Preliminary results of the effect of dietary energy and protein levels on the production of male breeding Ostriches

Abstract

Main effects only are presented, as no significant interactions were observed. The starting mass of the birds did not differ significantly between dietary treatments. The end mass for the 7.5 MJ energy level and 10% protein level differed significantly (P ≤ 0.05) from that of the 8.5 MJ and 9.5 MJ energy and 12% protein level. The egg production results show a significant difference (P < 0.05) between the lowest energy level of 7.5 MJ and that of the 8.5 MJ and 9.5 MJ level. There was no significant difference in egg-production between energy levels 8.5 MJ and 9.5 MJ or between the different protein levels. A significant difference (P < 0.05) was found in chicken production between energy levels 7.5 MJ, 8.5 MJ and that of energy level 9.5 MJ. The different levels of protein had no effect on the egg-production or chicken production. Neither the energy levels nor the protein levels of the diets had any significant effect on infertile eggs, embryonic deaths or live chicks hatched.