Mar 11
8
The Five Freedoms of Ostrich Farming
The section of General Ostrich Welfare in the Veterinary Health Plan (VHP)referenced the internationally recognized five freedoms, so what are these 5 freedoms as they apply to ostrich farming?
Freedom from hunger and thirst
This freedom is defined as providing ready access to fresh water and a diet to maintain full health and vigor.
Providing a diet that maintains full health and vigor for ostrich remains a challenge. Over the years this has proved challenging as a result of mixed information and inexperience. However, since ostrich were first exported around the world at the end of the 1980s there is a lot of data now that was not available at that time. This data documents the failures as well as successes.
Freedom from discomfort
This freedom covers all aspects that could cause discomfort but has particular focus on the environment. This covers such things as the correct accommodation for the age and production group to protect from the wind, rain, heat and cold as experienced in the local climatic conditions. The design of buildings, pens and fencing must ensure that the birds are safe and minimize risk of injury. The design must also ensure there is sufficient space, it is comfortable, provides non-slip flooring with adequate drainage and appropriate bedding.
Providing the correct food also plays an important role in ensuring freedom from discomfort as nutritional deficiencies and imbalances can result in extreme discomfort. These can include a number of leg problems.
Freedom from pain, injury or disease
With the best management in place, accidents and illness can still happen. This freedom requires management systems that provide quick identification of animals that are sick or injured and systems to treat. In the worst cases the methods of humane slaughter and disposal.
The management systems for disease prevention, hygiene and cleaning systems will fall into this category.
Freedom to express normal behavior
Provision of sufficient space and facilities for birds of their specific age and production group should be provided.
Freedom from fear and distress
Design of infrastructure should be such as to minimize stress. This can be such things as sudden and unusual traffic and noise. Handling systems should be designed to minimize stress and risk of injury during handling. Staff should move quietly.
Diet also plays a significant role in enabling birds to handle stress more easily.
The VHP will identify these management issues that meet the demands of the five freedoms and then define the management strategies to ensure they are met. Paying close attention to the welfare of the birds in ostrich farming is a key component to developing a successful and productive farm.
