Ostrich Research Articles

Monensin poisoning outbreak in free-ranging and captive birds.

Monensin poisoning is uncommon and has been rarely reported in birds. This work aimed to described clinical-pathological aspects of an outbreak of monensin poisoning in captive and free-ranging birds. Thirty-seven of 600 captive birds fed a diet containing 893.19mg/kg of monensin died within 10 days (mortality 6.17%). There was no ionophore antibiotics on the feed label supplied to captive birds, which established an error in feed production. Necropsies were performed on twelve animals: Muscovy duck (Cairina moschata) (2/12), greater rhea (Rhea americana) (2/12), black-necked swan(Cygnus melancoryphus) (2/12), garganey (Anas querquedula) (1/12), ostrich (Struthio camelus) (1/12), and common pigeon (Columbus livia) (4/12). These four common pigeons were free-ranging birds and died after eating the same contaminated feed. Birds were mainly found dead, however in animals which clinical signs were observed (Columba livia, Rhea americana, Cairina moschata, Anas querquedula, and Struthio camelus), they included incoordination, inability to stand, and intense prostration, that ranged from 24 to 72h until death. Grossly, five birds had focally extensive pale firm areas in the myocardium and two had in the skeletal muscles, one being concomitant lesions. Histologically, muscle necrosis and degeneration were observed in striated musculature (skeletal and/or heart) in all birds analyzed. Monensin poisoning outbreaks can affect free-ranging birds that are fed on external feeders, as well as captive birds, due to an error in the feed formulation.

ESTIMATION AND DETOXIFICATION OF AFLATOXINS IN OSTRICH FEED SAMPLES COLLECTED FROM LAHORE, PAKISTAN

Ostrich farming is an emerging agricultural business in Pakistan with high demands for meat, eggs, oil, feathers, and leather. However, the presence of aflatoxins may lead to health hazards to poultry and consumers depending on this industry. A study for aflatoxin contamination was conducted on ostrich feed samples collected from 10 localities of Lahore with an emphasis on storage and handling conditions. The samples were analyzed using thin liquid chromatography. The aflatoxin positive feed samples were then detoxified using 0.5, 1, and 1.5 g bud powder of Moringa oleifera, incubated for 7, 14, 21, and 28 days, and were analyzed again. Results revealed maximum contamination (60%) during summers with an average temperature of 30.88 ºC and minimum (20%) in winters with an average temperature of 17.08 ºC. The major contaminant that found was B1 Aflatoxin. Results were statistically analyzed by applying Paired T–Test which proved the effectiveness of M. oleifera ratio in detoxification of feed aflatoxins. On the basis of this study, it was concluded that M. oleifera buds are an efficient biological agent against aflatoxins in feed. In addition, control of temperature and improvement in storage conditions at the sites can reduce the risks of aflatoxicosis

Description of natal down of the ostrich (Struthio camelus) and comparison with common quail (Coturnix coturnix): Developmental and evolutionary implications.

Natal down is a feather stage that differs in both form and function from the definitive feathers of adult birds. It has a simpler structure that has been speculated to be similar to the body coverings of non-avian dinosaurs. However, inference of the evolution of natal down has been limited by our understanding of its structural variation in extant birds. Most descriptive work has focused on neognathous birds, limiting our knowledge of the full diversity of feathers in extant taxa. Here, we describe the natal down of a post-hatch ostrich (Struthio camelus) and compare it to that of a post-hatch quail (Coturnix coturnix). We confirm the presence of featherless spaces (apteria) in S. camelus and the lack of barbules on the tips of natal down in both species. We also find differences between dorsal and ventral natal down structures, such as barbule density in S. camelus and the extent of the bare portion of the barb in both species. Surprisingly, we do not find that the neoptiles of either species follow the ideal morphologies for increasing insulation. Finally, we hypothesize that the different barb types present in S. camelus natal down result from a large addition of new barb ridges during development, which is not known except in feathers with a rachis. These results have implications for our understanding of how structure informs function and development in understudied feather types, such as those shared by non-avian dinosaurs.

Designing a novel method based on multiplex PCR for detecting various meat of birds in processed ground meat products

Falsified food directly influences wildlife, fair trade, religion, and the health of society. Here, we report a multiplex polymerase chain reaction to evaluate the accurate determination of seven species of bird meat in meals on a single assay platform. To amplify segments of DNA fromColumba livia, Corvus moneduloides, Gallus gallus, Coturnix japonica, Phasianus colchicus, Struthio camelus, and Meleagris gallopavomeats, respectively, a total of seven sets of species-specific primers targeting the mitochondrial and cytochrome b genes were developed. Gel photographs and electrochromatography from an Experion Bioanalyzer were used to identify all PCR products. Species specificity checks discovered no cross-species amplification. The applicability of its screening to find target species in processed food was shown in commercial and model meatballs. A validation study revealed that the test is reliable, quick, affordable, repeatable, specific, and accurate down to 50,000 mitochondrial copies. It might be used for raw meats and products involving processed and severely deteriorated food samples. The customers, the food business, and law enforcement would all benefit immensely from this suggested approach.

Steps of spermiogenesis in the ostrich (Struthio camelus).

Few studies describe the sequence of morphological events that characterize spermiogenesis in birds. In this paper, the clearly observable steps of spermiogenesis are described and illustrated for the first time in a commercially important ratite, the ostrich, based on light microscopy of toluidine blue-stained plastic sections. Findings were supplemented and supported by ultrastructural observations, PNA labeling of acrosome development, and immunocytochemical labeling of isolated spermatogenic cells. Spermiogenesis in the ostrich followed the general pattern described in non-passerine birds. Eight steps were identified based on changes in nuclear shape and contents, positioning of the centriolar complex, and acrosome development. Only two steps could be recognized with certainty during development of the round spermatid which contributed to the fewer steps recorded for the ostrich compared to that described in some other bird species. The only lectin that displayed acrosome reactivity was PNA and only for the first three steps of spermiogenesis. This suggests that organizational and/or compositional changes may occur in the acrosome during development and merits further investigation. Immunological labeling provided additional evidence to support the finding of previous studies that the tip of the nucleus in the ostrich is shaped by the forming acrosome and not by the microtubular manchette. To our knowledge, this is the first complete description of spermiogenesis in ostrich and one of few in any avian species. In addition to comparative reproduction and animal science, this work has implications for evolutionary biology as the reported germ cell features provide a bridge between reptile and ratite-avian spermatogenesis.

The evolutionary maintenance of ancient recombining sex chromosomes in the ostrich.

Sex chromosomes have evolved repeatedly across the tree of life and often exhibit extreme size dimorphism due to genetic degeneration of the sex-limited chromosome (e.g. the W chromosome of some birds and Y chromosome of mammals). However, in some lineages, ancient sex-limited chromosomes have escaped degeneration. Here, we study the evolutionary maintenance of sex chromosomes in the ostrich (Struthio camelus), where the W remains 65% the size of the Z chromosome, despite being more than 100 million years old. Using genome-wide resequencing data, we show that the population scaled recombination rate of the pseudoautosomal region (PAR) is higher than similar sized autosomes and is correlated with pedigree-based recombination rate in the heterogametic females, but not homogametic males. Genetic variation within the sex-linked region (SLR) (π = 0.001) was significantly lower than in the PAR, consistent with recombination cessation. Conversely, genetic variation across the PAR (π = 0.0016) was similar to that of autosomes and dependent on local recombination rates, GC content and to a lesser extent, gene density. In particular, the region close to the SLR was as genetically diverse as autosomes, likely due to high recombination rates around the PAR boundary restricting genetic linkage with the SLR to only ~50Kb. The potential for alleles with antagonistic fitness effects in males and females to drive chromosome degeneration is therefore limited. While some regions of the PAR had divergent male-female allele frequencies, suggestive of sexually antagonistic alleles, coalescent simulations showed this was broadly consistent with neutral genetic processes. Our results indicate that the degeneration of the large and ancient sex chromosomes of the ostrich may have been slowed by high recombination in the female PAR, reducing the scope for the accumulation of sexually antagonistic variation to generate selection for recombination cessation.

Investigation of ecto-endo parasites in some animals in Al-Mahaweel Reserve / Babylon.

The current study aimed to investigate parasites in some animals located in Al-Mahaweel reserve located north of Babel Governorate in central Iraq during the winter season. In the study, 261 fecal samples were collected from six species of animals, including Dama dama, Gazelle subgutturosa, Gazelle gazelle, and Macaca sp. and two types of birds are ostrich, Struthio camelus, and peacock, Pavo cristatus to investigate Parasitic infections. Entamoeba recorded the highest infection rate of 81%, followed by cryptosporidium spp. with an infection rate of 42%, Isospora sp. 40%, and the lower rate of infection with the Balantidium sp. of 28.57%, Ascaris sp. of 22.85%, Toxocara canis 20%, and one ectoparasite, Hyalomma Marginatum on ostriches with a rate of 16%. This study showed that parasitic infections are widespread in captive animals in the winter season, and they are among the dangerous causes for the health of these animals. Where it is necessary to conduct more studies to examine the mechanism of transmission of parasites among protected animals.

Prevalence and Management of Endoparasitic Worm load in Ostriches of Different Captive Conditions Housed in Punjab, Pakistan

Ostrich farming has attained a status of a fast-growing agribusiness in the livestock industry due to the wide range of associated benefits attached to it. This study was designed to assess the prevalence of endoparasites in this economically important bird as well as their treatment to provide better guidelines for successful ostrich farming. The study involved 385 feacal samples of ostriches taken from 55 commercial farms and captive sites Punjab during the period of January 2020 to December 2020. The relevant data and samples were collected from 15 districts of Punjab. Feacal samples were tested against gastrointestinal worm load by using floatation and sedimentation techniques. Ostriches of 11 commercial farms and Lahore Zoo, Jallo Wildlife Park Lahore, UVAS Ostrich farm Pattoki and Bahawalnagar Wildlife Park were found to harbor protozoan parasites such as Eimeria spp. Balantidium coli, and Amoeboid cyst. It was noteworthy that the use of herbal dewormers showed much better results than chemical anthelmintics. Similarly, those wildlife parks where ostriches were given a natural environment showed negative results for endoparasites. At some farms combination of chemical and herbal anthelmintics was also used. The absence of a reliable nutritional management system caused the mortality of ostriches at 40 farms due to gastric problems and choking. The mortality rate at the age of 2-4 months was 73% while mortality of adult birds from 1-7 years was 27%. Among selected farms, 50% of ostriches were facing lameness, leg deformities, and retarded growth due to improper space, a congested environment, and poor feeding systems. Lastly, more research is needed to make this agribusiness flourished.

Problems and prospects of ostrich (struthio camelus) production in Bangladesh

Problems and prospects of ostrich (struthio camelus) production in Bangladesh

Comparative digital reconstruction of Pica pica and Struthio camelus and their cranial suture ontogenies.

To date, several studies describe post-hatching ontogenetic variation in birds; however, none of these studies document and compare ontogenetic variation of the entire skull in multiple avian species. Therefore, we studied ontogenetic skull variation of two bird species with very different ecologies, Pica pica, and Struthio camelus, using μCT based 3D reconstructions. For each specimen, we performed bone-by-bone segmentation in order to visualize and describe the morphological variation of each bone during ontogeny and estimated the average sutural closure of the skulls to identify different ontogenetic stages. Although bone fusion of P. pica occurs more rapidly than that of S. camelus the general sequence of bone fusion follows a similar trend from posterior to anterior, but a more detailed analysis reveals some interspecific variation in the fusion patterns. Although growth persists over a longer period in S. camelus than in P. pica and adults of the former species are significantly larger, the skull of the most mature S. camelus is still less fused than that of P. pica. Different growth and fusion patterns of the two species indicate that the interspecific ontogenetic variation could be related to heterochronic developments. Nevertheless, this hypothesis needs to be tested in a broader phylogenetic framework in order to detect the evolutionary direction of the potential heterochronic transformations.

The selfish preen: absence of allopreening in Palaeognathae and its socio-cognitive implications.

Preening behaviours are widespread in extant birds. While most birds appear to autopreen (self-directed preening), allopreening (preening directed at conspecifics) seems to have emerged only in certain species, but across many families. Allopreening has been hypothesised to reinforce mutual relationships and cooperation between individuals, and to underpin various socio-cognitive abilities. Palaeognathae is a bird group exhibiting neurocognitively plesiomorphic traits compared to other birds. They share many features with non-avian paravian dinosaurs and are thus important for the study of cognitive evolution in birds. Despite this, and the important correlation of allopreening with many complicated social behaviours, allopreening has not been systematically studied in Palaeognathae. Therefore, we examined the preening behaviours in four species of palaeognaths: common ostriches (Struthio camelus), greater rheas (Rhea americana), emus (Dromaius novaehollandiae), and elegant crested tinamous (Eudromia elegans). We compared findings with common ravens (Corvus corax), a neognath species known for its allopreening and complex social cognition. We found autopreening, but no allopreening, in the palaeognath species, while both autopreening and allopreening was found in common ravens. The absence of allopreening in Palaeognathae suggests an emergence of this behaviour within Neognathae. We contextualise our results in relation to the socio-cognitive underpinnings of allopreening and its implications for the understanding of the evolution of socio-cognitive abilities in non-avian paravian dinosaurs and early birds.

The First Record of Nematodes in Ostriches (Struthio Camelus Linnaeus, 1758) of Uzbekistan

Breeding of ostriches is a recently developed sector of venter production in the Khorezm region of Uzbekistan and it is still a young poultry industry. Ostriches have acclimatized approximately since 2015 in Uzbekistan. From this time and until recently, so little exploration has been performed on ostriches and any parasitic species of ostriches have not been researched in Uzbekistan. The objective of the exploration is to define the first findings of two species of nematodes in ostriches (Struthio Camelus) introduced in the Kushkupir district, the Khorezm region of Uzbekistan. The main target of the exploration was to identify the first findings of some nematodes found in ostriches on the farm called “Ibrat’, ’Ruzmat” located in the Kushkupir district, the Khorezm region, Uzbekistan. We recognized the incidence of nematodes in farmed ostriches during the time of conserving and growing ostriches. A total of 15 ostriches from which 15 ostriches (7 were males and 8 females) were over 3 years old with an average weight of 120 kg in the farm named “Ibrat ’, ’Ruzmat” were selected for the research from September 2021 to February 2022. Fecal samples gathered from the farm were sent to a laboratory named “Preventing the Spread of Termites and Fighting against them” in Khorezm Mamun Academy, Khiva, Uzbekistan. The parasites determined for the first time in farmed ostriches were nematodes including Libyostrongylus douglassii and Libyostrongylus dentatus. Our findings demonstrate a high prevalence of Libyostrongylus spp. in ostriches on a farm located in the Kushkupir district, the Khorezm region, Uzbekistan. Studying ostriches’ nematodes and further developing measures against them is important.

Integrated Information on the Structure and Composition of the Ostrich Eggshell (Struthio camelus)

Ostrich eggshells are excellent examples of avian biomineralization. Interest in these eggshells is focused on their potential as a food source, example of a biomaterial for medical and industrial applications, and the use of fossil remains for paleoenvironmental reconstructions. Due to this interest, there is some information about aspects of eggshell biomineralization, but it is scattered in different publications and is limited in scope about mineralogy-crystallography and/or composition. Here, we re-examine the biomineralization of the Struthio eggshells focusing on the structure, from macro- to nano-scales, crystallography, and composition of mineral and organic phases. Our results show that there is a very tight biomineralization control, from well-defined structures at nanoscale to precise crystallographic orientation of calcite crystals, in the formation of a biomineral that is unparalleled in other avian eggshells. Overall, this finding would explain the thickness and excellent mechanical properties of ostrich eggshells.

Subtotal Cervical Esophagectomy and Anastomosis in an Ostrich (Struthio camelus domesticus).

An adult, female, captive ostrich (Struthio camelus domesticus) was referred to a veterinary teaching hospital for a 2-week history of lethargy and a mass effect in the proximal cervical region. Physical examination revealed a fistula in the middle cervical esophagus surrounded by devitalized and necrotic tissue; feed material was found leaking from the site. Cervical radiography identified an esophageal stricture with anterior dilation due to the accumulation of feed. After receiving supportive care for 48 hours, the patient's overall status improved, allowing partial esophagectomy and resection of the affected tissues with end-to-end anastomosis. Postoperative management included fasting for 24 hours, followed by the administration of a liquid hand-rearing formula prepared with commercially available ostrich feed and administered via a feeding tube for 15 days. Proper healing of the surgical site was confirmed by esophagoscopy using a flexible endoscope 17 days after surgery. The ostrich was discharged after 27 days, with no complications recorded within the 180 days of the follow-up period. Partial cervical esophagectomy with end-to-end anastomosis along with pre- and postoperative management provided a successful outcome for the treatment of a fistulated esophageal stricture in a captive ostrich, resulting in full recovery without surgical complications.

Comparison of embryonic development, from HH21 to HH40, between ostrich (Struthio camelus) and chicken (Gallus gallus).

The chicken has been a representative model organism to study embryonic development in birds, however important differences exist among this class of species. As a representative of one of oldest existing clades of birds, the African ostrich (Struthio camelus), has the largest body among birds, and has two toes. Our purpose is to establish the corresponding stages in ostrich embryo development that match the well-established HH system of the chicken to facilitate comparative studies between the ostrich and other birds to better understand differences in development. Here we describe in detail the middle period of embryonic development using microscopic images and skeletal staining. We found that clear morphological differentiation between the ostrich and the chicken begins at stage 26. Bird limb cartilage first form in stage 25, while the development of the limb skeletons differs after stage 31. Calcification of limb skeletons in the chicken was completed faster. The first and second toes of the ostrich disappear at stages 36 and 38, respectively. This study should greatly aid ostrich-related developmental and morphological research and provide a reference for studying the development and evolution of avian limb skeletons, including molecular research. Questions that can now be addressed include studies into the fusion of tarsometatarsal skeleton, ossification, and digit loss.

Morphological and Transcriptomic Analysis of the Supplemental Boron in the Liver of Ostrich Chicks.

African ostrich chicks (Struthio camelus) were divided into six groups, and each received different levels of boric acid (source of boron) in the drinking water (0, 40, 80, 160, 320, and 640mg/L respectively) to examine the histological, apoptotic, biochemical, and transcriptomic parameters. Morphological analysis in different groups was assessed by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining, periodic acid Schiff (PAS) staining, and terminal deoxynucleotide transferase dUTP Nick-End Labeling (TUNEL) assay. The biochemical profile was evaluated spectrophotometrically. Detailed RNA-Seq of the data was performed using the transcriptomic method. H&E staining showed well-developed liver structure up to the 160mg/L boric acid (BA) supplement groups, while BA doses (320mg/L and 640mg/L) caused changes in hepatocytes and portal triads. PAS staining showed that glycogen levels were optimal in the 80mg/L BA dose group, but a reduction in glycogen levels was observed after this group, particularly in the 640mg/L BA supplement group. Cellular apoptosis showed a biphasic pattern, and the BA dose above 160mg/L enhanced cell death. In addition, serum analysis showed that doses of 80-160mg BA were beneficial for ostrich liver. Then, the transcriptome analysis of the 80mg dose also showed mainly positive effects on the liver. These results demonstrated that chronic BA exposure (320-640mg) can cause significant histological, apoptotic, and biochemical changes in African ostrich liver, while the adequate dose of supplementation (particularly 80mg BA) promotes liver growth.

Research in superior bearing performance of the ostrich tarsometatarsus based on its structural features

The lower limb tarsometatarsi of the ostrich (Struthio camelus) have good load-bearing properties during locomotion, but this has never been demonstrated. One of the main load components of the tarsometatarsal bone of the ostrich is cantilever loading (with linearly varying bending moments, the largest component of which is in the sagittal plane). The main objective of this paper is to investigate whether the cross section of the backbone and its variation along the tibia make it an optimal structure under such loading. CT scans were performed on six metatarsals. Geometric and material properties were extracted from the CT scans and analyzed along the tarsal joint. A 3D model of the tarsometatarsi of the ostrich lower limb was then reconstructed using CT scans and reverse engineering techniques, and finite element simulations of the tarsometatarsi were performed under simple loads (bending and torsion) and actual physiological loads. Second-order moments of area and inertia along the tarsometatarsus, and linear variation of the modulus of section in the sagittal plane (slightly less linear in the anterior plane). The linearity of the other properties (polar coordinates and cross section) is much lower. The distribution of load along the longitudinal direction to the cross section of the tarsometatarsal bone in ostriches is similar to that of a beam structure. The good load-bearing properties of the tarsometatarsus are closely related to its morphological and structural characteristics, which suggest that the tarsometatarsus is a uniformly stressed structure suitable for cantilever loading. This novel bionic shape can be used to design lightweight structures.

Surtos de filoftalmíase em avestruzes (Struthio camelus) no Nordeste do Brasil

ABSTRACT: This study discusses the epidemiological, clinical, and pathological characteristics of two outbreaks of ocular infection in ostriches (Struthio camelus) caused by the trematode Philophthalmus sp. The outbreaks occurred in the states of Ceará and Rio Grande do Norte in Northeast Brazil. Ostrich farming was categorized as semi-intensive farming with free access to the weir and river. The clinical symptoms for infection included nictitating membrane inflammation, epiphora (tearing), eyelid edema, ocular congestion, eyeball destruction, emaciation, and death, and the infection period ranged from 8 to 16 months. Macroscopically, thickening of the eyelids and conjunctiva were observed, with orange parasites infestation. Histologically, the lesions were characterized as lymphoplasmacytic and heterophilic, multifocal to coalescing, moderate, chronic conjunctivitis associated with hyperplasia and ectasia of the Harderian gland, and numerous parasites. The parasites were oval and flattened with an oral suction cup, acetabulum, and thick cuticle containing spicules. The diagnosis of philophthalmiasis was based on epidemiological, clinical, and pathological findings associated with the morphological characteristics of the parasites present in the conjunctival sacs which were similar to the trematode Philophthalmus sp. Philophthalmiasis can occur in ostriches raised on urban and rural properties in Northeastern Brazil, probably associated with the contact of birds with contaminated water, and is characterized by severe conjunctivitis that can result in the loss of the eyeball and death of the animals.

Determination of Antimicrobial Susceptibility of Clostridium Perfringens Strains Isolated from Healthy and Diseased Ostriches (Struthio camelus)

Gastrointestinal diseases are considered the most prevalent and economically considerable diseases in the ostrich breeding industry, in which necrotic enteritis caused by C. perfringens induces high mortality, especially in ostrich chicks. Several antimicrobial agents are used to prevent enteric diseases, enhancing growth rate and increasing feed conversion ratio. This procedure results in a high prevalence of resistance among enteric bacteria with the possibility of a consequent emergence of antibiotic resistance in zoonotic enteropathogens. This study determined the susceptibility of C. perfringens strains isolated from the intestine and faeces of disease and healthy ostriches in southeast Iran to 8 antimicrobial agents. A total of 40 C. perfringens isolates were collected from several ostrich flocks and were tested using the broth microdilution method. The susceptibility of obtained isolates to antibiotics was as follows: ceftriaxone (80%), cefazolin (77.5%), florfenicol (72.5%), tetracycline (62.5%), penicillin (47.5%), sulfadiazine (20%), sulfadimidine (7.5%) and neomycin (7.5%). In conclusion, C. perfringens strains isolated from ostriches should be tested and monitored for antibacterial susceptibility patterns. The present study is the first to determine the antimicrobial susceptibility of C. perfringens isolated from ostrich.

Isolation of Keratinolytic Bacteria from Common Ostrich (Struthio Camelus) and their Efficacy towards Feather Degradation of Poultry Waste

Keratinolytic microorganisms have the capacity to biosynthesize particular keratinases and determine theirprospective application in poultry waste management. Hence, the objective of this study was to utilize keratinolytic microbes for the degradation of poultry waste. For this purpose, the feathers of common ostrich (Struthio camelus) were collected, scattered along the surrounding dry soil, from a private ostrich farm in Kasur, Pakistan. Bacteria were isolated by using culture enrichment techniques and screened for their proteolytic activity on skim milk agar. The isolates were characterized clonially, morphologically, and biochemically and labeled as SNO1, SNO2, and SNO3, respectively. The effects of varied pH and temperatures were recorded on bacterial growth and feather degradation. It was noticed that the bacterial cell densities and feather degradation were high at 50˚C and pH 8.0, as compared to the rest of the culture conditions. Visual observations were made using a stereomicroscope. The maximum feather degradation in the form of white powdery mass was noticed at fourth (4 th ) week. The protein content of Struthio camelus feathers was determined as 6.5 mg/100 ml after degradation. Taken together, the authors concluded that the isolated strains were capable of feather degradation and can be used in poultry waste management.