Growth Performance, Feed Intake, and Mortality of Ostrich Chicks Reared Under Semi-Intensive Conditions in Bahawalpur, Pakistan

Abstract

The ostrich (Struthio camelus) is an economically valuable ratite species with rapid postnatal growth potential; however, field-based data on the effects of nutritional variability on growth performance under semi-intensive management in arid South Asian environments remain limited. This study evaluated the growth performance, feed intake dynamics, and survival of 76 ostrich chicks (90 days old) reared at two commercial farms (Site A, n = 50; Site B, n = 26) in the Bahawalpur district, Punjab, Pakistan, over six months (February-July).

Both sites provided a combination of commercial poultry grower ration and natural forage; however, feed supply at Site A remained consistent and adequate throughout, whereas Site B experienced progressive feed restriction, particularly of natural forage, during the final two months. Body weight and standing height were recorded monthly. Feed intake was estimated daily at the group level.

Birds at Site A achieved a cumulative weight gain of 50 kg/bird (20 to 70 kg) and height increment of 5.3 feet (3.0 to 8.3 feet), with zero mortality. Birds at Site B gained weight from 23 to 50 kg (February–May) but lost approximately 5 kg/bird/month during June–July, yielding a final weight of 40 kg, height gain of 3.5 feet, and mortality of 23.1% (6/26; p = 0.002). Mean monthly weight gain was significantly higher at Site A (10.00 ± 5.83 kg) than Site B (3.40 ± 8.53 kg). Linear regression revealed a strong positive association between daily feed intake and monthly weight gain (r = 0.89, R² = 0.79, p < 0.01 at Site A; r = 0.76, p < 0.05 at Site B), with each additional kilogram of daily intake associated with 4.82 kg increase in monthly body weight (p < 0.001). The feed intake-height correlation was weak and non-significant (r = 0.42; p > 0.05). These findings confirm that consistent nutritional supply is critical for ostrich growth performance and survival under semi-intensive production in arid environments.