Effect of the day period on the behavior of adult breeding ostriches (Struthio camelus)

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Department of Veterinary Hygiene and Management, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Benha University

Abstract

The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of period of the day on the behavior of adult
breeding ostriches (Struthio camelus) in a farming environment. A twenty –one mature African
black neck breed ostriches (7 males and14 females) were used .The birds were divided into 7
groups(1male:2 females)per group. The observations were carried out at three different periods;
morning (8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m), at noon (11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m) and at afternoon (4:00 p.m. to
5:00 p.m).
Feeding, drinking, walking, running, thermoregulation, body care and aggressive behaviors were
recorded following through number of individuals observed to be in the act of pattern at 30seconds
interval during the observation session (5 minutes). The order of observation was randomized for
each group .By this system of rotation with in the periods of days we have a sheet of three daily
periods as reprehensive to the week. When the periods noon/afternoon were compared, there was
significant differences in walking, running, drinking water, eating ration, litophagia, dancing, sand
bathing. It was observed that the behavior of ostriches differ according to day period.

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