A Simple and Rapid PCR‐Based Method for Ostrich Sexing Using Micro Amounts of DNA

The aim of the present study is to identify ostrich sex by using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) on micro amounts of DNA from blood, bloodstain and feathers. Sixteen male and 18 female ostriches were used as test individuals. Genomic DNA as a template was extracted by the Chelex method. Ostrsex‐P1 and P2 primers were designed to perform PCR amplification on the template. PCR products were checked using agarose gel electrophoresis with ethidium bromide staining and ostrich sex was determined directly by the bands shown on the gel. The results demonstrate that ostrich sex can be determined by the extraction of DNA from as little as 0.0125 μl blood using Chelex, whereby the use of large amounts of organic solvents such as phenol and chloroform are unnecessary. In addition, it is possible to identify ostrich sex using micro amounts of DNA extracted from bloodstains and/or feathers. The use of feathers particularly avoids unwanted sampling problems such as the difficulty of collecting ostrich blood, the stress to the ostrich caused by bleeding, and the demand for a lot of manpower for ostrich restraint.     

Ostrich meat: Production,quality parameters,and nutritional comparison to other types of meats

The poultry industry is considered one of the most efficient industries in producing animal protein. Poultry production consists of several main segments: broilers, commercial eggs, turkeys, ducks, and other poultry, including geese, guinea-fowl, pheasants, quail, and ratites. Currently, ostrich meat is marketed as a healthy red meat because it is characterized by high polyunsaturated fatty acid contents, low saturated fatty acid content, and low cholesterol level compared with red meats, such as beef, while tasting similar to lean beef. Ostrich meat contains lower sodium and higher iron contents than other kinds of meat, making it preferable to hypertensive people and those with anemia. Taken together, ostrich meat is considered as an ideal red meat for individuals seeking healthier lifestyle. Moreover, many different ostrich products, such as leather and feathers, are used by people. The current review paper considers the quality characteristics of ostrich meat, including physical traits, and compares it to other types of meats, such as bovine and other poultry meats.     

Review of the production of ostrich meat

Ostrich meat was originally considered to be a by-product of the leather industry. Ostrich farming focused on the production of good quality hides and was mainly based on experience. Since a few years there has been a move from hide production to meat production; however, little is known about ostrich meat production which has consequences for legislation. There is insufficient knowledge about the factors influencing muscle growth. The strong growth of ostrich meat production in the EU member states should be discussed because the climatic conditions are not optimal and the price of the meat may remain high compared to meat of broilers, pigs, and cattle. Information programmes have to be set up for all members in the production chain. The present method for stunning of ostriches has to be changed in most slaughterhouses. In this study the effects of electrical and mechanical stunning on unconsciousness, duration of unconsciousness, behaviour, and meat quality parameters were examined. At least 500 mA is needed to stun ostriches effectively, and they can be killed using a short-stick interval or a long stunning duration. A modified captive needle pistol, using air pressure, is an alternative to electrical head-only stunning.     

鸵鸟养殖产业的现状与发展前景

综述了国内外鸵鸟养殖业的现状 ,提出了发展我国鸵鸟产业的具体意见和措施 ,为鸵鸟养殖产业化、规范化和集约化提出了合理的建议。     

再谈我国鸵鸟养殖业的发展思路

介绍了世界 5 0多个国家与地区鸵鸟的养殖情况及鸵鸟与鸵鸟产品的国际市场现状 ,指出发展鸵鸟养殖的潜力很大 ,发展前景乐观。同时对鸵鸟的特性和经济价值作了比较详细的论述 ,对将鸵鸟养殖列入开发大陆西部地区的“扶贫项目”提出了一些建议。     

雏鸵鸟趾腿病发病原因及综合预防措施的探讨

雏鸵鸟趾腿病是鸵鸟育雏期最易发生的疾病之一,一年四季均可发生,危害性非常大,给养殖企业和养殖户带来巨大经济损失,严重影响鸵鸟产业的健康发展。论文就雏鸵鸟趾腿病发生的原因进行分析,并提出有效的预防措施,旨在为鸵鸟养殖户提供参考。     

西安地区鸵鸟养殖现状调查

简述了国内外鸵鸟养殖概况 ,通过对西安地区 5个公司的鸵鸟养殖场中的饲养管理、繁育、疾病防治及产品开发等的调查和分析 ,提出了西安地区在鸵鸟养殖方面存在的问题及我国鸵鸟养殖业的发展对策     

Prevalent diseases of ostrich chicks farmed in Canada.

In Canada, ostriches are now slaughtered for their meat and hides. The mortality rate in ostrich farming is highest in chick units. An increased chick survival rate impacts positively on production and profit. This paper will focus on common health disorders that affect chick production costs. These are discussed under the following categories: digestive, orthopedic, respiratory, and integumentary disorders. Methods for elimination or reduction of these mortality factors are also discussed.     

Anatomical and physiological characteristics of ostrich (Struthio camelus var. domesticus) meat determine its nutritional importance for man

The ostrich is increasingly gaining interest as a livestock animal because of its potential to produce healthy red meat with a low fat content. This article describes the characteristics of ostrich meat that allow it to be marketed as a healthy alternative to beef. The muscles utilized for human consumption include the dorsal Muscularis obturatorius medialis and the hindquarters. The trade names of ostrich muscles are currently not standardized and classification is based on location and scientific nomenclature. Meat cuts of a high commercial value reach as much as 80–90% in the ostrich compared with approximately 45% in other species. Described here are key product characteristics important in its marketing, including fat content, cholesterol, fatty acids, sodium, iron, color, flavor and odor, tenderness, pH and water-holding capacity.     

The wild ostrich (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Struthio camelus</Emphasis>): a review

The aim of the current report was to study the literature pertinent to wild populations of ostriches and their ecological and behavioural adaptations in the wild. Selected areas included palaeontology; ostrich distribution; conservation status and relationships with humans and habitat. There is an immediate and urgent need to conserve and protect the apparently rapidly declining populations of wild ostriches with the committed involvement of governments and funding bodies. Wildlife management is an important complement to the farming of livestock. Scientists need to understand the elements of ostrich behaviour in the wild in order to make informed decisions on their management and contact with other animals. Information of the like should be included in readily-accessible and annually updated wildlife manuals. We deemed that such information was an essential part in the conservation of this dwindling ratite.     

Traumatic myositis ossificans in a dog

AIM: To determine the distribution of the three common Trichostrongylus spp. infecting sheep and their resistance status on farms throughout New Zealand, using PCR.

METHODS: Cultures were prepared from faecal samples from 70 farms while conducting faecal egg count reduction tests (FECRT) in lambs between 2010 and 2012. Trichostrongylus-type infective stage larvae (L3) were recovered from cultures, derived from untreated control and albendazole-, levamisole- and ivermectin-treated groups of lambs on each of the farms involved, and these were identified to species using PCR analysis of the second internal transcribed spacer region of ribosomal DNA. The species composition of the larvae present in cultures from the untreated control groups was examined across all farms to assess any potential differences in geographical distribution. In addition, the species composition of larvae cultured from the untreated and anthelmintic-treated lamb groups were compared to determine which species exhibited resistance to each of the anthelmintics used in the FECRT.

RESULTS: Of 67 farms with Trichostrongylus spp. present, 42 (63%) cultures from the untreated control groups contained all three Trichostrongylus spp. and no significant geographical patterns in their distribution were detected. Seven samples contained only one species. Irrespective of the anthelmintic efficacy levels, Trichostrongylus colubriformis dominated cultures prepared from lambs following treatment with albendazole (99.1 (95%CI?=?97?100)% of larvae) or levamisole (81.6 (95%CI?=?75.3?87.9)% of larvae), indicating the presence of widespread resistance in this species. In cultures prepared from levamisole-treated lambs, small numbers of T. axei larvae were also frequently present (5.4 (95% CI?=?1.3?12.4)% of larvae). Resistance to ivermectin was not found in any of the three Trichostrongylus spp. after PCR identification. Although larvae were identified, based on length, as being Trichostrongylus spp., for 24 of the 48 samples cultured following treatment with ivermectin, 100% of the larvae present were identified as Teladorsagia circumcincta.

CONCLUSIONS: As in previous surveys, all three Trichostrongylus spp. were common throughout New Zealand and no geographical patterns were detected in the current study. On all farms where resistance to albendazole and/or levamisole was indicated (i.e. efficacy <95%), the species identified as being resistant was T. colubriformis. Even where efficacies were >95%, T. colubriformis still tended to dominate in post-treatment cultures. While this could reflect a lower susceptibility of T. colubriformis to these anthelmintics, it seems more likely to indicate the presence of resistant genotypes in these populations. Similarly, T. axei also tended to be present after treatment with levamisole, which likely reflects a known lower susceptibility of this species to these anthelmintics.     

Effect of cottonseed oilcake as a protein source on production of breeding ostriches

1. South Africa currently produces 70% of the world’s ostrich products. The profit margin of South African producers from the sale of ostrich meat, leather and feathers currently stands at 20%, 65% and 15%, respectively.

2. Local producers want to increase the production of ostrich products but keep production costs as low as possible. Maintaining optimal nutrition of breeding stock is necessary to increase the production of ostrich chicks, thereby decreasing the fixed costs per chick.

3. This research examined the impact on ostrich reproduction of replacing soya oilcake (SOC) as a protein supplement with cheaper cottonseed oilcake (CSOC). Although there are no data available on the impact of CSOC feed on ostrich reproduction, it is well known that gossypol, a naturally occurring toxin in cotton plants, negatively affects male reproduction in other monogastric species and that it may also reduce appetite.

4. Ninety-six breeding ostrich pairs were divided into two groups to compare the effects of diet (CSOC and SOC) during the breeding season on ostrich-breeding parameters. The replacement of SOC with CSOC had no significant effect on the number of total eggs produced (47.8 ± 5.3 versus 48.3 ± 5.1 per breeding pair, respectively) or infertile eggs (31.5 ± 3.9 versus 38.0 ± 5.2, respectively). Also, the number of dead-in-shell chicks did not differ significantly between groups (20.2 ± 3.3 versus 26.8 ± 3.8, respectively).

5. Even though none of these breeding parameters differed, the replacement of SOC with CSOC in the diets of breeding birds led to significantly more chicks hatching per hen from breeding birds fed on the SOC (36.1 ± 4.8) than the CSOC diet (17.2 ± 3.8).

6. Although it would thus seem that feeding breeding ostriches CSOC instead of SOC as a protein supplement will have a detrimental effect on chick production, more data are required to deliver a definitive answer.

     

中国鸵鸟产业发展前景

从鸵鸟养殖的品种科学配制、利用地方饲料资源 ,疾病防治及产品加工 4个方面论述了我国鸵鸟产业发展的前景     

Nutrition and feed management in the ostrich (Struthio camelus var. domesticus)

The ostrich is an important animal in many livestock industries and in the developing world ostrich production is a valuable source of foreign currency netted from the export of meat and skins. Its successful growth and reproductive performance is dependent upon good nutrition. In Zimbabwe, one of the greatest costs involved in the upkeep of ostrich breeder birds is purchased feed (US$4555.45/10 birds p.a.). In order to cover these costs, the producer needs to ensure an adequate throughput of birds for slaughter. The energy provided by a particular feed source is important for growth and development of the bird. More research is required in ostrich nutrition.     

黄芩苷和环丙沙星联合对鸵鸟源大肠杆菌的协同作用简

为研究黄芩苷能否增强喹诺酮类药物环丙沙星对鸵鸟源大肠杆菌的抗菌活性,本试验先用二倍稀释法测定单个药物对鸵鸟源大肠杆菌的抗菌活性,进而筛选出10株耐药菌株（T1～T4、T7、T8、T10、T12、T21、T25）,然后采用微量肉汤稀释棋盘法,用环丙沙星和黄芩苷对以上10株耐药菌株进行体外联合药敏试验。结果发现环丙沙星和黄芩苷单用的MIC分别为64和512或1024 μg/mL;联合用药后,对10株耐药菌的分级抑菌浓度进行测定,其中T1、T2、T3、T7、T8、T10、T12、T21的分级抑菌浓度均为0.375,T4、T25的分级抑菌浓度均为0.25,10株菌的分级抑菌浓度均小于0.5。结果表明,环丙沙星和黄芩苷联合对鸵鸟源大肠杆菌起协同作用。     

Prevalent organisms on ostrich carcasses found in a commercial abattoir

The prevalent microbial growth on carcasses before and after overnight cooling in an ostrich abattoir and de-boning plant was investigated. The effect of warm or cold trimming of the carcasses was examined together with possible causes of contamination along the processing line. An attempt was made to link the prevalent microorganisms that were identified from carcasses to those from specific external contamination sources. Samples of carcasses and possible contaminants were collected in the plant, plated out and selected organisms were typed using a commercial rapid identification system. It was indicated that the cold trim (mainly of bruises) of carcasses was advantageous in terms of microbiological meat quality. Results indicated pooled water in the abattoir as the most hazardous vector for carcass contamination and that contaminants from this source are mostly Gram-negative pathogens. Pseudomonas and Shigella were frequently isolated from surface and air samples and indicated that the control of total plant hygiene is a requirement for producing ostrich meat that is safe to consume and has an acceptable shelf-life.     

Straussenhaltung in Deutschland / Straussenfleisch aus Namibia--ein Fallbeispiel. [Ostrich husbandry in Germany / ostrich meat from Namibia - a case study]

Within the European Union, academic professions themselves are expected to reach a comparable level of professionalism, a fact that veterinary medicine as well should not ignore. At present, a working group is developing a concept of a teaching module for the Socrates programme "Education in Veterinary Public Health (VPH)", enabling the students by "case studies" to be induced to an integrated approach of tackling problems. In an attempt to demonstrate the didactic procedure, a study of ostrich meat as food for human consumption is presented as a concrete example. In the detailed teacher's guide, informations are given about ostrich husbandry, slaughter procedure and meat inspection, as well as detailed explanations how the health of human consumer can be safeguarded by the introduction of the HACCP system.     

鸵鸟流感研究进展

自９０年代以来，驯养鸵鸟在世界很多国家发展迅猛，已成为经济动物养殖业中重要成员。然而，随之鸵鸟流感也扩散蔓延，危害严重而复杂。本文仅就流感病毒及其疫苗方面的新进展和世界鸵鸟流感现状作一论述。     

Variation in village chicken production systems among agro-ecological zones of Zimbabwe

The degree to which village chickens are integrated in the smallholder farming systems differs depending on the socio-economic, cultural and biological factors within each system. The objective of this study was to characterise the village chicken farming systems and identify possible threats to, and opportunities for, local chickens in the agro-ecological zones of Zimbabwe. A pre-tested questionnaire was administered to households randomly selected from five districts, Risitu (n = 97), Hurungwe (n = 56), Gutu (n = 77), Gokwe-South (n = 104) and Beitbridge (n = 37) in eco-zones I–V, respectively. Age of head of household averaged 47 years (SD = 14.3). Land holdings per household averaged 4.82 ha (SD = 3.6). Overall, 17.7 percent of the households ranked livestock as the major source of income compared to 70.8 percent who ranked crops as the main contributor. Chicken flock size averaged 16.7 (SD = 12.4), and the highest flock sizes were observed in eco-zones I and IV. Households owning cattle, goats and other livestock assigned less important ranks to chickens. Chickens were used mainly for the provision of meat and eggs whilst the use of chicken feathers and investment were uncommon practises. Results indicate that more support is necessary for village chickens in the non-cropping regions of the country.     

Ocular infection of donkeys (Equus asinus) with <Emphasis Type="Italic">Setaria equina</Emphasis>

Seven donkeys raised in different locations in Egypt were found to have a unilateral eye showing motile white worms in the aqueous humor. The parasites were surgically removed from the anterior chamber of the eye in five out of the seven donkeys, and were cleared, mounted and identified as Setaria equina based on light microscopic features. The ocular infection with S. equina reported herein may be the first reported aberrant cases in the Egyptian animals.