Abstract

Aim: The study was aimed to investigate the growth performance and survivability of the ostrich chicks.

Method and Materials: The study was conducted in Advanced Avian Research Farm, Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University, Dinajpur, Bangladesh. Total 15 unsexed 7 day old chicks were imported from South Africa by the pet animals importer. Commercial concentrated feed (Broiler starter) was provided to the experimental chicks up to 12^th week of age.

Results: Average live weight of ostrich chicks were recorded as 998, 1651, 2926, 4292, 7115, 10026, 13005, 16540, 20837, 24964, 28728 and 33142 g at 1^st to 12^th week of age, respectively. Average live weight gain of ostrich chicks were recorded as 93.3, 182.2, 195.1, 403.2, 415.9, 425.6, 504.9, 613.8, 589.5, 537.8 and 487.7 g/day from 2^nd to 12^th week of age, respectively. The higher (P<0.05) live weight gains of ostrich chicks were found 613.8 and 589.5 g/day at 9^th and 10^th week of age. Average feed intake (concentrate feed) of ostrich chicks were recorded as 114.3, 222.0, 276.1, 328.6, 442.9, 458.1, 554.7, 685.71, 828.6, 866.7 and 969.3 g/day at 1^st to 12^th week of age, respectively. Feed consumption of ostrich chicks was increasing in accordance with increasing their age during the study period. The feed conversion efficiency of ostrich chicks were recorded as 1.22, 1.22, 1.22, 1.01, 1.15, 1.16, 1.18, 1.12, 1.41, 1.61 and 1.98 from 2^nd to 12^th week of age, respectively and the best feed conversion efficiency was observed at 5^th week of age.

Statistics