Husbandry and genetic strategies to improve hide quality of ostriches

Summary

unknown

Program

New and Emerging Animal Industries

Research Organisation

Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development acting through the South Australian Research and Development Institute

Objective Summary

To evaluate genetic selection as a tool for improving hide quality through reducing the prevalence of filoplumes and associated pinhole defects. To assess declawing of ostriches as a husbandry strategy to improve hide quality and examine the effects of declawing on walking ability and general behaviour of ostriches. Establish if declawing can be justified as a husbandry practice to prevent its potential abuse. To improve the welfare of farmed ostrichesworker safety and economic returns by declawing ostriches.