Effect of dietary protein levels on some haematological and production parameters of breeding ostriches

Abstract

Nutrition is an important aspect of rearing birds commercially. Feeding costs contribute approximately 70-80% of total cost of ostrich production (Brand et al., 2000). There are still many gaps in the information on nutrient requirements of ostriches as well as utilization of nutrients in the different feed stuffs (Smith, 1995).A number of clinical and nutritional disorders can be assessed from clinical haematology and blood chemistry (Okatie-Eboh et al., 1989). Non-specific avian values are inadequate because hematological and biochemical status is a reflection of many factors including. species, age, diet and management (Bowes et al., 1989).This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of dietary protein levels on some haematological parameters and production performances of ostriches. In addition, this study begins the process of establishing reference values for haematological profiles of breeding ostriches in Turkey.