SERUM-MINERAL AND BONE-MINERAL STATUS OF OSTRICHES WITH TIBIOTARSAL ROTATION

Tibiotarsal rotation in ostrich chicks is a serious problem that accou nts for considerable financial loss to ostrich farmers. Serum- and bon e-mineral analyses of 20 ostrich chicks with tibiotarsal rotation were compared with serum- and bone-mineral analyses of eight normal ostric h chicks of comparable age, sex and body mass, and raised under identi cal conditions. The serum-zinc values were significantly higher and th e bone-calcium and phosphorous values significantly lower in the affec ted group than in the group of normal ostrich chicks. The results indi cated poor mineralization of bone with subsequent reactive osteoid for mation.