Physical characteristics and chemical composition of Greater Rhea (Rhea americana) eggs from wild and captive populations

1. Eggs from wild and captive populations of Greater Rhea (Rhea americana) were studied to determine their physical and chemical characteristics. 2. Significant differences were found among populations in almost all chemi cal parameters studied, whereas within physical parameters only shell weigh t (as a proportion of the entire egg) and density showed differences. 3. Eggs from wild populations had the highest protein and linolenic acid an d the lowest total lipid contents, while cholesterol levels of these eggs a nd of those from the largest captive area were the lowest.