When ostrich farming a question often asked is whether it is better to have the feed pelleted or to feed the mix as a meal or ground.   The illustration shows the results of a trial comparing identical rations fed in ground form and pelleted.  The important factor when doing such a comparison is ensuring the formulas are exactly the same.  Pelleted or Ground Feed in Ostrich Farming discusses the importance of understanding this factor.

By comparison D is a scientist scanning a breeder to establish why production is low.  Note how he is on his knees when the farmer in the photos A, B and C is standing and dominated by those young chicks.  Is it any wonder there are productive problems with the breeders in Photo D?  

Photo E is a photo of new farmer investors proudly demonstrating their newly purchased breeders.   Identifying Malnutrition in Ostrich covers this discussion in greater depth.

In livestock nutrition there can be some confusion when discussing “nutrient density” and “concentrates”. The word “concentrates” was introduced some years ago when livestock were fed some additional grains and maybe a few vitamins and/or minerals to help improve the overall nutrient content of their rations to support the forage that they would receive either as grazing, hay or silage.

In commercial ostrich farming, it is essential to understand that ostriches require rations that supply adequate nutrients.  Defining Nutrient Density for Ostriches clearly differentiates the two distinct definitions.

All too often one hears references to roughage with the thought process that this is in an addition to the main ration.  It appears that these people perceive the forage ingredient as providing only for the “roughage” element.    In ostrich farming, forage ingredients are an important component of ostrich rations as discussed in Feed Ingredient Types in a Balanced Ostrich Ration.

Understanding the differences between Dietary Fibre and Roughage goes into greater depth on this topic.

High levels of ostrich chick mortality have been a major problem in ostrich farming over the years.    Chick Mortality in Ostrich Farming discusses this issue with some explanations provided by Causes of Ostrich Chick Mortality.

Disease outbreaks are always a threat for any livestock production business – so ensuring flock security is an essential management tool to minimise such risks..  Ostrich Farming flock Security discusses this issue as it applies to ostrich farming.

Put simply nutrient density is defined as a ratio of nutrient content (weight per nutrient) to the total energy content (in kilocalories or joules).   Some foods contribute many nutrients along with their contribution of energy – other foods contribute only energy.   The body of any species requires adequate nutrients in the correct proportions as well as sufficient energy.  

The role of Nutrition in Ostrich Farming and Understanding Nutrients and Ingredients and Defining Nutrient Density for Ostriches discuss this in more detail as it applies when ostrich farming.

The table illustrates the comparative contribution of nutrients per gram of the specifed feed ingredient. Note how the greater the fibre, the notable reduction in essential nutrients.

An ostrich does not have a gall bladder.  This fact resulted in many farmers ostrich farming informed that that the cause of death in their baby ostrich chicks was caused by yolk sac infection. This diagnosis was based on witnessing various degrees of green colouration of yolk sacs on post mortem. 

Bile is a green liquid required to assist in the digestion of fats.   Yolk Sac Infection and Retention in Ostrich Chicks discuses this in more detail. 

There are a number of defects experienced in egg production.  This applies to all farming, not only ostrich farming.  Defects in Ostrich Eggs and their Causes provides details of some defects and explains possible causes.