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Management of ostrich (Struthio camelus) chicks

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  18 September 2007

Ross G. Cooper
Ross G. Cooper
Affiliation:
Department of Physiology, University of Zimbabwe, P.O. Box MP 167, Mount Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe
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Abstract

Ostrich chick production is highly management intensive. An artificial production system should be able to provide adequate protection to ostrich chicks up to four weeks of age. Factors influencing the successful growth of chicks include the provision of proper housing, adequate ventilation, exemplary hygiene and correct dietary requirements. Inadequate nutrition is commonly the cause of microbial infections. It is important for the producer to do an accurate on-farm cost management appraisal, the greatest variable production cost being feed. There is need to generate more finance for further research on ostrich chicks, and the development of an integrated system between producers, ostrich producer associations and industry in order to maximise productivity and economies of scale.

Keywords

Ostrichchickmanagementproducer
Type
Reviews
Information
World's Poultry Science Journal , Volume 56 , Issue 1 , March 2000 , pp. 33 - 44
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2000

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