97. O'Brien, P H, Wilson, G R, Ramsay, B, Smetana, P, and Dee,
C. Commercial use of wild animals in Australia.
Proceedings-of-the-Australian-Society-of-Animal-Production 1990;
18: 101-111.
13 ref
This review is a compilation of 4 short papers with an introduction
and conclusion by the senior author. The 1st- paper entitled
potential and problems in using wild animal resources, emphasises the
need to consider sustainability in the harvesting of wild animals,
and discusses the adequacy of current legislation in this respect.
The 2nd paper on commercial harvesting of wild animals in Australia,
lists the species that are harvested in Australia, the states where
they are harvested, the scale of harvest, and their main products.
The special qualities of wild animal products (meat, skin, fur and
miscellaneous products, e.g. pharmaceuticals) are also discussed.
The 3rd paper discusses the prospects for emu farming, and summarises
the performance of these birds in terms of skin, meat, oil, feathers,
eggs and claws. The 4th paper, on economic benefit of utilizing
Australian wild animals, discusses harvesting practices of kangaroos
and wild pigs, and the demand for their products in the international
and overseas markets.
Animal production/Australia /Wild animals/Reviews

98. O'Donnell, I J. The complete amino acid sequence of a
feather keratin from emu (Dromaius novae-hollandiae). Australian
Journal of Biological Sciences 1973 Apr; 26(2): 415-35.
Amino Acid Sequence/Chymotrypsin /Electrophoresis, Paper
/Formic Acids/Hydrolysis /Papain
/Pepsin A/Peptides analysis/Solubility /Thermolysin /Trypsin
/*Amino Acids analysis/*Birds
/*Feathers analysis/*Keratin analysis

99. O'Donnell, I J and Inglis, A S. Amino acid sequence of a
feather keratin from silver gull (Larus novae-hollandiae) and
comparison with one from emu (Dromaius novae- hollandiae).
Australian Journal of Biological Sciences 1974 Aug; 27(4):
369-82.
Amino Acid Sequence/Chromatography, DEAE Cellulose/Chymotrypsin
/Electrophoresis, Paper/Electrophoresis, Polyacrylamide Gel
/Peptide Fragments analysis/Thermolysin /Trypsin
/*Amino Acids analysis/*Birds /*Feathers analysis
/*Keratin analysis

100. Odle, B. Facts About Ratites. Journal of the American
Veterinary Medical Association December 15, 1994; 205(12): 1662.
English Letter

101. Okotie-Eboh, G, Bailey, CA, Hicks, KD, and Kubena, LF.
Reference serum biochemical values for emus and ostriches. American
Journal of Veterinary Research 1992 October; 53(10): 1765-1768.
English, 7 ref.
Reference serum biochemical values were determined in blood samples
from 15 male, 18 female, and 4 unsexed emus (Dromaius
novaehollandiae) 1 to 48 months old. Serum biochemical values
also were obtained for 19 male, 26 female, and 4 unsexed ostriches
(Struthio camelus) 1 to 60 months old. Parametric (mean +/- 2 SD) and
nonparametric (fifth to 95th percentile) reference ranges and linear
trends as influenced by age were determined for enzyme activities and
concentrations of glucose, inorganic phosphate, BUN, uric acid,
creatinine, triglyceride, cholesterol, total protein, and albumin.
Species differences for all analytes, except cholesterol and
inorganic phosphate concentrations, were detected. Creatine
kinase values in ostriches were higher than those in emus. There were
no linear relationships between age and analyte values in emus, and
sex did not significantly (P 0.05) affect the values in emus. Analyte
values in ostriches tended to increase with age, but cholesterol,
creatine kinase, inorganic phosphate, and alkaline phosphatase
concentrations decreased with age. Glucose, triglyceride,
gamma-glutamyltransferase, and cholinesterase concentrations in
ostriches were not linearly associated with age. Age had a greater
effect on the analyte values of female ostriches than it did
on male ostriches. Concentrations generally increased with age
in female ostriches, except for cholesterol, cholinesterase,
inorganic phosphate, and alkaline phosphatase concentrations, which
decreased with age. (Author's abstract)
emus /ostriches /blood chemistry/normal values/species differences
/age differences/sex differences

102. Palmer, M J, Phillips, B F, and Smith, G T. Application of
nonlinear models with random coefficients to growth data. Biometrics
1991; 47(2): 623-636.
English
The application of nonlinear random coefficient models to the
analysis of growth curve data is described. The approach is further
developed for the estimation of mean growth curves and their
variability from mark-recapture data when the age of an animal
at first capture is unknown, but the time between successive captures
is known. These methods are of wide applicability as shown by the
analysis of data on the growth of emus (Dromaius novaehollandiae),
noisy scrub-birds (Atrichornis clamosus), and whelks (Dicathais
aegaota). Simulations of a mark-recapture experiment on the rock
(spiny) lobster (Panulirus argus) in Mexico, using a known growth
curve, showed the effectiveness of the approach in estimating both
the population's growth curve and the variability in individual
growth.
Oromaius Novaehollandiae/Atrichornis Clamosus
/Dicathais Aegaota/Panulirus Argus/Mathematical Model

103. Panigrahy, B, Senne, DA, and Pearson, JE. Presence of avian
influenza virus (AIV) subtypes H5N2 and H7N1 in emus (Dromaius
novaehollandiae) and rheas (Rhea americana) - virus isolation and
serologic findings. Avian Diseases 1995 January-March; 39(1): 64-67.
English; 8 ref.
Avian influenza virus (AIV) subtypes H5N2 and H7N1 were isolated
from emus (Dvomaius novaehollandiae) and rheas (Rhea americana) in
Texas and North Carolina. All the rheas and emus had a history of
respiratory disease except one emu, which was clinically normal. The
isolates were not pathogenic for chickens and turkeys under the
conditions of the experiment. Humoral antibodies to all known
hemagglutinin (H) subtypes except H10, H13, and H14 and to
all nine neuraminidase (N) subtypes were found in emus and rheas
in 11 states. Therefore, emus and rheas are susceptible to infection
with several AIV subtypes.
emus/rheas/avian influenza virus

104. Parsons, B. Emu Farming in Florida. Kornelsen, M. J.
Research Education Networking Opportunities - Main Conference
Proceedings PO Box 18372/Orlando/FL 32861: Assoc Avian Veterinarians;
1994 438-439.

105. Patak, A and Baldwin, J. Structural and metabolic
characterization of the muscles used to power running in the emu
(Dromaius novaehollandiae), a giant flightless bird. Journal of
Experimental Biology 1993; 175(0): 233-249.
English
The emu is a giant flightless bird, capable of sustained high-speed
running. Anatomical, histochemical and biochemical properties of the
lower leg muscles used to power running were investigated. The
gastrocnemius is the largest muscle in the emu leg. It has a short
inelastic tendon and contains only fast fibres. It is the major
power-producing muscle of the lower leg, with a greater capacity than
the digital flexor muscles for bursts of high work output. In marked
contrast, the digital flexors have long elastic tendons and contain
both fast and slow muscle fibres. It is proposed that these muscles,
rather than the gastrocnemius, are responsible for maintaining
posture and that they facilitate elastic energy storage and retrieval
in their tendons during running. In comparison with equivalent
muscles of flying and diving birds, emu lower leg muscles display
features consistent with greater power output during both short burst
and endurance running. The emu muscles are more massive relative to
body size, and the gastrocnemii of other birds invariably contain
slow fibres. This study illustrates some of the similarities as well
as differences between muscles used during flying and running.
Capacities for sustained high-energy work appear to be similar in
flying birds and running emus as judged from (1) the muscle masses
used during locomotion when expressed as a proportion of total body
mass and (2) muscle fibre type compositions and their potential
for fuel catabolism. The lower creatine kinase activity in emu leg
muscles could be attributed to higher energy demands during the
initial stages of lift-off for flight.
Flying bird/Diving bird/Creatine kinase/Energy storage
/Energy retrieval/Comparative biochemistry
/Comparative physiology/Posture/Locomotion/Leg/Gastrocnemius
/Digital flexor muscle/Slow fiber/Fast fiber/Comparative anatomy
/Histochemistry

106. Phillips, PK and Sanborn, AF. An Infrared, Thermographic
Study of Surface-Temperature in 3 Ratites - Ostrich, Emu and
Double-Wattled Cassowary. Journal of Thermal Biology December 1994;
19(6): 423-430.
English Article
(1) Surface temperatures of the ostrich (Struthio camelus), emu
(Dromaius novaehollandiae) and double-wattled cassowary (Casuarius
casuarius) were measured using infrared thermography at ambient
temperatures ranging from 0 to 27 degrees C.
(2) The pattern of surface temperature regulation for
thermoregulatory purposes was similar in all species examined. Beak,
lower leg and neck surface temperatures are regulated in all species
to alter heat exchange with the environment. The feet and toes are
also used by the ostrich and emu to regulate heat exchange. The
cassowary does not use the feet and toes to the same extent but used
the casque in a similar manner.
(3) Standard metabolic rates were estimated using a geometric model
of a bird and instantaneous heat loss calculated for specific body
parts.
(4)Up to 40% of metabolic heat production can be dissipated across
these structures which comprise 12% and 17.5% of total body surface
area.
(5) The ostrich was able to regulate surfacetemperature more
precisely than the other species, probably due to a larger body size.
The large wings of the ostrich are useful for thermoregulation by
increasing convective heat loss.
Surface Temperature/Ratites/Thermoregulation
/Thermal Windows/Ostrich/Struthio Camelus/Emu
/Dromaius Novaehollandiae/Double Wattled Cassowary
/Casuarius Casuarius/EXTERNAL THERMAL STRESS
/LARGE BIRD/METABOLISM/BALANCE/WATER

107. Pople, A, Cairns, SC, and Grigg, GC. Distribution and
abundance of Emus Dromaius novaehollandiae in relation to the
environment in the South Australian pastoral zone. Emu 1991;
91(4): 222-229.
English
The distribution and abundance of Emus in the South Australian
pastoral zone between 1978 and 1989 was determined by winter aerial
surveys. The average number of Emu groups present ranged from a low
of 0.02 km-2 in 1983 to 0.08 km-2 in 1980, 1981 and 1988. Between
1984 and 1989, average size of these groups was found to range from
2.22 to 4.55 Emus. Although the distribution varied from year to
year, Emu density was generally highest in the northeast of the
pastoral zone and lowest in the more arid northwest. The northeast of
the pastoral zone is a relatively productive area, containing a
mixture of land systems, particularly 'run-on' areas. The low open
woodlands and tall shrublands of the northwest and south of the
pastoral zone supported low densities of Emus. Areas of high Emus
density were generally dominated by more intensive sheep grazing, by
fans and/or hills, by red duplex soils, and by low shrublands of
predominantly bluebush. Rainfall during summer and autumn was
considered an important determinant of Emu density, with this period
being important in terms of egg production.
Egg Production/Sheep Grazing Intensity
/Population Density/Rainfall Seasonality/Aerial Survey/Australia

108. Prager, E M, Wilson, A C, Osuga, D T, and Feeney, R E.
Evolution of flightless land birds on southern continents:
transferrin comparison shows monophyletic origin of ratites.
J-Mol-Evol 1976 Oct 27; 8(3): 283-94.
A biochemical approach was used to study the evolution of ratite
birds, i.e., the ostriches, rheas, cassowaries, emus, and kiwis.
Quantitative immunological comparison of transferrin from ratites,
tinamous, and other flying birds indicates that all the ratites and
tinamous are allied phylogenetically and that they are of
monophyletic origin relative to other birds. To explain the
current geographic distribution of ratites and the magnitude of
the transferrin distances, it is supposed that the ancestors of these
flightless birds walked across land bridges between the southern
continents during Cretaceous times.
Amino Acid Sequence/Complement Fixation Tests
/Geography /Phylogeny /Species Specificity/*Birds /*Evolution
/*Transferrin

108a. Quin B. Diet and habitat of emus Dromaius novaehollandiae in the
Grampians Ranges, South Western  Victoria. Emu 1996; (96 Part 2): 114-122.
English; 9610
The diet of the Emu Dromaius novaehollandiae was studied by analysis of
droppings at four sites in Victoria Valley, Grampians National  Park,
south west Victoria, from March to July, 1984. Little variation occurred
in diet between the study sites. Emus concentrated on particular  plants;
dicotyledons comprised 88 95% of droppings by dry weight in each monthly
sample, with Epacridaceae, mostly flowers of the Flame  Heath Astroloma
conostephioides, the most abundant, especially after March.
Monocotyledons were unimportant, although aquatic Streaked  Arrowgrass
Triglochin striata was recorded February April at the swamp site. Other
plant species and non food items constituted only a small  part of the
diet. Emus used a swampy site in warm, drier months, but left as
temperatures decreased, and when rains arrived in July. Riparian  forest
River Red while open River Red Gum forest and heath/heathy woodland became
more important in colder months. Habitat usage  appeared to relate to
availability of food and water, and to a lesser extent, shelter.
emus/diet/Australia

109. Randolph, JF, Moise, NS, Graham, DL, and Murphy, CJ.
Bacterial endocarditis and thromboembolism of a pelvic limb in an emu
[Dromaius novaehollandiae].
Journal-of-the-American-Veterinary-Medical-Association 1984;
185(11): 1409-1410.
12 ref
Heart diseases/Embolism /Birds /Struthioniformes /Endocarditis

110. Randolph, KD, Vanhooser, SL, and Hoffman, M. Western Equine
Encephalitis-Virus in Emus in Oklahoma. Journal of Veterinary
Diagnostic Investigation October 1994; 6(4): 492-493.
English Note

111. Rao MRKM and Chowdary C. Tuberculosis in an emu (Dromiceius
novoeholandies). Indian Veterinary Journal 1980; 57(2): 169.
English; 9601; 2 fig.; 3 ref
Aviary birds/Bacterial
diseases/Pathology/Neoplasms/Melanoma/Liver
/case reports/tuberculosis/zoo animals/Struthioniformes

112. Reece, RL and Butler, R. Some observations on the
development of the long bones of ratite birds. Australian Veterinary
Journal 1984; 61(12): 403-405.
English; 9 ref
Observations were made on the long bones of 10 rheas, 3 emus and
3 ostriches, from 1-day-old to 12 weeks of age. At hatching all long
bones contained large cartilaginous cones which were continuous with
the growth plates, and an osseous cortex. At one week of age
ossification had commenced on the periphery of these embryonic cones
and in some bones the cones had become separated from the growth
plates. At 3 weeks of age the embryonic cones of cartilage were still
present in the proximal and distal tibio-tarsi and narrow
cartilaginous bridges connected the cones to the growth plates.
Embryonic cones were not present in other long bones of this
3-week-old rhea nor in the long bones of ratites 6, 8 and 12 weeks of
age. Other praecocial birds such as turkey poults and chickens have
cones of embryonic cartilage in their long bones at hatching and
these persist in the tibio-tarsi until 1 to 2 weeks of age. The
presence of large cones of embryonic cartilage in the tibio-tarsal
bones of 3-week-old ratite birds is probably a normal phenomenon.
Awareness of this feature is necessary for the correct differential
diagnosis of the prevalent musculoskeletal disorders of ratite birds.
Ostrich/Rhea/Emu/Cartilage/Growth disorders
/Struthioniformes/Postnatal development/Limb bones/Ossification

113. Ridlen, Carrol, Ballard, Brenda, and Baxter, Mike. Raising
emus : the proud bird that lays the emerald egg. Houston, Tex.:
Legend Graphics; c1992; 100 p. ill.
Emu farming

114. Riggert, TL. The management of the emu Dromaius novaehollandiae
in Western Australia. Perth: Dept. of Fisheries and Wildlife; 1975;
13 p.
Includes bibliographical references. maps
Emus

115. Robinson PT. Intestinal anastomosis for correction of
prolapsed colon in an emu. Journal of Zoo Animal Medicine 1979;
10(4): 124-126.
English; 9601
aviary birds/colon/surgery/Dromaius

116. Rosser, BWC and George, JC. Some histochemical properties
of the fibre types in the pectoralis muscle of an emu (Dromaius
novaehollandiae).Anatomical Record 1984 July; 209(3): 301-5.
English; 46 ref.
The muscle fibers of the cranial slip of M. pectoralis pars
thoracica of an emu (Dromaius novaehollandiae) were studied
histochemically for intracellular lipid, succinic dehydrogenase,
myofibrillar adenosine triphosphatase, and acetylcholinesterase.
It was concluded that the muscle consisted of approximately 28%
slow-tonic and 72% fast-twitch glycolytic fibers. The tonic fibers
were considered to be characteristic of a postural muscle, and the
fast-twitch glycolytic fibers to reflect the inability of the muscle
to engage in sustained activity. The general absence of slow-tonic
fibers from the pectoralis of other avian species so far studied may
be attributed to inadequate sampling of the deeper regions of the
muscle.(Author's abstract)
emus/muscle anatomy/pectoralis muscle

117. Ruempler G. Accidental injuries and methods of treatment in
zoo birds. Tierarztliche Praxis 1975; 3(4): 425-430. German; 9601
PREDATORY BIRDS/Fractures/wings/Beak/Surgery/Amputation
/accidents/trauma/animal diseases/zoo animals/owls/birds/Flamingo
/Emu/Crane/Avocet/Curlew/Hornbill

118. Ruempler G. Diseases of rearing in running birds (Ratitae).
Voliere 1978; 1(1): 20-22.
German; 9601; 6 ref
Perosis/zoo animals/birds/ostriches/Emu/Nandu/Cassowary

119. Rzhetsky, A, Kumar, S, and Nei, M. Four-cluster analysis: A
simple method to test phylogenetic hypotheses. Molecular Biology and
Evolution 1995; 12(1): 163-167.
English
A simple statistical test for comparing three alternative
phylogenetic hypotheses for four monophyletic groups is presented.
This test is based on the minimum-evolution principle, and it
does not require any information regarding the branching order
within each monophyletic group. It is computationally efficient and
can be easily extended to five or more monophyletic groups.
RESEARCH ARTICLE/OSTRICH/CASSOWARY/EMU/RHEA/TINAMOU/MOA/KIWI
/MINIMUM EVOLUTION PRINCIPLE/MONOPHYLETIC GROUP
/MATHEMATICAL METHOD/ANALYTICAL METHOD/GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION
/NEW ZEALAND/AUSTRALIA/NEW GUINEA/AFRICA/ASIA/SOUTH AMERICA