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REVIEW
Contents Vol 48(10)

Deriving a preliminary breeding objective for commercial ostriches: an overview

S. W. P. Cloete A B F , A. Engelbrecht A C , J. J. Olivier D and K. L. Bunter E
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations

A Department of Animal Sciences, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa.

B Institute for Animal Production, Elsenburg, Private Bag X1, Elsenburg 7607, South Africa.

C Institute for Animal Production, Oudtshoorn, PO Box 351, Oudtshoorn 6620, South Africa.

D ARC, Livestock Business Division, Private Bag X5013, Stellenbosch 7599, South Africa.

E Animal Genetics and Breeding Unit, University of New England, Armidale, NSW 2351, Australia.

F Corresponding author. Email: schalkc@elsenburg.com

Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture 48(10) 1247-1256 https://doi.org/10.1071/EA08135
Submitted: 12 April 2008  Accepted: 8 August 2008   Published: 11 September 2008

Abstract

Ostrich farmers rely on skins and meat as their most important sources of revenue, with feathers being of secondary importance. This paper provides a summary of parameter estimates (heritabilities and genetic correlations) estimated from the resource flock held at the Oudtshoorn Research Farm. Traits considered were egg production, chick production, mature liveweight, offspring slaughter weight and skin traits. Feather weight of mature breeding birds was not included, as revenue received for this commodity is comparatively low, and mostly reliant on quality. All the traits considered were moderately to highly heritable, and reproduction traits in particular were highly variable. No substantial unfavourable genetic correlations were noted, and worthwhile gains in all traits appear to be achievable within a selection objective based on economic principles. Economic weights for key traits were obtained from a bio-economical input–output simulation model that was prepared for the industry. A simple preliminary selection index including chick production (as a hen reproductive trait) and slaughter weight (as a measure of growth) appears to be adequate for the present needs, given the limited availability of routinely recorded traits. A key performance trait that is currently missing from the economic assessment is chick survival, which is known to be low and highly variable among ostrich flocks. Further information will be added as it becomes available.


Acknowledgements

The maintenance of the breeding flock used for most of the analyses would have been impossible without the financial support of the Klein Karoo Cooperative. We are also grateful to the South African Department of Trade and Industry for partial funding of the work through their THRIP program, as well as all those involved in the maintenance and recording of the research flock at the Oudtshoorn Research Farm. The work would not have been feasible without the dedicated support of all those involved in the ostrich research program. Thanks are also due to Dr Julius van der Werf for the use of his MTINDEX.XLS program for the index calculations.


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