Limb deformities of farmed ostrich (Struthio camelus) chicks in Botswana

Limb deformities were detected in 135 out of 885 ostrich chicks, giving a p revalence of 15.3%. Tibiotarsal rotation affected 73% of the chicks with li mb deformities, whereas rolled toes accounted for 36%. The right leg was mo re often affected than the left leg. The incidence of limb deformities was highest in 2- to 3-week-old ostrich chicks. The incidence of limb deformiti es was highest at the beginning of the breeding season and lowest towards t he end, when it was relatively warmer. The mean serum manganese and zinc le vels in deformed ostrich chicks were higher than the levels reported for no rmal chicks.