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PubMed1999

Comparison of metabolisable energy values of different foodstuffs determined in ostriches and poultry.

Apparent (AMEn) and true (TMEn) metabolisable energy values, corrected for nitrogen retention, of wheat bran, saltbush (Atriplex nummularia), common reed (Phragmites australis), lupins, soyabean oil cake meal (SBOCM), sunflower oil cake meal (SFOCM) and fishmeal were compared in 7 successive trials using 12 mature South African Black ostriches and 10 adult Australorp cockerels per ingredient. TMEn values of 11.91, 7.09, 8.67, 14.61, 13.44, 10.79 and 15.13 MJ/kg for wheat bran, saltbush, common reed, lupins, SBOCM, SFOCM and fishmeal, respectively, were found for ostriches in comparison to lower (P<0.05) values of 8.55, 4.50, 2.79, 9.40, 9.04, 8.89 and 13.95 MJ/kg for cockerels. The higher (P<0.05) ME values for ostriches confirm that the ostrich is capable of digesting foodstuffs, especially those with high fibre concentrations such as drought-resistant fodders, more effectively than poultry. Plant protein sources could make a considerable energy contribution to diets for ostriches. It is concluded that it is essential to use energy values of foodstuffs determined using ostriches and not extrapolated values derived from poultry in diet formulation for ostriches.

Animal Feed↗
PubMed1999

Development of body temperature regulation in ostrich chicks.

Information in the literature indicates that young ostrich chicks, despite being precocial, are poor thermoregulators and may take between 8 and 12 weeks to develop efficient homeothermy. We measured the body temperatures (Tb) of young ostrich chicks (1 to 10 d) at ambient temperatures between 13 degrees and 28 degrees C under controlled conditions in the laboratory and under typical farm-rearing conditions to assess their ability to thermoregulate. Even 1-d-old ostriches could maintain a Tb above 36 degrees C at temperatures of 20 degrees C and older chicks maintained typical adult Tb at ambient temperatures of 13 degrees C in a constant temperature room. Chicks from 2-d-old could maintain adult T(b)s outdoors under a wide range of ambient temperatures and weather conditions. We conclude that ostrich chicks have well developed homeothermy soon after hatching and that some of the higher rearing temperatures recommended in the literature are unnecessary. In appropriate climates, chicks can be allowed outdoors soon after hatching provided they are not exposed to unfavourable weather conditions. Thermoregulation is, however, energetically expensive and thermoregulatory behaviour such as huddling may compete with other important activities like feeding.

Analysis of Variance↗
PubMed1999

Carcase characteristics of emus (Dromaius novaehollandiae).

1. Six emus (Dromaius novaehollandiae) were slaughtered at 13 months of age in order to determine carcase, by-product and muscle yields. 2. Emus had a lower percentage of hot carcase weight (52%) and total fat (28%) to body weight but a higher lean meat to carcase weight (69%) than ostriches or rheas. 3. The amount of trimming of connective tissue from muscles of the lower leg (Gastrocnemius, Fibularis longus) has an influence (P<0.05) on the yields from these muscles.

Adipose Tissue↗
PubMed2005

Libyostrongylus infections in ostriches--a brief review with particular reference to their detection in New Zealand.

Following the recent discovery of Libyostrongylus douglassii in ostriches in New Zealand, information relating to this nematode is reviewed. Amongst some of the topics considered are the parasite's distribution and prevalence, its life cycle and survival, and its diagnosis and control. Of particular interest from a New Zealand perspective is the potential for the parasite to infect other ratites, especially the kiwi. While the current evidence suggests that this may be unlikely to occur, the possibility that it might be able to do so cannot be ruled out entirely.

Animals↗
PubMed2003

Hepatitis associated with Clostridium difficile in an ostrich chick.

A live 19-day-old male ostrich chick was euthanized and necropsied. It was one of 12 chicks in a group in which 8 had died with history of anorexia, diarrhoea and weight loss. The birds had been treated with amikacin, piperacillin and enrofloxacin. Necropsy of the ostrich revealed dehydration, mild ascites and serous atrophy of fat around the heart. The liver had numerous yellow tan foci on the capsular surface as well as on the cut surface. Caecal contents were watery. Microscopic examination of the liver revealed multifocal necrosis of hepatocytes with infiltration of heterophils mixed with fibrin, few lymphocytes, and multinucleated giant cells. A Gram stain of the liver revealed a few gram-positive bacilli scattered within the necrotic foci. Clostridium difficile was isolated from the liver, and toxin A was detected by ELISA. A retrospective examination of approximately 1000 ostriches submitted during a seven year period to the laboratory system revealed seven cases of hepatitis due to Clostridium perfringens, two additional cases due to C. difficile and two cases due to C. sordelli.

Animals↗
PubMed2004

A granulomatous conjunctivitis associated with Morexella phenylpyruvica in an ostrich (Struthio camelus).

The aim of study was to evaluate a case of granulomatous conjunctivitis, clinically and pathologically, in the right eye of a 2-year-old, female ostrich. A mass measuring 5 cm x 3 cm x 4 cm was removed surgically from the eye of the ostrich. Morexella phenylpyruvica was recovered from the mass. On histopathological examination, hyperplasia or squamous metaplasia in some area of conjunctival palpebra, and a granulomatous inflammation in the submucosa were observed. The lesion was described as a granulomatous conjunctivitis caused by M. phenylpyruvica. The lesion was located in the lower eyelid conjunctiva and was not only restricted to the gl. lacrimalis, but also present in the connective tissue. After excision of the mass, the ostrich was treated with topical and systemic antibiotics and corticosteroid. The ostrich recovered fully and the function of the eye appeared to be normal.

Adrenal Cortex Hormones↗
PubMed2005

Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors. Inhibition of red blood cell ostrich (Struthio camelus) carbonic anhydrase with a series of aromatic and heterocyclic sulfonamides.

The purification of red blood cell carbonic anhydrase (CA, EC 4.2.1.1) from ostrich (scCA) blood is reported, as well as an inhibition study of this enzyme with a series of aromatic and heterocylic sulfonamides. The ostrich enzyme showed a high activity, comparable to that of the human isozyme II, with kcat, of 1.2 x 10(6) s(-1) and kcat/KM of 1.8 x 10(7) M(-1)s(-1), and an inhibition profile quite different from that of the human red blood cell cytosolic isozymes hCA I and II. scCA has generally a lower affinity for sulfonamide inhibitors as compared to hCA I and II. The only sulfonamide which behaved as a very potent inhibitor of this enzyme was ethoxzolamide (KI = 3.9 nM) whereas acetazolamide and sulfanilamide behaved as weaker inhibitors (inhibition constants in the range 303-570 nM). Several other aromatic and heterocyclic sulfonamides, mostly derivatives of sulfanilamide, homosulfanilamide, 4-aminoethylbenzenesulfonamide or 5-amino-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-sulfonamide, showed good affinities for the ostrich enzyme, with KI values in the range 25-72 nM.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

The true metabolisable energy content of canola oilcake meal and full-fat canola seed for ostriches (Struthio camelus).

1. The true metabolisable energy (TME) of canola oilcake and full-fat canola seed was determined for ostriches to broaden our knowledge of canola as a potential protein and energy source for ostriches. 2. Both test materials were diluted with a basal diet, fed to ostriches and TME-values estimated by multiple regression analysis. 3. The TME values for canola oilcake meal and full-fat canola seed for ostriches were respectively 13.76 MJ kg(-1) and 22.5 MJ kg(-1). 4. The TME values obtained for these 2 important protein sources will assist in the more accurate formulation of diets for ostriches.

Amino Acids↗
PubMed2000

Carbonic anhydrase in the utero-vaginal junction of immature and mature ostriches.

1. Sperm storage tubules in the ostrich start to develop at an early stage of oviductal growth. Concurrently, membrane-bound carbonic anhydrase was found in the cells of the storage tubules. 2. In mature ostriches the utero-vaginal junction averaged 11.5+/-2.1 cm in length and primary mucosal folds were extremely long and slender. Membrane-bound carbonic anhydrase was present in the cells of the sperm storage tubules. In the non-ciliated cells of the surface epithelium both membrane-bound and cytoplasmic activity was detected. 3. The possible role of carbonic anhydrase in the stimulation/inhibition of sperm motility by altering the pH was discussed.

Age Factors↗
PubMed2000

Determination of apparent digestibility coefficients in 6-, 12- and 18-week-old ostriches.

1. The apparent digestibility coefficients (ADC) of a diet consisting of a concentrate and of alfalfa grass in a 4:1 ratio were measured in 6, 12-and 18-week-old ostriches. 2. These coefficients were measured in 4 animals eating ad libitum using both a total collection method, and internal marker methods with acid detergent lignin (ADL) and with acid insoluble ash (AIA). 3. The ADC of dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, ether extract and energy were not influenced by the age of the ostriches. The ADC of structural carbohydrates, however, were significantly higher (P<0.01) in the 12-and 18-week-old animals. 4. The results obtained by the total collection and ADL methods were similar. The AIA method, however, overestimated the values due to the very high marker recovery rate (128.0%).

Animal Feed↗
PubMed2000

A novel pentaglycosylceramide in ostrich liver, IV4-beta-Gal-nLc4Cer, with terminal Gal(beta1-4)Gal, a xenoepitope recognized by human natural antibodies.

Thin layer chromatograms of ostrich liver neutral glycosphingolipids were immunostained with human sera. In addition to the expected staining of the Forssman pentaglycosylceramide by some sera, more polar and less abundant unknown glycolipids could be stained. Among them, the shortest carbohydrate chain glycolipid was purified and structurally characterized by mass spectrometry, proton NMR and methylation analysis. It was a novel pentaglycosylceramide of the neolactoseries terminated with the Gal(beta1-4)Gal determinant which is not expressed in mammalian species. Human antibodies affinity-purified on a synthetic Gal(beta1-4)Gal(beta1-4)Glc-Sepharose column recognized the newly characterized Gal(beta1-4)Gal-terminated pentaglycosylceramide, and, in addition, longer chain glycolipids. Occurrence of antibodies directed at the Gal(beta1-4)Gal epitope was studied by ELISA on 108 human sera. Anti-Gal(beta1-4)Gal antibodies were predominantly IgM, and their distribution was similar to that of anti-Gal(alpha1-3)Gal and anti-Forssman IgMs. It was concluded that anti-Gal(beta1-4)Gal are natural antibodies, not previously identified in man. They can be considered as xenoantibodies directed at species which express Gal(beta1-4)Gal-terminated carbohydrate chains.

Animals↗
PubMed1999

Forssman penta- and tetraglycosylceramide are xenoantigens of ostrich kidney and liver.

The heterophile antigens Galalpha1-->3Gal and N-glycolylneuraminic acid are the major obstacle to grafting mammal organs, especially from pig, to man. Lack of expression of these common xenoantigens by birds has raised interest in ostrich as a potential organ donor for xenotransplantation. Glycosphingolipids of ostrich liver and kidney were investigated for their carbohydrate determinants. Both organs were found similar in their glycolipid composition with three major species, mono-, di-, and pentaglycosylceramide. The pentaglycosylceramide was characterized as the Forssman antigen. In both organs, the ceramide portion was highly hydroxylated with prevalence of alpha-hydroxylated fatty acids, C18 phytosphingosine in kidney and C18 sphingosine in liver Forssman glycolipid. These data indicate that hydroxylation of kidney glycosphingolipids, which is found in mammals, has been maintained since the divergence of birds from other vertebrates. Characterization of a minor glycolipid as a Forssman tetraglycosylceramide built on the galabiosylceramide core indicates that the Forssman tetraglycosylceramide also exists in vivo. Its precursors, galactosyl- and galabiosylceramide, were characterized in kidney and liver. The Forssman antigen is the third heterophile antigen against which man raises natural antibodies. Its localization in the vascular endothelium and connective tissue makes ostrich an unpromising organ or cell donor for xenotransplantation to man.

Animals↗
PubMed2003

Expression of a synthetic gene coding for ostrich egg-white lysozyme in Pichia pastoris and its enzymatic activity.

To investigate the structure-function relationships of goose-type lysozyme, a gene coding for ostrich egg-white lysozyme (OEL) was designed based on the published amino acid sequence and constructed by assembling 32 chemically synthesized oligonucleotides. To obtain the recombinant OEL (rOEL), the synthetic gene was fused to the alpha-factor signal peptide in the expression vector pPIC9K and expressed in the methylotrophic yeast Pichia pastoris. The secreted protein from the transformed yeast was found to be processed at three different sites, including the correct site. The correctly processed rOEL was purified to homogeneity and shown to be indistinguishable from the authentic form in terms of circular dichroism (CD) spectrum and enzyme activity. Furthermore, the time-course of the reaction catalyzed by OEL was studied using (GlcNAc)(n) (n = 5 and 6) as the substrate and compared to that of goose egg-white lysozyme (GEL) [Honda and Fukamizo (1998) BIOCHIM: Biophys. Acta 1388, 53-65]. OEL hydrolyzed (GlcNAc)(6) in an endo-splitting manner producing mainly (GlcNAc)(2), (GlcNAc)(3), and (GlcNAc)(4), and cleavage to (GlcNAc)(3) + (GlcNAc)(3) predominated over that to (GlcNAc)(2) + (GlcNAc)(4). This indicates that OEL hydrolyzes preferentially the third glycosidic linkage from the nonreducing end of (GlcNAc)(6) as in the case of GEL. The cleavage pattern seen for (GlcNAc)(5) was similar to that seen for (GlcNAc)(6). Theoretical analysis of the reaction time-course for OEL revealed that the binding free energy values for subsites B, E, and G were different between OEL and GEL, although these lysozymes were estimated to have the same type of subsite structure.

Acetylglucosamine↗
PubMed2006

Experimental verification of the crucial roles of Glu73 in the catalytic activity and structural stability of goose type lysozyme.

The roles of Glu(73), which has been proposed to be a catalytic residue of goose type (G-type) lysozyme based on X-ray structural studies, were investigated by means of its replacement with Gln, Asp, and Ala using ostrich egg-white lysozyme (OEL) as a model. No remarkable differences in secondary structure or substrate binding ability were observed between the wild type and Glu(73)-mutated proteins, as evaluated by circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy and chitin-coated celite chromatography. Substitution of Glu(73) with Gln or Ala abolished the enzymatic activity toward both the bacterial cell substrate and N-acetylglucosamine pentamer, (GlcNAc)(5), while substitution with Asp did not abolish but drastically reduced the activity of OEL. These results demonstrate that the carboxyl group of Glu(73) is directly involved in the catalytic action of G-type lysozyme. Furthermore, the stabilities of all three mutants, which were determined from the thermal and guanidine hydrochloride (GdnHCl) unfolding curves, respectively, were significantly decreased relative to those of the wild type. The results obtained clearly indicate the crucially important roles of Glu(73) in the structural stability as well as in the catalytic activity of G-type lysozyme.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1999

Factors affecting ostrich egg hatchability.

Ostrich eggs often have low hatchability (HATCH) rates because they do not lose sufficient weight during incubation. Because egg size, eggshell porosity and thickness (THICK), and length of preincubation egg storage are known to affect egg weight loss during incubation (EWL) and HATCH of chicken eggs, these factors were examined using ostrich eggs. The effects of eggshell porosity (number of large pores per cm2 of shell; LP); and THICK on EWL and HATCH were assessed by categorizing the eggs as having either low, intermediate, or high LP or low, intermediate, or high THICK. Mean EWL was higher (P<0.05) in eggs of the high LP group when compared with eggs in either the low or intermediate LP groups that lost similar amounts of weight during incubation. Mean HATCH was also higher (more than 25%; P<0.10) in eggs with high LP when compared with the HATCH found in eggs having low LP. Eggs from the intermediate LP group had an intermediate HATCH response. Moreover, numbers of LP were positively correlated to both EWL (r2 = 0.64; P<0.0001) and HATCH (r2 = 0.25; P<0.03). Inverse relationships existed between THICK and EWL and between THICK and HATCH according to the order (P< 0.05): eggs of low THICK, highest mean EWL and HATCH > eggs of intermediate THICK, intermediate mean EWL and HATCH > eggs of highest THICK, lowest mean EWL and HATCH. Shell thickness was not correlated to either EWL or HATCH. The influence of egg size on mean LP, THICK, EWL, HATCH, and chick weight (CWT) was assessed. Although THICK was unaffected by egg size, higher LP (P<0.10), EWL (P<0.05), and HATCH (P<0.10) were found in medium-sized eggs when compared with either small or large eggs. The CWT was associated with egg size (P<0.05) according to the order: large eggs, highest CWT > medium eggs, intermediate CWT > small eggs, lowest CWT. Neither EWL nor HATCH was affected by length of preincubation egg storage. Collectively, our findings suggest that 1) ostrich eggs that possess low LP and increased THICK hatched poorly, 2) intermediate-sized eggs hatch best, 3) large eggs produced large chicks, and 4) ostrich eggs can be stored under conditions typically used in the poultry industry for a minimum of 10 d without negatively impacting HATCH.

Animal Husbandry↗
PubMed2000

Spermiogenesis in commercial poultry species: anatomy and control.

Spermatogenesis is a complicated process dependent upon several factors. Formation of a testis requires the interaction of gene-products and hormones (androgens) on pluripotent tissue. In birds, the female is the heterogametic (ZW) sex, but W chromosomal genes do not influence gonadal development in a way similar to the SRY gene on the mammalian Y chromosome. However, autosomal genes such as SRY-like HMG box gene 9 (SOX9) may influence gonadal development. Hormones affect development; male gonads subjected to estrogen form an ovotestis, whereas ovaries exposed to aromatase inhibitors form an atypical testis. Sertoli cell numbers are set early in spermiogenesis, possibly under the influence of follicle-stimulating hormone and thyroid hormone, and this may determine the number of gonial cells that can be supported. Sertoli cells make a number of substances that affect testicular development and function, particularly anti-Müllerian hormone, which inhibits female oviduct formation from the Müllerian anlage, inhibits aromatase activity to stop estrogen production, and possibly stimulates androgen production by Leydig cells. Undifferentiated primordial germ cells (PGC) migrate to the testis and are converted to spermatogonia by factors from gonadal ridge tissue and androgens. The PGC of males in the ovary form oocytes of Z genotype, whereas the female PGC in males form mostly Z sperm (with a few of W genotype). Transmission electron microscopy micrographs of turkey testis are presented, and control of spermatogenesis by hormones and cytokines is discussed. This discussion includes follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, inhibin, activin, follistatin, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, growth factors such as transforming growth factor-beta, interleukins, and interferon. Although information concerning paracrine and autocrine regulation of the avian testis by these substances is sparse, much can be learned from mammalian studies, in which putative roles of each of these substances have been established. How Sertoli cells cause directed apoptosis of spermatogonia using the Fas-ligand, Fas-receptor pathway is reviewed, as well as ways to circumvent this process. A possible role for ubiquitin concerning prevention of heat-induced damage to the testis is presented.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

Effects of storage length and weight loss during incubation on the hatchability of ostrich eggs (Struthio camuelus).

A total of 150 ostrich eggs was collected from two commercial ostrich farms. The eggs were brushed to remove soil and placed into one storage area (15.51 to 15.56 C without controlling humidity) for different periods of time (up to 19 d) before being incubated. After storage, the eggs were kept for 12 h at room temperature, and then washed, disinfected, and dried before being placed into a commercial incubator to determine the effect of length of storage on hatchability. The two supply farms varied by 11.1% in hatchability. The weight of eggs stored for the same lengths of time was not significantly different (P > or = 0.05) between hatched and unhatched eggs. Hatchabilities of ostrich eggs were not affected by days of storage up to 19 d at 15.51 to 15.56 C without controlling the humidity level but, rather, by the amount of weight loss during incubation.

Animals↗
PubMed2004

Incubation temperature for ostrich (Struthio camelus) eggs.

The impact of incubation temperature on egg weight loss, embryonic mortality, incubation period, hatchability, and chick weight in 394 ostrich (Struthio camelus) eggs was studied. Eggs were obtained from 3 farms in Texas. Three incubation temperatures (36.5, 37.0, or 37.5 degrees C) with relative humidity ranging from 20 to 30% were used. Results showed that incubation of fertile eggs at 36.5 degrees C increased hatchability and incubation period in comparison with other treatments. The incidence of dead in shell and total dead embryos was increased at 37.5 degrees C when compared with 36.5 degrees C. No differences in hatchability, incubation period, dead-in-shell embryos, and total dead embryos were observed between eggs incubated at 37.0 or 37.5 degrees C. Neither chick weight nor egg weight loss at 7, 14, 28, or 38 d of incubation was affected by incubation temperature, but egg weight loss at 21 d was lower for eggs incubated at 37.5 degrees C than for the other treatments. Results show that the most effective incubation temperature for the ostrich is lower than the most effective incubation temperature for most bird species.

Animals↗