Apr 11
10
The Role of Nutrition in Ostrich Genetic Development
The future of ostrich farming depends on understanding the genetics of the blood stock we are working with. However, unless those genetics are supported nutritionally the full genetic performance of the stock does not come.
There are around 10 different strains of ostrich that are clearly identified. These include North African, Massai, Somali, Zimbabwe, Kalahari, Namib and the West Coast (South Africa). The Oudtshoorn (also known as the African Black) is a hybrid of different wild strains that have been domesticated over the years. Some were selected for their feather quality. Following the collapse of the feather industry around the time of World War 1, those birds domesticated in Australia were let into the wild. Today these are known as Australian Greys and reported to be fairly small. It is not clear if they became small over years of living in the wild with limited vegetation or if the original genetics were very much smaller.
It is normal for males to be larger than hens. The photo on the left was taken to illustrate a Red Hen and a Red Male. The Red illustrates the type and usually associated with the North African and Massai (from Kenya) blood lines. These are exceptionally large birds and require significant nutrients to maintain their size and breeding ability. Note how the male in the left picture is only showing some faint reddening in his legs and neck, by comparison to the Red Male on the right. This magnificent bird on the right hand photo illustrates the tremendous size of these large framed birds.
Ostrich Farming Depends on Egg Quality discussed the importance of ensuring adequate nutrients are transferred from the breeders to the chicks through the egg. This ensures strong chicks at hatch with well developed internal organs to enable those chicks to absorb the nutrients in their diet so they can develop to their full genetic potential.
Note the male in the left hand photos is significantly smaller than the hen behind him. He may have been undersized through poor nutrition at any stage of its development. Another factor we currently experience in our immature industry is a lack of knowledge of the genetic background of the breeder stock. Birds were miss-sold and little or no records have been maintained over the years as birds changed hands frequently and across international borders. Therefore the genetic heritage of most ostrich livestock today is unknown and not always as stated when sold. In the future the genetic heritage will be ascertained through DNA testing and observing the performance of the individual birds under good nutrition, good management and adequate maintenance of records.
This diversity of genetics with little or no genetic improvement programs yet implemented is one aspect that makes ostrich farming such an exciting opportunity.
