Objetivou-se com este estudo caracterizar a anatomia do sistema porta renal e verificar sua influência sobre o protocolo anestésico xilazina, tiletamina e zolazepam na contenção de avestruzes, por comparação da administração dos fármacos nos músculos da perna ou da asa. Para o estudo anatômico, foi injetado, em cinco animais, látex nas veias femorais no sentido de drenagem e posteriormente as aves foram fixadas em formol a 10%, por 72 horas. Em uma ave procedeu-se à localização, colheita e fixação das valvas portais renais em formol a 10%. Os exemplares foram dissecados e o sistema porta renal apresentou-se constituído por duas veias portais renais craniais bem reduzidas, duas veias portais renais caudais e seis valvas portais renais. A veia porta renal caudal apresentou-se relacionada, cranialmente, com a veia femoral, a partir da sua união com a veia ilíaca externa, e caudalmente, com a veia isquiática e ilíaca interna. Na contenção química, utilizaram-se seis avestruzes distribuídos aleatoriamente em dois grupos. O grupo I (GI) recebeu o protocolo nos músculos da base das asas e no grupo II (GII) o protocolo foi administrado nos músculos das pernas. O protocolo anestésico aplicado nos animais dos grupos constou de xilazina (1,0 mg/kg) e após 10 minutos administrou-se a tiletamina/zolazepam (6,0 mg/kg). Foram utilizados os mesmos animais nos dois grupos, respeitando-se um intervalo mínimo de 15 dias entre cada anestesia. O período de latência foi de 5,63±3,9 (GI) e 3,80±2,07 (GII) minutos (p>0,05) após a administração da tiletemina/zolazepam. A qualidade da indução foi razoável e ruim em uma ave (16,67%) do GI e GII, respectivamente. O período hábil anestésico foi de 35,17±8,13 (GI) e 27,33±9,75 (GII) minutos (p>0,05). A freqüência cardíaca permaneceu abaixo dos valores basais durante a anestesia (p<0,05) nos dois grupos. O calor e elevada umidade do ar promoveram aumento da temperatura cloacal nos grupos, principalmente em GII, levando ao incremento da freqüência respiratória para facilitar a perda de calor. O relaxamento muscular foi intenso por 20 minutos em dois animais (33,33%) do GI e por 10 a 15 minutos em cinco aves (83,33%) do GII. O período de recuperação foi de 33,67±10,20 (GI) e 28,83±8,47 (GII) minutos (p>0,05). Nos dois grupos a qualidade de recuperação foi razoável em uma ave (16,67%) e ruim em outro animal (16,67%). A contenção química foi adequada para a realização de procedimentos de curta duração a campo nos avestruzes dos dois grupos, portanto não foi possível evidenciar a influência do sistema porta renal. / The aim of this study was to characterize the anatomy of the renal portal system and to verify its influence on the anesthetic protocol xylazine, tiletamine and zolazepam in the restraint of ostriches, comparing the drugs administration in the muscles of the leg or of the wing. For the anatomical study, it was injected, in five animals, latex in the femoral veins in the drainage direction and afterwards the birds were fixed in formol to 10%, for 72 hours. In a bird it was proceeded to the location, collected and fixation of the renal portal valves in formol to 10%. The animals were dissected and the renal portal system was constituted by two cranial renal portal veins very reduced, two caudal renal portal veins and six renal portal valves. The caudal renal portal vein was related, cranially, with the femoral vein, from its union with the external iliac vein, and caudally, with the ischiatic vein and the internal iliac vein. In the chemical restraint, it was used six ostriches distributed randomly in two groups. Group I (GI) received the protocol in the base muscles of the wings and in group II (GII) the protocol was administered in the muscles of the legs. The anesthetic protocol used in the animals of the groups consisted of xylazine (1,0 mg/kg) and after 10 minutes it was administered tiletamine/zolazepam (6,0 mg/kg). The same animals were used in the two groups, respecting a minimum interval of 15 days between each anesthesia. Latency period was 5,63±3,9 (GI) and 3,80±2,07 (GII) minutes (p>0,05) after the administration of tiletamine/zolazepam. The induction quality was fair and poor in a bird (16,67%) of GI and GII, respectively. The duration of action was 35,17±8,13 (GI) and 27,33±9,75 (GII) minutes (p>0,05). The heart rate remained below the basal values during the anesthesia (p<0,05) in the two groups. The warmth and elevated air humidity promoted cloacal temperature increase in the groups, mostly in GII, leading to the increment of the respiratory rate to facilitate the warmth loss. The muscular relaxation was intense for 20 minutes in two animals (33,33%) of GI and for 10 to 15 minutes in five birds (83,33%) of GII. The recovery period was 33,67±10,20 (GI) and 28,83±8,47 (GII) minutes (p>0,05). In the two groups the recovery quality was fair in a bird (16,67%) and poor in other animal (16,67%). The chemical restraint was adapted for the achievement of procedures of short duration in field in the ostriches of the two groups, therefore it was not possible to evidence the renal portal system influence.

A criação industrial de avestruzes no Brasil tem crescido nos últimos anos, mas avestruzes podem ser reservatórios de agentes com potencial zoonótico, como é o caso do vírus da influenza, rotavírus, vírus da encefalomielite eqüina do leste (EEEV) e do oeste (WEEV), salmonela, leptospira e micoplasma. O objetivo deste trabalho foi detectar rotavírus nas fezes de filhotes, anticorpos contra rotavírus, EEEV e WEEV, influenza A , leptospira, salmonela e micoplasma a partir do soro de reprodutores e efetuar o isolamento de Salmonella sp. a partir de de suabe cloacal. Para a detecção de rotavírus nas fezes utilizaram-se as técnicas de PAGE, isolamento viral e genotipagem pela RT-PCR. As técnicas de contraimunoeletroosmoforese, soroneutralização em cultura de células, inibição da hemaglutinação e aglutinação em placa foram utilizadas nos levantamentos sorológicos e a cultura bacteriológica foi utilizada para detecção de Salmonella spp. em suabes de cloaca. Rotavírus do grupo A com genotipos G[6], G[10], P[1] e P[7] foram detectados nas fezes de avestruzes e anticorpos anti-rotavírus em 10 amostras (10/182) de soros colhidos de avestruzes reprodutores. Foram detectados anticorpos para vários sorovares de Leptospira spp. (19/128), Salmonella pullorum (17/182), Mycoplasma gallisepticum (17/182) e Mycoplasma synoviae (47/182). Não foram detectados anticorpos anti-EEEV e WEEV e anti-vírus da Influenza A H3, bem como amostras de Salmonella spp. em suabes de cloaca. Estes resultados permitem sugerir o papel do avestruz na cadeia epidemiológica das rotaviroses e da leptospirose e dão bases para o aprimoramento sanitário do plantel brasileiro desta ave. / The industrial ostrich breeding in Brazil has grown in the last few years, but ostrich may be reservoirs of potentially zoonotic agents such as influenzavirus, rotavirus, eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV), western equine encephalitis virus (WEEV), Salmonella, Leptospira and Mycoplasma. The aim of the present study was to detect rotavirus in fecal samples of young ostriches, antibodies against rotavirus, EEEV and WEEV, influenza A , Leptospira, Sallmonela and Mycoplasma in sera from breeders and carry out Salmonella isolation in cloacal swabs. For the rotavirus detection, PAGE, viral isolation and genotyping by RT-PCR were used. Counterimmunoelectroosmophoresis, virus neutralisation assay in cell culture, hemagglutination inhibition and plate agglutination were used in the serological surveys and bacteriological culture was used to detetc Salmonella spp. in the cloacal swabs. Group A rotavirus with genotypes G[6], G[10], P[1] and P[7] was detected in the fecal samples and anti-rotavirus antibodies were detected in ten samples (10/182) from breeder ostriches. Antibodies to different serovars of Leptospira spp. (19/128), Salmonella pullorum (17/182), Mycoplasma gallisepticum (17/182) and Mycoplasma synoviae (47/182) were detected. Antibodies against EEEV, WEEV and influenzavirus A H3 were not detected, as well as Salmonella spp. in swab samples. These results allow one to suggest a role to ostriches in the epidemiological chain of rotavirus diseases and leptospirosis and give basis to the improvement of the sanitary condition of the Brazilian flocks.

Made available in DSpace on 2016-04-28T20:15:33Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 2009 - Thais Ferreira Fagundes.pdf: 371119 bytes, checksum: 3ab10bc2aba1cc751859fbdf5b9ed967 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2009-02-11 / Coordena??o de Aperfei?oamento de Pessoal de N?vel Superior / Ostriche breeding has recently achieved commercial importance around the world. It is important to know the parasites those affect animals in commercial farms, as infections can reduce the weight gain, compromise reproductive potential and lead animals to death. Brazil has great environmental differences among its regions, depending on weather conditions and production management, and arrangements must be provided as ostriches are not used to deal with these conditions. The aim of this study was to identify gastrointestinal parasites and checks its seasonal occurrence among animals in a commercial farm in Areal / RJ. Fresh fecal samples were monthly collected (from April/2004 to May/2006) and placed in indentified plastic bags under refrigeration until processing. Centrifugal flotation in sugar saturated solution (counting eggs per grams of feces EPG), faecal culture (identify third-stage - L3 larvae) and centrifugal-sedimentation (protozoa identification) techniques were performed. Two hundred and sixty-four fecal samples were collected and divided in three groups according to ostriches ages: <90, 91 365 and >365 days (adults). Dry and rainy seasons were defined according to meteorological data obtained. Typical eggs of the Order Strongylida were identified in 169 samples (158 from adult ostriches). Once obtained, L3 larvae were identified as Codiostomum struthionis. Species of protozoa were detected in 252 of 264 samples (single and mixed infection). At least one of the three Genus (Cryptosporidium, Blastocystis and Entamoeba) was identified in 95.45% of the samples evaluated. Ostriches >365 days had greater eggs removal during the rainy season compared to dry season, being this difference significant (p=0.0002). When evaluating seasonality, Blastocystis cysts were mostly found among dry season samples (p=0.0043) in the age group of < 90. In the age group > 365 days there was difference significant of removal oocysts/cysts between the dry and rainy seasons for Cryptosporidium (p=0.0161) and Entamoeba (p=0.0387), being higher in the rainy season. Among age group, significant difference of removal of cysts between < 90 and > 365 days to Entamoeba (p=0.0430), greater removal in adults. Significant differences were also found between ages related to EPG disposal (p<0.05 for ostriches < 90 and > 365 days; p<0.05 for ostriches from 91 to 365 and > 365 days), as result of high EPG of adults. / Como o n?mero de criat?rios vem aumentando em todo o mundo, o conhecimento dos parasitos que acometem as avestruzes ? importante, pois quando infectadas pode ocorrer um menor ganho de peso, comprometer o potencial reprodutivo e at? causar a morte. O ambiente brasileiro varia bastante e, dependendo das condi??es clim?ticas de cada regi?o, a efici?ncia de produ??o tamb?m se altera, pois a avestruz ? pouco afeita a ambientes chuvosos. Este trabalho teve como objetivos identificar os parasitos gastrintestinais de avestruzes de uma cria??o em Areal/RJ e verificar a sazonalidade de ocorr?ncia dos parasitos de acordo com a faixa et?ria das aves. Foram coletadas, mensalmente, amostras fecais rec?m emitidas e acondicionadas em sacos pl?sticos devidamente identificados, e mantidas sob refrigera??o at? o momento de serem examinadas. Uma parte das fezes foi processada seguindo a t?cnica de centr?fugo-flutua??o em solu??o saturada de a??car para a contagem de ovos por grama de fezes (OPG). Outra parte foi utilizada na realiza??o de coproculturas para identificar a larva de terceiro est?dio (L3). E a terceira por??o do material fecal foi processada seguindo a t?cnica de centr?fugo-sedimenta??o para identifica??o de protozo?rios. Foram coletadas, entre abril de 2004 e maio de 2006, 264 amostras de fezes de avestruzes divididas em tr?s faixas et?rias: at? 90 dias, de 91-365 dias e acima de 365 dias (adultos). Foram obtidos dados meteorol?gicos para defini??o das esta??es seca e chuvosa. Verificaram-se 170 amostras positivas para ovos t?picos da ordem Strongylida, sendo 159 amostras provenientes de avestruzes adultas. Ap?s a obten??o das L3, estas foram identificadas como Codiostomum struthionis. Foram observados protozo?rios em 252 das 264 amostras examinadas ocorrendo infec??o simples ou mista, ou seja, 95,4% das amostras estavam positivas para pelo menos um dos tr?s g?neros encontrados: Cryptosporidium, Blastocystis e Entamoeba. Ap?s a an?lise estat?stica pode-se observar que na faixa et?ria acima de 365 dias houve diferen?a significativa para libera??o de ovos e entre as esta??es seca e chuvosa (p= 0,0002), sendo a maior elimina??o na esta??o chuvosa. Na an?lise da diferen?a entre as esta??es para protozo?rios houve diferen?a significativa na elimina??o de cisto de Blastocystis (p= 0,0043) na faixa et?ria de 0-90 dias, onde na esta??o seca a libera??o foi maior, e na faixa et?ria acima de 365 dias houve diferen?a significativa de elimina??o de oocistos/cistos entre a esta??o seca e chuvosa para Cryptosporidium (p= 0,0161) e Entamoeba (p= 0,0387), sendo maior na chuva. Entre as faixas et?rias, houve diferen?a significativa de elimina??o de cistos entre 0-90 dias e acima de 365 dias para Entamoeba (p= 0,0430). Para a compara??o de elimina??o de OPG entre as faixas et?rias houve diferen?a significativa entre 0-90 dias e acima de 365 dias (p<0,05) e 91-365 dias e acima de 365 dias (p<0,05), sendo a maior elimina??o nos adultos.

Made available in DSpace on 2016-04-28T20:15:35Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 2009 - Nicole Brand Ederli1.pdf: 1323032 bytes, checksum: 394a97d8f4b106b07b28af4a26a7af8d (MD5) Previous issue date: 2009-02-13 / Coordena??o de Aperfei?oamento de Pessoal de N?vel Superior / The aim of this work was differentiates infective larvae of Libyostrongylus douglassii, L. dentatus and Codiostomum struthionis allowing the differential diagnosis of those species among fecal cultures. For this, 10 adult ostriches were slaughtered, their proventriculum and caeca ware removed and adult parasites were collected. Females adults of L. douglassii and L. dentatus were separate in five samples of 100 females each. The samples were macerated individually and mixed with sterilized feces and culture fecal was performed to obtaining of infective larvae. Adults parasites of C. struthionis collected in the caeca were washed in saline solution (NaCl 0,09%) and quantified. All the parasites were fixed in A.F.A. for optical microscopy and adults of C. struthionis and infective larvae of Libyostrongylus spp. were fixed in Karnovsky solution for scanning electron microscopy. All proventriculum and 90% of the analyzed caeca were positive to the infection by Libyostrongylus spp. and C. struthionis, respectively. It is possible to distinguish L. douglassii of L. dentatus and C. struthionis by the morphology and length of the larvae sheath tail, that in L. douglassii is short and with acute ending different the other two species that are long and filamentous. For the differential diagnosis between L. dentatus and C. struthionis is more reliable the use of the morphology of the ending of the larvae tail that, in L. dentatus presents a knob in the extremity, this character is not observed in C. struthionis. Like this, this continues being the best parameter for the differentiation among these two species of gastrointestinals nematodes of the ostriches. The differentiation of the infective larvae of L. douglassii, L. dentatus and C. struthionis among fecal cultures will facilitate the diagnosis of this species, by researchers and breeders, favoring the knowledge of the biology of these nematodes. / O presente trabalho tem como objetivo diferenciar larvas infectantes de Libyostrongylus douglassii, L. dentatus e Codiostomum struthionis permitindo o diagn?stico diferencial dessas esp?cies atrav?s de culturas fecais. Para isto, 10 avestruzes adultos foram abatidas, seus proventr?culos e cecos removidos e coletado parasitas adultos. F?meas adultas L. douglassii e L. dentatus foram separadas em cinco amostras de 100 f?meas cada. As amostras foram maceradas individualmente e misturadas com fezes secas esterilizadas e foi realizada cultura fecal padr?o para obten??o de larvas infectantes. Parasitas adultos de C. struthionis recolhidos no ceco foram lavados em solu??o fisiol?gica (NaCl 0,09%), quantificados. Todos os parasitas foram fixados em A.F.A. para microscopia ?ptica e adultos de C. struthionis e larvas infectantes de Libyostrongylus spp. foram fixados em solu??o Karnovsky para microscopia eletr?nica de varredura. Todos os proventr?culos e 90% dos cecos analisados estavam parasitados por Libyostrongylus spp. e C. struthionis, respectivamente. ? poss?vel distinguir L. douglassii de L. dentatus e C. struthionis pela morfologia e comprimento da cauda da bainha que em L. douglassii ? curta e com termina??o aguda ao contr?rio das outras duas esp?cies que s?o longas e filamentosas. Para o diagn?stico diferencial entre L. dentatus e C. struthionis ? mais confi?vel a utiliza??o da morfologia da termina??o da cauda da larva que, em L. dentatus apresenta uma protuber?ncia arredondada na extremidade, caractere este n?o observado em C. struthionis. Assim, este continua sendo o melhor par?metro para a diferencia??o entre estas duas esp?cies de nemat?ides gastrintestinais das avestruzes. A diferencia??o das larvas infectantes de L. douglassii, L. dentatus e C. struthionis atrav?s de culturas fecais ir? facilitar o diagn?stico das esp?cies, por pesquisadores e criadores, favorecendo o conhecimento da biologia destes nemat?ides.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi estudar os níveis séricos dos hormônios esteróides (estradiol e progesterona) e analisar as possíveis relações destes com o desenvolvimento do comportamento reprodutivo em fêmeas jovens de avestruzes (Struthio camelus) durante a maturação sexual. No primeiro experimento, duas fêmeas jovens foram avaliadas, três vezes por semana, através de colheitas de sangue para dosagem de estradiol e progesterona e de observações para avaliação do comportamento reprodutivo. No segundo experimento, 20 fêmeas jovens foram selecionadas de acordo com a intensidade de comportamento reprodutivo e tiveram seu comportamento reprodutivo monitorado semanalmente. Foram realizadas colheitas de sangue semanais nos mesmos dias das observações comportamentais. No primeiro experimento, através da comparação das médias dos valores de estradiol nas fases de presença (CCOMP) ou ausência de comportamento reprodutivo (SCOMP), verificou-se uma igualdade entre as médias nas duas fêmeas estudadas e não foi verificada correlação entre os níveis séricos de estradiol e o comportamento reprodutivo. No segundo experimento, a comparação das médias de estradiol entre as amostras dos animais SCOMP e CCOMP apresentou diferença significativa. A comparação das médias entre as 4 categorias comportamentais estabelecidas - sem comportamento (SCOMP), com baixo comportamento (COMPBX), com alto comportamento sem aceitação de cópula (COMPALTSACC), com alto comportamento com aceitação de cópula (COMPALTCACC) - demonstraram haver diferença significativa entre os valores de estradiol encontrados, também sendo verificada correlação entre as 4 categorias e os níveis médios de estradiol (r = 0,64). Para a progesterona, no primeiro experimento, os valores médios foram significativamente maiores nas amostras SCOMP do que nas CCOMP, sendo que a progesterona apresentou uma correlação negativa com a intensidade do comportamento reprodutivo nas duas fêmeas (r = -0,54 e r = -0,33). No segundo experimento, os valores médios de progesterona foram significativamente maiores nas amostras CCOMP do que nas amostras SCOMP. As médias de progesterona das 4 categorias comportamentais apresentaram diferenças significativas e houve correlação positiva (r = 0,43) dos níveis de progesterona com as 4 categorias comportamentais. Os resultados sugerem que exista uma relação entre os níveis de estradiol e progesterona e a modulação da intensidade de comportamentos reprodutivos, mas não necessariamente entre estes níveis hormonais e a iniciação destes comportamentos e que os perfis séricos de estradiol e progesterona em fêmeas de avestruz na fase de maturação sexual apresentam semelhanças com outras espécies de aves. / The purpose of this work was to study the serum levels of estradiol and progesterone and analyze their relationship with the development of the reproductive behavior in young female ostriches (Struthio camelus) during sexual maturity. The first experiment studied two young females, through blood samples, three times a week, for measurement of estradiol and progesterone and was performed behavioral observations at the same time. In the second experiment, twenty young female ostriches had their reproductive behavior monitored weekly and blood samples were collected for hormone assays in the same days of the observations. The results of the first experiment showed no differences between the mean of estradiol levels in the two phases, with and without reproductive behavior. In the same way there were no correlations between estradiol levels and frequency of behaviors. In the second experiment, there were significant differences between the mean of estradiol levels with and without reproductive behavior. When it was considered four categories of behavior (without behavior, low behavior, high behavior and no copulation posture, and high behavior and copulation posture display), the mean estradiol levels showed significant differences. There was positive correlation between the categories and the estradiol levels (r = 0,64). Regarding progesterone, the first experiment, demonstrated significantly higher hormonal levels in the absence than in the presence of reproductive behavior and a negative correlation between the occurrence of behaviors and the hormonal levels for both females (r = -0,54 and r = -0,33). In the second experiment, the means of progesterone levels were significantly higher in the phase with behavioral displays than with none. For the four behavioral categories, the means of progesterone levels differed significantly and showed a positive correlation (r = 0,43) with the reproductive behavior. The results suggest that there is a relationship between estradiol and progesterone levels and the occurence of the reproductive behavior, but not necessarily between these hormone levels and the initiation of the process. The hormonal levels of estradiol and progesterone found in ostriches were similar to some domestic avian species.

Objetivou-se com este estudo caracterizar a anatomia do sistema porta renal e verificar sua influência sobre o protocolo anestésico xilazina, tiletamina e zolazepam na contenção de avestruzes, por comparação da administração dos fármacos nos músculos da perna ou da asa. Para o estudo anatômico, foi injetado, em cinco animais, látex nas veias femorais no sentido de drenagem e posteriormente as aves foram fixadas em formol a 10%, por 72 horas. Em uma ave procedeu-se à localização, colheita e fixação das valvas portais renais em formol a 10%. Os exemplares foram dissecados e o sistema porta renal apresentou-se constituído por duas veias portais renais craniais bem reduzidas, duas veias portais renais caudais e seis valvas portais renais. A veia porta renal caudal apresentou-se relacionada, cranialmente, com a veia femoral, a partir da sua união com a veia ilíaca externa, e caudalmente, com a veia isquiática e ilíaca interna. Na contenção química, utilizaram-se seis avestruzes distribuídos aleatoriamente em dois grupos. O grupo I (GI) recebeu o protocolo nos músculos da base das asas e no grupo II (GII) o protocolo foi administrado nos músculos das pernas. O protocolo anestésico aplicado nos animais dos grupos constou de xilazina (1,0 mg/kg) e após 10 minutos administrou-se a tiletamina/zolazepam (6,0 mg/kg). Foram utilizados os mesmos animais nos dois grupos, respeitando-se um intervalo mínimo de 15 dias entre cada anestesia. O período de latência foi de 5,63&plusmn;3,9 (GI) e 3,80&plusmn;2,07 (GII) minutos (p&gt;0,05) após a administração da tiletemina/zolazepam. A qualidade da indução foi razoável e ruim em uma ave (16,67%) do GI e GII, respectivamente. O período hábil anestésico foi de 35,17&plusmn;8,13 (GI) e 27,33&plusmn;9,75 (GII) minutos (p&gt;0,05). A freqüência cardíaca permaneceu abaixo dos valores basais durante a anestesia (p&lt;0,05) nos dois grupos. O calor e elevada umidade do ar promoveram aumento da temperatura cloacal nos grupos, principalmente em GII, levando ao incremento da freqüência respiratória para facilitar a perda de calor. O relaxamento muscular foi intenso por 20 minutos em dois animais (33,33%) do GI e por 10 a 15 minutos em cinco aves (83,33%) do GII. O período de recuperação foi de 33,67&plusmn;10,20 (GI) e 28,83&plusmn;8,47 (GII) minutos (p&gt;0,05). Nos dois grupos a qualidade de recuperação foi razoável em uma ave (16,67%) e ruim em outro animal (16,67%). A contenção química foi adequada para a realização de procedimentos de curta duração a campo nos avestruzes dos dois grupos, portanto não foi possível evidenciar a influência do sistema porta renal. / The aim of this study was to characterize the anatomy of the renal portal system and to verify its influence on the anesthetic protocol xylazine, tiletamine and zolazepam in the restraint of ostriches, comparing the drugs administration in the muscles of the leg or of the wing. For the anatomical study, it was injected, in five animals, latex in the femoral veins in the drainage direction and afterwards the birds were fixed in formol to 10%, for 72 hours. In a bird it was proceeded to the location, collected and fixation of the renal portal valves in formol to 10%. The animals were dissected and the renal portal system was constituted by two cranial renal portal veins very reduced, two caudal renal portal veins and six renal portal valves. The caudal renal portal vein was related, cranially, with the femoral vein, from its union with the external iliac vein, and caudally, with the ischiatic vein and the internal iliac vein. In the chemical restraint, it was used six ostriches distributed randomly in two groups. Group I (GI) received the protocol in the base muscles of the wings and in group II (GII) the protocol was administered in the muscles of the legs. The anesthetic protocol used in the animals of the groups consisted of xylazine (1,0 mg/kg) and after 10 minutes it was administered tiletamine/zolazepam (6,0 mg/kg). The same animals were used in the two groups, respecting a minimum interval of 15 days between each anesthesia. Latency period was 5,63&plusmn;3,9 (GI) and 3,80&plusmn;2,07 (GII) minutes (p&gt;0,05) after the administration of tiletamine/zolazepam. The induction quality was fair and poor in a bird (16,67%) of GI and GII, respectively. The duration of action was 35,17&plusmn;8,13 (GI) and 27,33&plusmn;9,75 (GII) minutes (p&gt;0,05). The heart rate remained below the basal values during the anesthesia (p&lt;0,05) in the two groups. The warmth and elevated air humidity promoted cloacal temperature increase in the groups, mostly in GII, leading to the increment of the respiratory rate to facilitate the warmth loss. The muscular relaxation was intense for 20 minutes in two animals (33,33%) of GI and for 10 to 15 minutes in five birds (83,33%) of GII. The recovery period was 33,67&plusmn;10,20 (GI) and 28,83&plusmn;8,47 (GII) minutes (p&gt;0,05). In the two groups the recovery quality was fair in a bird (16,67%) and poor in other animal (16,67%). The chemical restraint was adapted for the achievement of procedures of short duration in field in the ostriches of the two groups, therefore it was not possible to evidence the renal portal system influence.

The research program addressed in this study was to do an analysis of the potentials of the marketing of ostrich meat in the South African market. Being the world leader in the ostrich industry, the research’s emphasis was to establish reasons why the meat industry does not explore the South African meat market. To achieve this object, a literature study to determine the key components of the current situation was undertaken and used as a theoretical model to analyse the current situation in the market as well as in the ostrich industry. In addition to the literature study, an empirical study was conducted to identify some critical issues that have an influence on the potential of the domestic market. The survey method used, based on the key components gained from the literature study, consisted of an in-depth scan of the macro-environment and thorough investigation of the target industry. The investigation involved using the Internet and World Wide Web, print media, personal interviews and telephonic interviews. The result of the literature study was finally combined with the results of the empirical study and some recommendations were made. The recommendations were applicable to the ostrich industry in so far that implementing some plans for the meat industry can have serious consequences for the other products of the ostrich industry

The South African ostrich industry is presently characterised by a drastic decline in the slaughter price of slaughter birds, due to the drop in the price of meat as well as leather. As a result, the economic viability of ostrich farming is severely hampered by these developments, and many generally accepted industry practices have to be reviewed. Among the practices under review is the possibility of slaughtering ostriches at an earlier age than the traditional slaughter age of 12 - 14 months, in order to minimise feed costs and the incidence of damage to the skin. However, little information is available on the effect of the slaughter age on the yield and quality of the economically important end-products. The effect of slaughter age on production and the economic viability of a commercially intensive ostrich production system was consequently evaluated in a completely randomised experimental design involving two batches (n= 81 and n= 94) of ostriches. The experiments took place at Kromme Rhee experimental farm of the Elsenburg Research Centre near Stellenbosch. The birds were subject to experimental treatment at the age of 4 months (n= 81, from May 2004 to March 2005) and 6 months (n= 94, from August 2004 to August 2005) respectively. The ostriches were randomly divided into 10 groups of between 16 and 20 birds per group. Standard production practices, as applied in an intensive ostrich production unit, were implemented. Clean drinking water and self-mixed grower diet (min 15 percent crude protein, 0.68 percent lysine and 11.4 MJ ME per kg feed) and finisher diet (min 14 percent crude protein, 0.55 percent lysine and 9.8 MJ ME per kg feed) were provided ad libitum to the birds. Birds were slaughtered at the ages of 8.5, 10.5, 12.5, 14.5, and 16.5 months respectively. Data on feed intake and yields of cold carcass, crust skin size, skin grade and total feathers was recorded for birds slaughtered at the respective ages. Data was analysed according to the analysis of variances. Values for meat yield, skin size yield and feed intake were predicted by regression analysis based on experimental values. Industry figures and norms were used as proxy for other production inputs and costs. A gross margin type analysis was performed to evaluate the effect of different slaughter ages on the profitability of each production system. There was a positive correlation between age and feed intake (r2= 0.40), slaughter weight (r2= 0.97), cold carcass yield (r2= 0.48), skin surface area (r2= 0.39), skin grade (r2= 0.19) and total yield of feathers (r2= 0.29). The dry skin grade showed deterioration as slaughter age was prolonged. Highly significant differences (P< 0.01) in slaughter weight, cold carcass yield, skin surface area, dry skin grade and total feathers were detected at the different slaughter ages. There were no significant differences (P> 0.05) with respect to gender for slaughter weight, skin surface area and dry skin grade within the different age groups. Males had significantly higher (P< 0.05) cold carcass yield and total feather yield than their female counterparts. From this study it can be concluded that an increase in slaughter age significantly increases feed intake, slaughter weight, cold carcass yield, and skin surface area. It is also clear that an increase in slaughter age can be detrimental to dry skin grade. The relative income contribution of the three main products (skin: meat: feathers) occurred in a ratio of 47:53:0, 52:47:1, 47:50:3, 44:51:5, 39:56:5 at the respective slaughter ages. Total income revealed an increase of 26 percent from 8.5 to 10.5 months slaughtering, an increase of 4 percent between 10.5 and 12.5 months, and an increase of 11 percent between 12.5 and 14.5 months. The income dropped by 0.3 percent between 14.5 and 16.5 months slaughtering. Total costs increased with slaughter age, particularly feed costs which showed an increase (at a decreasing rate) between the different slaughter ages. The margin above specified cost per bird was the highest for birds slaughtered at the age of 10.5 months. The margin above cost showed a steady decline as birds were slaughtered at higher ages. Slaughtering at 16.5 months revealed a negative margin. To compare the effect of differences in time span on different slaughter age regimes, margin above costs for each system over 5 years were discounted to a present value. In this study, with current feed costs and income from end products, slaughtering at 10.5 months revealed the highest present value for the margin above cost. Furthermore, slaughtering at 16.5 months revealed a negative present value on the margin above cost after 5 years. Financial viability calculations are relevant and valid for data obtained in this case study. Financial viability is however case-specific and may vary between producers, depending on their individual management practices, production systems and cost structures. Results from this study may be of significant value to managerial decision-making in the ostrich industry.

Thesis (MScAgric (Animal Sciences))--University of Stellenbosch, 2011. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The production and export of ostrich meat from southern Africa, to especially the European Union, are increasing rapidly due to the healthy nature of ostrich meat. The European Union has very high standards when importing food products, and it is inevitable that more emphasis is being placed on the production of high quality ostrich meat. Another aspect also of concern to consumers, is the welfare of animals prior to slaughter, and this forces producers to look at ways to decrease stress of animals during the ante-mortem period. Research regarding the effect of stress during the ante-mortem period, and as a result, on meat quality, haematology and weight loss in ostriches, is lacking and thus the purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of various transport distances, travel conditions and different birds on these factors. Ante-mortem stress was measured using serum corticosterone levels (ng/ml), heterophil: lymphocyte (H:L) ratio, white blood cell (WBC) count, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and creatine kinase (CK), as well as the rate and extent of pH decline in the M. gastrocnemius. Special emphasis was also placed on the meat quality parameters drip loss, cooking loss, colour and Warner-Bratzler shear force (kg/1.27 cm diameter). Live weight losses, as well as carcass weight and weight of bruises cut off from each bird were also recorded during various stages of the trials. The effect of transport distance on the meat quality of ostriches was investigated. Ultimate pHu measurements were taken at 24 hours post-mortem. The muscles of the ostriches from the control group (i.e. birds that were not transported prior to slaughter) had a lower mean pHu (5.77 ± 0.053) than birds that travelled 60 (5.93 ± 0.053) and 600 km (6.11 ± 0.053), respectively. Differences in meat drip loss percentage were also observed between the three treatments. The birds in the control group (0.40 ± 0.07 %) had the lowest meat drip loss percentage compared to the birds that travelled 60 km (treatment C) (1.36 ± 0.07 %) and 600 km (treatment B) (0.97 ± 0.07 %), respectively, to a commcerical ostrich abattoir. Ostriches that were transported for 600 km (8.13 ± 1.16 %) had a greater percentage live weight loss during the antemortem period than birds that travelled a distance of 60 km (2.4 ± 2.185 %) to the abattoir, although both groups were deprived of feed for the same period. When the haematology of the groups that travelled different distances was compared at various time intervals in the ante-mortem period, both groups of birds experienced significant increases in WBC, s-AST and s-CK. An increased H:L ratio from pre-transport to post-transport was only evident in the birds that travelled 600 km (treatment B). However, the birds that travelled 60 km were the only group of birds that had significant elevated serum corticosterone levels during the ante-mortem period. The increase in the various blood parameters indicates severe physical stress, which negatively affected meat quality. Another trial also investigated the effect of various farming systems and transport on meat quality and bruising of ostrich carcasses. Ostriches were raised in three different farming systems, i.e. feedlot -, semiintensive - and free range conditions. Other factors that could maybe impact on stress susceptibility, such as road conditions, floorspace and floor type were also investigated. A significant difference in meat pHu was found between ostriches that were raised in a feedlot (5.95 ± 0.018) and semi-intensive (6.04 ± 0.033) environment. The feedlot birds also had the greatest percentage of carcass weight removed due to bruising. The free range birds were the birds that had the lowest floor density per birds and also had the least amount of bruising on their carcasses. Incidently the other two groups (feedlot and semi intensive) were the birds that travelled on the same type of road (mountain pass) in a truck with rubber flooring whilst the free range birds travelled on a straight road in trucks with metal grid floors.The results indicate that the type of farming system didn’t have a significant influence on meat quality of ostriches, but that factors such as road conditions, flooring and bird density did play a significant role in the incidence of bruises and injuries obtained during transport. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die produksie en uitvoer van volstruisvleis vanuit suidelike Afrika, na veral die Europese Unie, is gedurig aan die toeneem as gevolg van die gesonde aard van volstruisvleis. Die Europese Unie het baie hoë standaarde wanneer dit kom by die invoer van voedselprodukte en dit is onvermydelik dat meer klem op die produksie van hoë gehalte volstruisvleis gelê word. ʼn Ander aspek wat ook kommer wek by verbruikers is die welstand van diere voor slagting en hierdie aspek noodsaak produsente om te kyk na maniere om stres te beperk tydens die periode voor slagting. Navorsing rakende die effek van stres tydens die ante-mortem periode, asook vleiskwaliteit, hematologie en gewigsverlies in volstruise as gevolg van vervoer, ontbreek. Die doel van die studie was dus om die invloed van verskillende vervoerafstande, vervoersomstandighede en tipe produksiesisteme op volstruise se stresrespons te ondersoek. Die omvang van ante-mortem stres is bepaal deur die serum-kortikosteroon vlakke (ng/ml), heterofiel: limfosiet (H:L) ratio, witbloedsel (WBS) telling, aspartaat aminotransferase AST en creatien kinase CK, asook die tempo en vlak van pH-daling in die M. gastrocnemius, te meet. Spesiale klem is gelê op die vleisgehalte parameters kookverlies, drupverlies, kleur en Warner-Bratzler-skeurwaardes (kg/1.27 cm deursnee). Gewigsverlies is aangeteken op verskillende stadiums tydens die proewe. Karkasgewigte en die hoeveelheid gewig afgesny van elke volstruiskarkas a.g.v. kneusings is ook bepaal. Die eerste studie het die invloed van vervoerafstand op vleiskwaliteit van slagvolstruise ondersoek. Vleis kwaliteit parameters soos pH, drip verlies, kook verlies, taaiheid en kleur is ondersoek. Die pHu metings is op 24 uur post-mortem geneem. Slagvolstruise in die kontrole groep (d.i. -volstruise wat nie voor slagting vervoer is nie) het ’n laer vleis pHu (5.77 ± 0.05) gehad as voëls wat onderskeidelik 60 km (5.93 ± 0.05) en 600 km (6.11 ± 0.05) ver vervoer is. Verskille in persentasie dripverlies is gesien tussen die vleis van die voëls wat nie vervoer is nie (0.40 ± 0.07 %) en die voëls wat 60 km (1.36 ± 0.07 %) en 600 km ver (0.97 ± 0.07 %) onderskeidelik vervoer is. Volstruise wat vir 600 km (8.13 ± 1.16 %) vervoer is, het ‘n groter persentasie lewende gewig tydens die ante-mortem periode as voëls wat 60 km (2.4 ± 2.19 %) ver vervoer is na die abattoir, verloor, al was beide groepe weerhou van voer vir dieselfde tydperk. Beide groepe wat vervoer is (60 en 600 km) het merkbare toenames in witbloedsel (WBS) tellings, s-AST’s en s-CK’s getoon tydens die ante-mortem periode. Daar is slegs ʼn toename in H:L ratio (ʼn indikator van stres) van voor vervoer tot na vervoer gesien in die voëls wat 600 km vervoer is. Daarteenoor was die voëls wat slegs 60 km vervoer is die enigste voëls wat ʼn toename in korticosteroon vlakke getoon het gedurende die ante-mortem periode. Die toenames is heel moontlik ‘n aanduiding van erge fisiese stres wat ‘n negatiewe effek op vleiskwaliteit het. Die tweede studie het die effek van verskillende produksiesisteme en die stress respons van die verskillende groepe slagvolstuise op vervoer ondersoek. Vleis kwaliteit parameters soos pH, drip verlies, kook verlies en taaiheid is ondersoek. Die hoeveelheid kneusings per volstruis is ook gemeet. Daar was ‘n beduidende verskil (P = 0.009) tussen die pHu van die voerkraal (5.95 ± 0.018) en semi- intensiewe (6.04 ± 0.033) volstruise. Die voerkraal volstruise se vleis het die grootste drip- en kookverliese gehad in vergelyking met die ander twee groepe (semi-intensiewe en ekstensiewe) terwyl die ekstensiewe volstruise die taaiste vleis gehad het. Die voerkraalvoëls het ook die grootste persentasie karkasgewig verloor a.g.v. kneusings wat afgesny is. Die ekstensiewe voëls het die laagste vloer digtheid per volstruis gehad asook die minste kneusings. Die ander twee groepe (voerkraal en semi intensief) was die groepe wat op dieselfde pad vervoer is (bergpas) in vragmotors wat rubber vloere gehad het terwyl die ekstensiewe voêls op ‘n reguit pad vervoer is in ‘n vragmotor met ‘n metaal oppervlakte. Die resultate van die studie is ‘n aanduiding dat die tipe plaassisteem nie ‘n groot impak op die hoeveelheid akute stres ervaar deur die voëls tydens vervoer gehad het of gevolglik op die vleiskwaliteit van die volstruise nie, maar dat faktore soos pad toestand, tipe vloer en voëldigtheid wel ‘n wesenlike rol speel in die voorkoms van kneusings en beserings opgedoen tydens vervoer.

Thesis (PhD(Agric))--Stellenbosch University, 2012. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The ostrich industry experiences high rates of embryonic mortalities during artificial incubation of eggs. Studies have been carried out to investigate factors influencing hatchability, as well as determining genotypic effects for commercial production. Eggs from the combination of South African Black (SAB) male ostriches crossed with Zimbabwean Blue (ZB) female ostriches had embryonic losses of 45.7%. The embryonic mortality of eggs produced by pure bred SAB or ZB breeding birds subjected to pure breeding was similar at around 33 - 34%, but embryonic mortality was improved in eggs produced by ZB males and SAB female crosses (27%). Female age had a significant effect on the proportion of chicks pipped, as well as on early and late the embryonic mortalities. Chicks from eggs stored for intermediate periods, i.e. 3, 4 and 6 days prior to being set, were more likely to pip than chicks from those eggs set directly after collection without storage. Embryonic mortality was increased in eggs that were set directly (32.0%) or subjected to longer than 6 days of storage (43.5%). Chicks that pipped in the correct position had a higher probability of successfully hatching than those pipping in the incorrect position. Transfer of eggs between setters (i.e. disturbance of eggs) during incubation reduced the number of ostrich chicks pipping in the correct position. Incubated ostrich eggs with intermediate levels of water loss, i.e. between 9.0 and 19% of fresh egg weight, were more likely to pip in the correct position than those with higher or lower levels of water loss. Such eggs were also less likely to sustain early, late or overall embryonic mortalities. To optimise hatching success it is important to understand embryonic development. After 2 days of incubation the blastoderm area in eggs from the SAB x ZB crosses (104.5 mm) was lower (P < 0.05) compared to the pure SAB (141.0 mm), pure ZB (161.7 mm) and ZB x SAB crosses (166.1 mm). For embryos incubated for 7 to 42 days, both embryonic and leg growth during the 42 days of incubation was similar and approximately linear, more or less doubling in size up to 35 days of incubation. The embryo eye size increased more rapidly than beak length and reached full size of approximately 16.2 mm by 28 days of incubation, whereas the beak length continued to increase until the chick hatched at 42 days. Incubation position, vertical or horizontal, did not affect any of the measurements of the developing embryo throughout the 42-day incubation period. Air cell volume at 29 day of incubation for infertile eggs (19.3%) was significantly (P < 0.05) higher when compared to dead-in-shell eggs (14.3%) and eggs that hatched successfully (13.8%). Air cell volume was largely independent of strain (SAB or ZB) and whether chicks were assisted to hatch or not. After 41 days of incubation there was a significantly greater (P < 0.05) air cell volume in eggs that hatched normally compared to dead-in-shell eggs (28.3% vs. 21.7%, respectively, suggesting that insufficient water loss contributed to reduced survival. This study provides an insight into the complexity of embryo development and all the factors playing a role in successful hatching of ostrich eggs. Data from a pair-mated ostrich flock were used to estimate genetic parameters for egg weight (EWT), weight of day-old chicks (CWT), water loss to 21 (WL21) and 35 (WL35) days of incubation, and pipping time (PT). Single-trait estimates of heritability (h2) were high and significant (P < 0.05) at 0.46 for EWT, 0.34 for CWT, 0.34 for WL21, 0.27 for WL35 and 0.16 for pipping time. Genetic correlations with EWT amounted to -0.21 for WL21 and to -0.12 for WL35. Corresponding correlations of CWT with WL were highly significant (P < 0.05) at -0.43 and -0.54. Physical characteristics of the eggshell were found to affect water loss and hatchability. Estimates of genetic parameters of 14 146 ostrich eggs for eggshell traits showed that heritability was 0.42 for pore count (PC), 0.33 for shell thickness (ST) and 0.22 for permeability (PERM). PC was negatively correlated with average pore diameter (-0.58) and ST (-0.23), while PC was positively correlated with total pore area (0.58), WL21 (0.24) and WL35 (0.34). The correlations of PC with total pore area and PERM were high and significant. ST was negatively correlated to WL21 and WL35. Additive genetic parameters strongly indicate that it should be possible to alter evaporative water loss and eggshell quality of ostrich eggs through genetic selection. When assessed as a trait of the individual egg or chick, embryonic mortalities exhibited moderate levels of genetic variation both on the normal scale (h2 = 0.16 - 0.22) and the underlying liability scale (h2 = 0.21 - 0.31). Early embryonic survival and late embryonic survival was governed mostly by the same genes (rg = 0.78). Late embryonic survival was genetically correlated to WL35, at -0.22. It was concluded that embryonic survival could be improved by using husbandry measures, a knowledge of the stage when incubation mortalities occur, and by genetic selection, using an integrated approach. Findings from this study will help to understand the mechanisms involved in hatching from artificial incubation better to improve hatchability and also implement selective breeding programs. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die volstruisbedryf ondervind tans ‘n baie hoë voorkoms van embrionale mortaliteite tydens die kunsmatige uitbroei van eiers. Studies is uitgevoer om die faktore wat uitbroeibaarheid beinvloed te ondersoek en om genotipiese effekte te bepaal vir kommersiële produsente. Eiers van die kombinasie van Suid-Afrikaanse swart (SAB) mannetjie volstruise, met Zimbabwean blou (ZB) wyfies, het embrionale mortaliteite van 45.7% gehad. Embrionale mortaliteite van eiers gelê deur suiwer SAB of ZB volstruise was dieselfde op omtrent 33 - 34%, maar embrionale mortaliteite was laer vir eiers geproduseer deur SAB wyfies wat gekruis was met ZB mannetjies (27%). Wyfie ouderdom het ‘n betekenisvolle effek gehad op die proporsie van kuikens wat gepik het, asook die aantal vroeë- en laat embrionale mortaliteite. Kuikens vanuit eiers wat vir die periode 3, 4 dae en 6 dae voor pak in die broeikaste gestoor is, was meer geneig om te pik as kuikens vanaf eiers wat direk na kolleksie gepak is. Embrionale mortalitiete het verhoog vir eiers wat direk na kolleksie gepak was (32.0%) of vir eiers wat langer as 6 dae gestoor was (43.5%). Kuikens wat in die korrekte posisie pik het ‘n hoër kans op uitbroei gehad as kuikens wat in die verkeerde posisie gepik het. Die skuif van eiers tussen verskillende broeikaste (of enige steurnisse) gedurende die broeiproses het ‘n verlaging in die aantal kuikens wat in die korrekte posisie pik, gehad. Volstruiseiers met ‘n gemiddelde vogverlies van tussen 9.0 en 19% van die vars eier massa, was meer geneig om in die korrekte posisie te pik as eiers met laer of hoër vlakke van vogverlies. Sulke eiers was ook minder geneig tot vroeë, laat en totale embrionale mortaliteite. Vir optimale uitbroeisukses is dit belangrik om die ontwikkeling van die embrio te verstaan. Na 2 dae van broei was die blastoderm area in eiers van SAB x ZB kruisings (104.5 mm) kleiner (P < 0.05) as die blastoderm area van suiwer SAB (141.0 mm), suiwer ZB (161.7 mm) en ZB x SAB kruise (166.1 mm). Beide embrionale- en beengroei tydens die 42 dae broeiproses was dieselfde en nagenoeg lineêr, met ‘n verdubbeling in grootte tot en met 35 dae broei. Die embrio se oog vergroot vinniger as wat die snawel verleng en bereik reeds volle grootte van ongeveer 16.2 mm op 28 dae van broei, terwyl die snawel aanhou groei tot uitbroei van die kuiken op 42 dae. Nie die vertikale of horisontale broeiposisie het enige invloed op die metings van die ontwikkelende embrio tot op 42 dae gehad nie. Lugsakvolume vir geil eiers (19.3%) op 29 dae van broei was groter (P < 0.05) as beide die lugsakke van eiers wat dood-in-dop (14.3%) en eiers wat suksesvol uitgebroei het (13.8%). Die lugsakvolume was onafhanklik van beide genotype en of die kuiken met of sonder hulp uitgebroei het. Na 41 dae broei was lugsakvolume groter (P < 0.05) vir eiers wat uitgebroei het teenoor eiers wat dood-in-dop was (28.3% vs. 21.7%, onderskeidelik), wat impliseer dat onvoldoende vogverlies moontlik kan bydrae tot ‘n verlaging in embrionale oorlewing. Hierdie studie gee ‘n insig in die kompleksiteit van embrionale ontwikkeling en al die faktore wat ‘n rol speel in die suksesvolle uitbroei van volstruiseiers. Tydens die bepaling van genetiese parameters vir spesifieke uitbroei-eienskappe in volstruise, is data gebruik afkomend van ‘n teelkudde in ‘n enkelparing stelsel om genetiese waardes vir eiermassa (EWT), dagoud kuikenmassa (CWT), vogverlies tot 21 dae broei (WL21), vogverlies tot 35 dae broei (WL35) en piktyd (PT) gebruik. Enkeleienskap-beraming vir oorerflikheid (h2) was hoog en betekenisvol teen 0.46 vir EWT, 0.34 vir CWT, 0.34 vir WL21, 0.27 vir WL35 en 0.16 vir piktyd. Genetiese korrelasies met EWT was -0.21 vir WL21 en -0.12 vir WL35. Ooreenkomstig was korrelasies van CWT met WL21 en WL35 hoog (P < 0.05) met -0.43 en -0.54 onderskeidelik. Fisiese eienskappe van die eiers het beide vogverlies en uitbroeibaarheid beinvloed. Beramings van genetiese parameters vir 14 146 volstruiseiers se dopeienskappe het gewys dat oorerflikehid 0.42 was vir die aantal porieë (PC), 0.33 vir dopdikte (ST) en 0.22 vir deurlaatbaarheid (PERM). PC was negatief gekorreleerd met gemiddelde porieë deursnee (-0.58) en ST (-0.23), terwyl PC positief gekorreleerd was met totale porieë area (0.58), WL21 (0.24) en WL35 (0.34). Die korrelasie van PC met totale porieë area en deurlaatbaarheid was hoog en betekenisvol. ST was negatief gekorreleerd met WL21 en WL35. Additiewe genetiese parameters het sterk daarop gedui dat dit moontlik sou wees om vogverlies en eierkwaliteit (bv. dopkwaliteit en poreusiteit) van volstruiseiers te verander deur genetiese seleksie. Indien embrionale mortaliteit geevalueer word as ‘n kenmerk van die eier of kuiken, toon dit matige vlakke van genetiese variasie op beide die normale (h2 = 0.16 - 0.22) en die onderliggende skale (h2 = 0.21 - 0.31). Beide vroeë- en laat embrionale oorlewing word deur dieselfde stel gene beheer (rg = 0.78). Laat embrionale oorlewing was geneties gekorreleerd met WL35 teen -0.22. Die gevolgtrekking was dat embrionale oorlewing verbeter kan word deur verbeterde broeikamerpraktyke, kennis van op watter stadium van ontwikkelings embrionale mortaliteite plaasvind en deur genetiese seleksie. Bevindinge vanuit hierdie studies sal help om die meganismes betrokke by die kunsmatige uitbroei van volstruiskuikens beter te verstaan om sodoende uitbroeibaarheid te verbeter en ook suksesvolle seleksie programme te implementeer.