Abstract
This study investigated the effects of strain (South African Black – SAB; Zimbabwean Blue – ZB; Kenyan Red – KR) on adult traits in ostriches. SAB females outperformed ZB and KR birds for reproduction traits, but had a lower adult weight than the other strains. KR birds were heavier than SAB birds, but lighter than ZB birds. Feather weight and hair scores were poorer in KR birds than in the other strains. All traits were heritable, estimates ranging from 0.10 for chick production to 0.42 for adult weight. Corresponding values for animal permanent environment ranged from 0.17 for egg production to 0.37 for feather weight and hair score. No conclusive unfavourable genetic correlations were found among traits, thereby simplifying selection decisions for the economically important traits included in the study.
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