Nutrition

Ostriches are considered omnivorous creatures and they are resistant as well. These birds are fed on a low cost diet and even agricultural wastes.

 In general, ostrich dietary intake of nutrients is rather a composition of beef and chicken involving two parts of forage mixtures (alfalfa and clover) and concentrates (including barley, corn, soy, vitamin and mineral supplements…).

At different ages, Ostrich feed consumption is variable from 120g in the first month of the age up to 5.2kg in full growth.

Considering the cost of feed as an essential part of production plan of any producers, ostrich industry is highly regarded these days. Because, compared to other branches of livestock, these birds with low daily feed intake would not impose huge cost to the producers. Additionally, needed materials for bird’s food intake are easily available everywhere which can be taken into consideration due to specific climatic conditions of Iran.

Furthermore, low dependence on foreign sources, is another noteworthy point in ostrich breeding. It can be aid that required materials are available in the country. On the other hand, due to the high compatibility of this bird it is possible to use cheap materials with average quality.

In order to learn more, few examples of food formulas used in ostrich diet are cited in the following tables.

(The above dietary is defined for each farm in particular, in accordance with climatic conditions, management system, maintenance district and season and this diet is not be applied in all farms.

What type of diet is appropriate and necessary for ostriches?

Complete feed:

Complete meal refers to diet involves all required nutrients. Feed Formulas of poultry diets are not fixed.  But the difference between raw material prices for food and improvement in nutritional management will replace the diet formulation.

 Optional and controlled feed diet:

Poultry has the ability to monitor their food consumption according to their needs. In the past, the available feed intake was grind flour which turned out to be uneconomical. In this way, the greedy eaters has desire to eat more and become heavier. So egg production and weight gain are no longer economical. In some races, food diet is available for flock based on optional methods. In heavyweight varieties, consumption of breeder’s food intake should be done on the basis of controlled method.

The food

Poultry diet is available in three forms of mashes, crumble, and pellets.

Mash

In this form, raw material is finely ground. However, birds do not show interest to diets that consist of tiny corns because they become viscous. The poultry Consumption increases in mesh form. Poultry are primarily interested in larger particles. Thereupon, tiny grains are remained in the paddock for final consumption which causes problems in using formulated grains.

Grain size and its impact

Grain size in mashes is effective in drinking water. The more coarse mash mixture is, the less consumption drinking water is. Which has no effect on fecal water.

The impact of food amount on water intake

The more food amount is, the high fiber is, and the high water consumption is and thereupon the more fecal water is. If the poultry diets has higher energy and less amount, it may have less use and disposal of water.

Pellets

Pellet system of feeding is really a modification of the mash system by mechanically pressing the mash into hard grains small cylindrical shapes in different sizes. Pelleted feed prevents Birds from picking and choosing between ingredients. They must consume food thoroughly. The advantageous is for young birds who has low food intake. Moreover, pallet consumption is considered important especially when drug intake is in consideration.

Advantages and disadvantages of pellet diet must put into consideration if this diet is economic.

Pellet production costs an arm and a leg. Thereupon, both the advantageous and disadvantageous of using this system must be taken into consideration. 

The feeding merits of pelleted feeds:

1-Reduce dust

2-Convenient transportation. Reduce feed wastage.

3-Less pollution when storing food

4-Require less storage area

5-Fewer workers are needed to spread poultry food = reducing transportation costs

6-In this diet foods, which birds avoid consuming, are used frequently.

7-Pelleting minimizes waste during the eating process.

Disadvantages:

1-Decrease the cost of feed due to the pelleting system

2-Increase in water consumption

3-Increase in fecal moisture

4-Increase Cannibalism

Crumbles

In this process small pellets are broken. When pellet are grinding in coarse particles, the product is called crumbles. Best crumbles usually contain fine particles which increases the efficiency of grain intake and prevents cannibalism complications.

Omaj

In the past, it was common to wet mashes diet, assuming that this method increases food intake which lasts just for one or two days, after then poultry regulate food intake. Wet mashes lead to:

1-Increasing egg production

2-Increasing egg weight

3-Increasing growth

4-Improved food conversion efficiency

Important tips on feeding ostrich chicks

Feeding ostrich chicks

Feeding ostrich chicks is of utmost importance to onset and continuation of growth effectively which can be have an impact on future of bird production in long terms. During their first breeding=growing=rearing quarter Birds are extremely sensitive and their mortality rate is higher than other ages. Complete observing sanitation and Proper and accurate nutrition is essential to minimize losses. In order to achieve the maximum efficiency, simple strategies can be applied as follows:

Using pebbles

In order to grind food intake in the gizzards. Ostrich need small pieces of gravel. Pebbles should be added to the diet to help grind their food, until the chicks achieve such source through grazing in pastures. The size of Pebbles should be half of bird’s fingernail. However, for newborn chicks this size should be a grain of rice. Some farmers offer birds gravels or coarse sands freely (sands should be completely dry). However others fear possible losses by stomach and intestine impaction and strongly reject this practice. Producers prefer to add these feeding to the bird diet. 2to3 small pebbles are sufficient per day per chicks. However, some breeders may add pebbles after three weeks. This should be care that industrial rocks should not be used due to constipation.

Vitamins

Based on factory instruction, in the first two to three weeks of rearing, adding soluble vitamins to the drinking water is suggested to increase bird’s resistance against disease. Most of vitamins have direct or indirect impact on growth and For instance, vitamin C may have a great influence on decreasing distress, such as warmth distress.

Feeding fertilizers

Intestinal microbial flora is formed in the first days of life due to microbial digestion in small intestinal and colon. This procedure begins as eating parent’s poop. As the first meal in the wild. Fertilizers contain bacteria needed to birds. Accordingly, some breeders recommend adult bird’s fertilizer. However, there is the risk of intestinal parasites and pathogens transmission to chicks. (Feeding fertilizers is forbidden in some countries) to avoid transmitting parasites and pathogens particular to ostriches cow manure is suggested as well. However, some breeders rejects the recent procedure.

On first days of life, bird eating poop causes health and sanitation problems. In order to avoid this, faeces should be cleaned very often. In some farms in America, chicks are first bred on metallic net to miss out stool.

Drinking water

Water must be in hand along with the first meal on the second or third day. Birds must learn how to drink as eat. Dying drinking water by edible colors or sticking a colorful note in the feeders attracts in the birds. Feeders should not be placed higher than eye level and it should be supported by the help of a heavy object (stone). One drinker is located for each three feeders.

Either chicks are bred in farmers or in shelters, Drinking water, faeces or urine must be controlled thoroughly. Normal urine is white. It is expected that weak chicks drinks more water. So they are prone to diarrhea. Correspondingly, it is suggested that water to be in hand 2to3 times a day to chicks. As a basis the amount of water must be 1.5 to 2 times of concentrates.

Drinkers must be full with fresh water and it must be clean daily. Growing Chicks and birds must not use warm and remain water. Though no proof is possible, this matter leads to disease and losses. Thereupon, drinkers should not be placed in front of light directly.   

Quality of usage water

Water is the most essential ingredient in diet. Water supplies approximately 60 to 85 (sometimes more) percent of daily nutrition (water and feed) in farm livestock. Total amount of water of an adult bird is averaging 71to73 percent of total body weight. Water quality depends on appropriateness of farm and the whole water supplying system and water source. Water quality have a direct effect on bird’s water usage. The firs result of consciously or unconsciously limiting water usage is decreasing food intake and therefor decreasing the ability of bearing. Flavor and low quality water toxin can be problematic in two ways: poor taste may reduce consumption. Some toxic substances does not lessen flavor of water but they are more harmful. These toxics in drinking water are pesticides, fluorine, nitrates, selenium, and high concentrations of other specific elements. Water contains bacteria, viruses, protozoa, and worm eggs. All these can cause disease. In addition to toxic substances, other compounds in water may remove the flavor. For example, alkaline water contains high concentrations of potassium, sodium, and carbonate calcium. Salt water, which has more minerals, in comparison to distilled water contains a bad taste. Salt contains sodium, calcium, magnesium, and potassium combined with bicarbonates, chlorides, or sulfates.

Some of common water pollutants include:

Total dissolved solids (water hardness)

This term contains all the minerals in water, soil, or rocks. Most domestic birds are able to stand Concentration of Dissolved solids from 15000 to 17000ppm. These concentrations may affect the production amount. 5000 ppm Salts alters water. And in case using, it leads to Wight loss and diarrhea.

Sulfates: are usually in the form of magnesium sulfate, sodium sulfate, and calcium sulfate and they are considered as laxative for animals. Laxatives affects young birds rather than adult ones. United States Public Health Service recommends that water contains more than 250 ppm chloride or sulfate and 500 dissolved solids is not appropriate for usage. Sulfates more than 500 ppm in usage water can cause diarrhea in chicks.

Iron: low concentrations such as 3/0 ppm changes the water color to brown. Finding out up to 30 ppm iron in rural water sources is not unexpected. Based on the fact that ostriches cannot tolerate high level of dietary iron they are unique among birds. Therefore, removing any unnecessary iron from ostrich diet should take into consideration. It is not so easy to recognize the maximum level of iron for ostrich. Since this levels depends on the amount of iron birds receives from daily rations. Additionally, these birds are into munching junks on the ground. And soil is rich in iron which can be considered as another source. Whereas using too much iron in sources such as water, feed, and soil is toxic and it is not suggested at all. This reduces birds’ productivity. High level of iron in ostrich diet may interfere the iron available in other important minerals. High amount of iron in ostrich diet may even interfere with phosphorus level and sometimes it causes phosphorus usage. Phosphorus is an essential item for proper growth (bone and muscle), fertility, and reproduction. In ostriches phosphorus deficiency due to high level of iron changes the flesh taste which is important for consumers. Thereupon, Blue Mountain food intake diet recommends to maintain 3/0ppm iron level in water intake. If water contains iron level more than given amount, it is recommended that to set up water treatment system in order to remove excess iron and other harmful substances.

Manganese: often acts in the same way as iron but the difference is that manganese level causes a black stain on pipes and irritation equipment.

Nitrates: nitrates are widely dispersed in the environment, they are beneficial particularly to plants. The entrance of significant amount of nitrates (NO3) in drinking water would definitely endanger health. Nitrates (NO3) can be converted into toxic nitrite by bacteria in gastrointestinal tract. Nitrates and nitrites have an additional impact as well. Evaluating the level of substances which animals are exposed to, livestock feed, bacterial behaviors in water, and the amount of water usage should put into consideration. Sources of nitrates and nitrites in drinking water includes:  

• Leaking and water penetration passes through the soil

• Surface water and well water contamination

• Conversion of nitrate to nitrite by bacteria

Nitrates, the effects of production and reproduction, safety border, complications with other nitrogen sources, appropriate methods to remove or deactive them, and other significant matters are into discussion and research in particular environments. Nitrates can be converted into nitrites by bacteria in larger quantities which are absorbed easily and decrease transport of oxygen in the blood.

In some animal species, lack of vitamin A is due to nitrates which is considered essential since all ostrich diets must contain adequate amount of vitamin A, iodine, phosphorus, and energy. Nitrates level differs in wells in rural areas. This is an important reason why ostrich diet contains sufficient amount of vitamin A, iodine, phosphorus, and energy. Nitrates level in wells in rural areas. High raining periods in the spring leads to increasing nitrates levels in farming wells in rural areas.  Removing nitrates from drinking water is so difficult and costly. Substitute Anion can remove nitrates. The harmful domain of nitrates in water can be varied between 50ppm and 100 ppm. United states Department of Health considers the maximum level (45ppm) for nitrates in human drinking water.

Microorganisms: coliform bacteria are found nearly everywhere and they originate as organisms in soil, vegetation, animals as well. The term fecal coliform bacteria referred to organisms that are naturally in intestinal tract of (warm-blooded) animals, birds, and human. While these bacteria are generally harmless, but they indicate the presence of pathogenic bacteria and viruses. Harmful microorganisms can easily penetrate water wells whose protection against contaminated surface water is not carried out properly. Given results of water testing for coliform bacteria is declared as: 0 the desired level, 1 to 8 adverse, 9 or more is unsafe. Protection of drinking water against contamination, chlorine handling or water purification can solve the problem of microorganisms.

PH: Acidic water damage pumps, pipes, tanks, and equipment. Acid water is soda ash or caustic soda is injected into water. Alkalinity is most commonly associated with water supplies and it typically deals with bicarbonates, carbonates, and hydroxides that improve the taste of soda. Alkalinity encourages bacterial growth causes corrosion in pipelines and radiators due to bacteria communities.

Chlorides: chlorides are safe merely. Unless in vast amounts of above 200 ppm. Sea salt (and other kinds of salt) is a combination of Sodium and Chloride. 50 ppm to 100 ppm are tasty for flocks.

Phosphate: high levels of phosphate found in rural water wells is considered as a sign of contamination. Though phosphates themselves are harmless, they are a source of food related bacteria and bacterial contamination.

Hydrogen sulfide: this combination is a result of bad distinctive odor of water obtained from wells. Even 1 ppm can gives water a “rotten egg” or “sulfate water “odor. The resulting weak acid attack iron and make a black and oily mixture. The most economical way of eliminating hydrogen sulfide from water is oxidizing it by a chemical such as hypo chloride. This mixture causes sulfur gas which can be removed from water.

Pesticides and herbicides: they can reach groundwater or surface water as a result of rain water, drifting. the matter of water pollution must force local public institutions  to use properly.

Other elements and toxic substances:

These changes may be caused by either natural factors or human activities. Water normally receives materials and other toxic substances either from human activities or natural compounds. Unfortunately, limited information is available based upon toxic level of many toxic inorganic elements in livestock drinking water. Several conditions must to put into consideration regarding determining whether or not a certain level of a substance is there. Toxic substances in water are found in forms of solids or soluble which depends on animal digestive system.

Short term exposure of toxic substances does not have observable effects. However, prolonged or overuse can result in serious health danger. Different species of animals react differently. Healthy young animals respond differently in comparison to weak or adult ones. It should be pointed out that: climate change could have significant impacts on water resources, especially water resources supplied from shallow wells whether due to natural conditions or human activities. Several elements found in water seldom offer problems for the livestock. Because they cannot be soluble at high levels. Furthermore, all chemicals are toxic in high concentrations. Examples of these chemicals are Aluminum, Beryllium, Boron, Chromium, Cobalt, Copper, Iodine, Manganese, Molybdenum, and Zinc. Moreover, these elements are not found as a community form in meat, milk, or egg.

On the other hand, metals such as lead, mercury, cadmium, must be taken into consideration. Since, if these elements generally are presented in water at toxic concentrations, they can be dangerous for human consumption.

Water testing

In order to obtain information about required tests and concentration of available substance, it is possible to get in touch with Health Care Centre, Agricultural Centre, and Veterinary Centre. In the following, a table can be seen which is designed by United States Public Health Service which shows drinking water standards.

United States Public Health Service Drinking Water standards

Chemicals _ Explanations

Nitrates 45 ppm

Nitrites 03/0 ppm

Iron 3/9 ppm

Water hardness 0 to 3 GPG which is called soft water – 4 GPG is called hard water.

Phosphate 5 ppm. Higher phosphates is a sign of excreta

Sulfur 250 ppm

Hydrogen sulfide 1/0 ppm

Arsenic 01/0 ppm

Copper 1 ppm

Cyanide 01/0 ppm

Fluorine 1/0 to 2/1 ppm

Zink 5 ppm

Silver 05/0 ppm

Selenium 01/0 ppm

 Manganese 05/0 ppm

Lead 05/0 ppm

Salty taste

Proved by most laboratories

Conclusion:

If drinking water is supplied by rural water wells, water quality deserves increased attention. Never assume that the quality of water is unchanged. In order to determine the absence of hazardous nutrients and substances to birds, conducting an experiment is crucial. Moreover, water must be conducted too during different seasons. Water resources can be changed dramatically in the area.