Effect of Commercial & Natural Feeds on the Growth Performance of Ostrich (Struthio camelus) in Captivity

Abstract

In Pakistan, ostrich farming is becoming more popular as a means of obtaining inexpensive meat that is also devoid of cholesterol and other diseases when compared to chicken. In the wild, ostriches dwell in flocks of five to fifty and perform well in captivity. Ostrich chicks' early development rate is critical in preparing the bird for later growth up till the slaughter mass. The original egg mass from which the bird emerges determines the hatching weight. Ostrich chicks lose up to 20% of their weight in the first five to seven days after hatching.The typical carcass weight of an ostrich might be 57-58 percent of the live body weight.On a monthly basis, weight and height were determined, and given feed was calculated on a daily basis. The variation in growth rates between the two farms is due to the fact that the Balouch ostrich farm has far better conditions for birds and provides more food, whilst the Hamayoon ostrich farm has a lower growth rate due to restricted food availability. Furthermore, the death rate is linked to a lack of food.