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Ostrich Feeding and Nutrition
Chicks The area of nutrition for ostrich has been a major concern for producers since the beginning of ostrich ranching.
Detailed studies have been performed and although much is still unknown more and more is being learnt about optimum diets.
It is already known that ostriches prefer a varied and diverse diet, consisting primarily of plant material and this type of diet may be difficult to duplicate in a totally pelleted form.
Animals do not utilize feed as such but rather the nutrients contained in the feed. However, not all animals require the same nutrients.
Probiotics and Microbials should be fed to all newly hatched chicks to encourage a strong, healthy growth rate.
Nutrients that are required by Ostrich chicks and older livestock include:
Research findings have shown that chicks up to six month of age do well on a mixed diet.
The general composition and formulation of feed varies considerably and must contain good levels of protein and fiber.
The protein component is required to provide good growth without producing leg or bone development problems and a high fibre content has proven to be of value in maintaining good fecal consistency and reduces bacterial enteritis while still allowing adequate consumption for good growth rates.
Growth Rates
With a limited feeding program and the supplementation of birds with available green forage such as alfalfa, grass, clover, etc., growth and development should not be a problem.
Care must be taken that feed is stored properly to prevent mould or other contamination problems and that it is fresh enough that all vitamin and supplementation's are still available.
Birds that are provided forage such as alfalfa or grass, should also be provided access to grit and gravel. The size of the gravel can be varied with the size of the bird but access to it is necessary for both breakdown of the feed and normal function of the proventriculus.
Oyster shell should not be used as grit as it breaks down rapidly and may change the calcium/phosphorus balance that was provided by the diet being fed.
Diets for adult birds can be similar to that used for chicks with the exception that laying birds should have a calcium/phosphorus ratio sufficient to compensate for egg production.
Adult Birds It is beneficial to maintain production age birds on a maintenance diet during the non-laying period that differs from that used during the laying period.
This maintenance diet should allow the bird to maintain but not gain weight and perhaps even loose (not more than 5-10% body weight) during the non-laying period.
Beginning about 2 months before the laying period, the higher protein, more balanced laying diet can again be given to boost the birds prior to laying and breeding.
You may learn much more about ostrich feeding and ostrich nutrition when you review the Ostrich Feeds & Feeding Book.
Chicks The area of nutrition for ostrich has been a major concern for producers since the beginning of ostrich ranching.
Detailed studies have been performed and although much is still unknown more and more is being learnt about optimum diets.
It is already known that ostriches prefer a varied and diverse diet, consisting primarily of plant material and this type of diet may be difficult to duplicate in a totally pelleted form.
Animals do not utilize feed as such but rather the nutrients contained in the feed. However, not all animals require the same nutrients.
Probiotics and Microbials should be fed to all newly hatched chicks to encourage a strong, healthy growth rate.
Nutrients that are required by Ostrich chicks and older livestock include:
- Carbohydrates
- Proteins or amino acids
- Vitamins
- Minerals
- Fats and oils
- Water
Research findings have shown that chicks up to six month of age do well on a mixed diet.
The general composition and formulation of feed varies considerably and must contain good levels of protein and fiber.
The protein component is required to provide good growth without producing leg or bone development problems and a high fibre content has proven to be of value in maintaining good fecal consistency and reduces bacterial enteritis while still allowing adequate consumption for good growth rates.
Growth Rates
| WEEK OF AGE | AVERAGE GAIN (LBS) |
|---|---|
| 2-3 | 1.3 |
| 3-4 | 2.8 |
| 4-5 | 2.4 |
| 4-6 | 3.3 |
| 6-7 | 3.3 |
| 7-8 | 4.4 |
With a limited feeding program and the supplementation of birds with available green forage such as alfalfa, grass, clover, etc., growth and development should not be a problem.
Care must be taken that feed is stored properly to prevent mould or other contamination problems and that it is fresh enough that all vitamin and supplementation's are still available.
Birds that are provided forage such as alfalfa or grass, should also be provided access to grit and gravel. The size of the gravel can be varied with the size of the bird but access to it is necessary for both breakdown of the feed and normal function of the proventriculus.
Oyster shell should not be used as grit as it breaks down rapidly and may change the calcium/phosphorus balance that was provided by the diet being fed.
Diets for adult birds can be similar to that used for chicks with the exception that laying birds should have a calcium/phosphorus ratio sufficient to compensate for egg production.
Adult Birds It is beneficial to maintain production age birds on a maintenance diet during the non-laying period that differs from that used during the laying period.
This maintenance diet should allow the bird to maintain but not gain weight and perhaps even loose (not more than 5-10% body weight) during the non-laying period.
Beginning about 2 months before the laying period, the higher protein, more balanced laying diet can again be given to boost the birds prior to laying and breeding.
You may learn much more about ostrich feeding and ostrich nutrition when you review the Ostrich Feeds & Feeding Book.