NUTRITION

CHICKS

The area of nutrition for ostrich has been a major concern for producers since the beginning of ostrich ranching. Few detailed studies have been performed and much is still unknown about optimum diets. This may perhaps be due to the fact that ostrich prefer a varied and diverse diet, consisting primarily of plant material. This type of diet may be difficult to duplicate in a 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. Nutrients that are required include:

  1. carbohydrates
  2. proteins or amino acids
  3. vitamins
  4. minerals
  5. fats and oils
  6. water
The concentrations of these nutrients vary considerably in different plants and it is for this reason that commercially prepared feed mix various sources of ingredients in order to meet differing nutritional requirements.

Research findings have shown that chicks up to six month of age do well on the pelleted diet that is produce at O.S.U. The general composition and formulation of this feed is similar to that produced by several feed companies with the exception that this diet is a 18% protein and 16% fiber. The protein component is sufficient to provide good growth without producing leg or bone development problems and the high fiber 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 the limited feeding program outlined in the Care Of Newly Hatched Chick section and the supplimentation 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 mold or other contamination problems and that it is fresh enough that all vitamin and supplementations 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. Consult your Veterinarian and/or feed company representative for specifics on available feeds.

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.

Ostrich Book