal administration were evaluated in 72 (36 male and 36 female) juvenile healthy ostriches ( Struthio camelus), weighing 50-61 kg and aged 4-5 months. The birds were randomly divided into 3 groups (n = 24), then each group was further subdivided to 4 subgroups (n = 6). For each drug, 4 different doses were chosen and the total calculated dose was equally administered into either naris of the individual bird. The appropriate dose of each drug to produce standing chemical restraint or sternal recumbency was evaluated based on the onset time, the duration of maximum effect, and the duration of sedation. Midazolam showed significantly shorter onset time (2.9 ± 1.2 minutes) compared with xylazine (4.4 ± 1 minute) and diazepam (4.3 ± 0.4 minutes). Longer duration of sedation was also achieved with midazolam compared with xylazine and diazepam. Moderate sedation was achieved with diazepam (0.8 mg/kg), midazolam (0.4 mg/kg), and xylazine (2 mg/kg) for standing chemical restraint, with the maximum duration effects of 7.0 ± 1.4, 17.7 ± 4.1, and 9.2 ± 2.5 minutes, respectively. Deep sedation was also achieved with midazolam (0.8 mg/kg) and xylazine (4 mg/kg), with sternal recumbency duration of 21.7 ± 4.9 and 13.5 ± 2.6 minutes, respectively. The results of the present study show that intranasal administration can be an effective route for delivery of sedatives in juvenile ostriches. Intranasal midazolam and xylazine could be suggested for standing chemical restraint or inducing sternal recumbency in juvenile ostriches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]