Feb 11
8
The first step in the production chain in ostrich farming is breeders laying ostrich eggs. Having now hatched those eggs, the next step is to ensure those day old chicks not only stay alive but also optimize their growth and feed conversion.
High chick mortality is the number one problem historically. There are a number of reasons for this, and often it is a combination of several of these reasons, we will discuss these causes later. However, the importance of ensuring the operational plan includes the right facilities and management procedures to minimize the risk of mortality. High mortality is not only high cost, it also a great risk to the whole business when unable to fulfil supply contracts. There will always be occasional death from accidents; the problem comes when a large number of birds die as a result of contagious disease.
The highest mortality rates are generally in the first 12 weeks, with accident the general cause of mortality when older. However, extreme weather events, such as floods or hail, can cause additional casualties. Such events can also cause stress that can impact on feed conversion. Therefore the development and operational plans need to include strategic planning of pens and infrastructure to minimize the effect of extreme weather events likely to be experienced.
Ostrich Growth Curve
The potential growth rate of ostrich was first estimated by South Africa scientists in 1992 when Du Preez et al at Stellenbosch University constructed a Gompertz model in 1992. This was proven achievable by Darrel Waggoner, a farmer in the United States in 1997.
The graphic illustrates the results of the Gompertz model, the farmer’s results and the current average. Most interesting is in the US farmer trial not only did the birds weight gain track close to the original Gompertz model, the model showed the gain levelling off but the US farmer birds carried on gaining. The farmer stopped recording when the birds reached 365 days.
The rate of growth is critical to commercial success, but it is essential that the weight gain is muscle and not just fat as the muscle is the saleable meat that provides the revenue. Birds that follow the green line produce well in excess of 50% additional ostrich meat than those birds following the red line and can be as much as double. This makes a significant difference to the overall revenue. Traditionally 95kgs live weight has been the target slaughter weight for ostrich and we were told 425 days (14mths) was the target slaughter age. Note that 100kgs is reached around 220 days or earlier – current averages remain variable and do not always achieve 100kgs in the time shown. This is a combination of management and genetics.
The management aspects of the ostrich farming operational plan requires the correct nutrition, feed management, farm management techniques and genetic improvement program to achieve those good growth rate targets and in time will surpass them.
