NUTRITIONAL ASPECTS OF THE OSTRICH (STRUT HIO-CAMELUS)

Due to the growth of the ostrich market in Belgium and the neighbourin g countries, it has become necessary to acquire a greater knowledge ab out nutritional requirements of this species. Being neotenous birds, r atites are adapted to life in an arid habitat. Because of their excell ent fermentative capacity and specific digestive system, they are good fiber digesters. The ideal fiber and energy contents of ostrich feeds is currently under study. The importance of protein levels, minerals, vitamins and other nutritional requirements is emphasized, together w ith behavioural pecularities. These vary in accordance with the physio logical status of the birds with respect to maintenance, growth and br eeding.