PREVALENT DISEASES OF OSTRICH CHICKS FARMED IN CANADA

In Canada, ostriches are now slaughtered for their meat and hides. The mortality rate in ostrich farming is highest in chick units. An incre ased chick survival rate impacts positively on production and profit. This paper will focus on common health disorders that affect chick pro duction costs. These are discussed under the following categories: dig estive, orthopedic, respiratory, and integumentary disorders. Methods for elimination or reduction of these mortality factors are also discu ssed.