Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
The production of
eggs
by the female is very variable.
They seasonally produce from 0 to 160 eggs, with an
average of around 40/laying hen. The first 3 months is
the most critical period in the ostrich's life.
The mortality up to 6 months is around 25% and
between 6 and 14 months around 5%. Chicks may be fed
rations containing 12.5 MJ/kg and 23% protein, although
many are fed an 18% protein ration. They must be
allowed plenty of exercise and not allowed to grow too
quickly in the early stages, in order to prevent leg prob-
lems. Older birds are fed a 14.0% protein ration with
9.2 MJ/kg. Different age groups are fed different rations.
The feed conversion rate will vary according to the
source of the dietary supply and varies from 2:1 from
hatchery to 4 months to 10:1 from 10 to 14 months,
when African Black ostriches will weigh approximately
95 kg live weight.
In South Africa, a high proportion (70%) of the value
of the bird is in the skin. Any damage, for example, kick
mark scars, bruising or fresh wounds, results in down-
grading by the tannery, and therefore, the welfare of the
ostrich is of prime importance to the abattoir staff. Birds
arriving at the abattoir with fresh wounds are generally
returned to the farm to heal. Ostriches should always be
moved in a calm and unhurried manner. They should
not be separated from each other, as this is known to be
stressful. Birds may be led by an operative moving ahead
of the birds, calling encouragement, occasionally rein-
forced by the use of the arm and hand to mimic an
ostrich. A further operative follows behind the group
being moved.
In the United Kingdom, it is likely that, in the imme-
diate future, slaughter will take place mainly on the farm
of origin.
If ostriches are transported to a meat plant, unload-
ing facilities must be suitable for their purpose and
have non-slip flooring and the minimum possible
incline. Horizontal surfaces should be provided with
solid sides or barriers to a height of 2.0 m for unloading
ostriches.
Lairages or holding pens should be provided without
right-angled corners (e.g. octagonal pens constructed of
metal tubes which are round in cross section), be con-
structed so as to prevent birds from slipping or falling,
and be without gaps in which birds might trap their legs,
toes, head or wings and without steps or other obstruc-
tions which may cause them to jump and fall or cause
other injury.
If larger numbers of birds are handled, they should be
moved in small groups (up to six birds) through a pre-
stun race. The race should be wide enough for one bird
and have solid sides up to a height of 2.0 m and be designed
so that the head, neck or wings cannot become trapped.
rufescens. Cysticercus tenuicollis
is another common parasite
and
Taenia hydatigena
is occasionally seen.
A major cause of death in wild deer, particularly in
February, is the warble fly
, Hypoderma diana
. Young ani-
mals may have very heavy warble fly burdens, resulting
in extensive meat losses.
Keds, lice and ticks are common. Ticks may transmit
the spirochaete
Borrelia burgdorferi
, which could pose
a zoonotic hazard to stalkers and slaughtermen from
Lyme disease. Streptothrix infections from bone cuts are
another hazard, causing 'slaughter finger.
In a survey carried out by the Arun District Council/
Forest Commission in 1986/1988, 2.13% of 1967 culled
deer were totally condemned, in deer larders, and 1.77%
partially condemned. The main causes were emaciation
(10) and tumours (7).
Ostriches
The domestication of ostriches for the purpose of farming
for the production of feathers began near Grahamstown,
South Africa, in 1867. Since that time, a greater value
has been placed on ostrich skin, which produces a
top-quality leather, and a market has been developed,
particularly within Europe, for ostrich meat. Although
classified as 'poultry, the ostrich produces a red meat,
beef-like in texture, containing lower levels of fat, calo-
ries and cholesterol than other red or white meat-
producing species, which is particularly attractive to the
'health-conscious consumer.
The ostrich (
Struthio camelus
) is the world's largest
living bird, belonging to the order Ratitae or running
birds. Emus (from Australia) and rhea (from South
America) are also ratites. The ostrich is the only living
bird with two toes.
The mature ostrich averages 2-3 m in height (to the
top of its head). It can weigh up to 150 kg. The ostrich can
kick forward, but not backwards or sideways. The large
extended toe has a long nail and can quite easily split a
person open from head to foot. No one should underes-
timate the danger of the captive ostrich, particularly in
the breeding season. Ostriches, particularly males, will
attack with the minimum of provocation, in fact with no
encouragement at all. Placing a hood over the bird's eyes
helps to calm it. The ostrich has exceptionally good eye-
sight and when alarmed stands upright with its long neck
extended. Ostriches have a life span of 30-70 years.
There are different production systems. Ostriches
may be left in colonies, with 8 males and 12 females in 10
acres, or in trios of 2 females and 1 male or in pairs. In
Great Britain, ostrich farming has to be licensed under
the Dangerous Wild Animals Act, implemented by the
local authority.
