STUDIES ON SOME ASPECTS OF OSTRICH PERFORMANCE UNDER BASAL AND STRESS CONDITIONS

Abstract

Two main approaches were used allover the study, the first one was the farm level factors, while the 2nd was the egg level factors. It is hoped that it will provide a valuable contribution to the current literature on ostrich.

A- Farm level factors "'

1- There was no statistical significant difference in the daily behavioural patterns between male and female ostriches during the non breeding period. On the other hand, gender differences appeared only during the season.•

2- The mean duration of standing with head up increased significantly (P :::;

0.05) in male ostrich during the season, while there was no difference during the non breeding period.

3- The mean duration of pacing increased significantly (P :::; 0.05) in the male ostrich. On the other hand, during the non breeding period there was no significant difference in pacing territories between male and female.

4- Irrespective of being alone or with other males, the dominant male was responsible for the territorial behaviour as a whole.

5- Presence of one male in the yard stimulated the appearance of territorial behaviour.