Abstract
Ostriches are the biggest ratite in the world. Their wild changing behaviour helps us to consider them as domestic birds. Ostriches can reach adult height 6-10 feet tall in between 1.5 to 2 years of age and their head may reach 1.8-2.75m above the ground due to large legs. These largest vertebrate only run in case of any danger and can run at a speed of 65-70 kilometer per hour. Presently there are four subspecies of ostriches which are limited to Africa. Ostriches can be reared on short grass plains and semi-arid desert areas. Meat of ostriches is very healthy for humans' consumption. Ostrich birds produce red meat that is similar to deer meat or beef and the hide makes fine leather products. Frequency of mating may be low in confined environment. Mostly breeders are kept in group of trio (1:2); one male for two females. Ostriches can live on any cattle fodder; however during early six months of life they need special feeds for better growth. Ostriches may gain 1Kg body weight with only 3Kg food, unlike cattle which gain 1Kg body mass with 20kg fodder. Ostrich may reach sexual maturity at about two to three years of age and lay 100eggs per season. Ostrich farming is now being done in the globe. Ostrich in Pakistan are now announced as a farm bird of commercial interest which is new turn in poultry industry of Pakistan.
Highlights
Ostriches are one of the oldest birds kept by mankind since the earliest recorded histories having existed as a species for over 40 million years
In this context environment of Pakistan is quite good for successful ostrich farming
Ostriches have a large number of adaptations that allow them to survive in harsh climatic conditions
Summary
Ostriches are one of the oldest birds kept by mankind since the earliest recorded histories having existed as a species for over 40 million years. They are world’s largest Ratite (species of flightless birds without keel bone; Struthio camelus) bird, the keel-less breastbone of ostriches resembles a raft and is a large cartilaginous plate [7]. An ostrich will reach adult height 6-10 feet tall in between 18 and 20 months of age with a growth rate 25cm per month (7 cm per week) and 300-400 pounds in mass (Figure 1) They can gain 80kg body weight within 9 months and 100kg in one year. Ostriches possess relatively small ceca and have ability to utilize a good portion of fibrous substances provided in its diet after the appropriate [10: calhome, 1954)
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