Influence of Stocking Density and Dietary Energy on Ostrich (Struthio camelus) Performance

Abstract

The effects of stocking density on starter performance and of dietary energy on grower performance of ostriches were evaluated in two separate trials. Trial 1 was conducted to evaluate the influence of three different animal density treatments (33.5, 16.8 and 11.2 m²/bird) on survivability and growth of ostrich chicks from 21 to 98 d of age. In Trial 1, chicks were randomly assigned by source and weight to the three density treatments with each density replicated three times and assigned to pens (9.2m x 29.3m) using a complete block design. Trial 2 was conducted to evaluate the effects of three levels of dietary energy (11.71, 12.90 and 14.09 MJ of ostrich TMEn/kg diet) on grower performance from 98 to 146 d of age. In Trial 2, ostriches were randomly assigned by weight to the three dietary treatments with each treatment replicated four times. In Trial 1, animal density had an effect (P<0.05) on body weight, weight gain and feed consumption. Body weight at 98 d of age was higher (P<0.05) for birds grown in the low density (41.5 kg) versus those in the moderate (38.5 kg) and high density (34.7 kg) treatments. Stocking density did not affect (P>0.05) feed to gain ratio. In Trial 2, dietary energy affected (P<0.05) body weight, weight gain and feed efficiency. Body weight at 146 d of age was higher (P<0.05) for birds consuming the high energy (69.1 kg) versus the low (66.0 kg) and moderate (65.5 kg) energy diets. Feed to gain ratio was similarly improved as diet energy level increased. These results provide quantitative information on the impact of available space and dietary energy on performance and have implications on the economics of production and on ostrich chick management.