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Ostrich (Struthio camelus) embryonic development from 7 to 42 days of incubation |
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| Authors: | Z Brand S W P Cloete I A Malecki C R Brown |
| Institution: | 1. Department of Animal Sciences, University of Stellenbosch, Matieland, South Africa;2. Directorate Animal Sciences, Oudtshoorn, South Africa;3. Directorate Animal Sciences, Elsenburg, South Africa;4. School of Animal Biology, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Science, University of Western Australia, Crawley, Australia;5. UWA Institute of Agriculture, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, Australia;6. Institute of Science and the Environment, University of Worcester, Worcester, England |
| Abstract: | 1. Hatching success of ostrich eggs is poor (50–60% of fertile eggs). The current study was designed to identify the timing of key stages in the development of the ostrich embryo. 2. Growth of both embryo and wing length during 42 d of incubation was comparable and approximately linear, with a more or less weekly doubling in size up to 35 d of incubation. 3. The embryo eye size increased more rapidly than beak length and reached a maximum of ~16.2 mm by 28 d of incubation, whereas beak length increased continuously until hatching at 42 d. 4. Linear regression equations were derived from morphometric measurements of embryos between 7 and 42 d. 5. Information stemming from these results can be used to estimate the age of dead-in-shell embryos in an attempt to identify timing of incubation problems that potentially result in low hatchability of fertile eggs. |
| Keywords: | Ostrich incubation embryology embryo length leg wing beak setting position |