Ostrich production in Zimbabwe: summary of survey results
1995
Dzama, K. (University of Zimbabwe, P.O. Box MP167 Mount Pleasant Harare (Zimbabwe). Dept. of Paraclinical Veterinary Studies) | Mungate, F. | Topps, J.H. (University of Zimbabwe, P.O. Box MP167 Mount Pleasant Harare (Zimbabwe). Dept. of Animal Science)
A survey was carried out to assess production systems and production levels of ostrich farmers in Zimbabwe. Thirty-five ostrich farmers, who collectively own 5 411 ostriches, participated in this study. A large variation in sizes of enterprises and productivity were found. The mean flock size per farm was 182,7, ranging from other farmers whilst 31 per cent obtain them from within their own stock. There is no correlation between sources of eggs and level of inbreeding. There are no standardised breeding practices. The proportion of farmers who keep ostriches in pairs was 43 per cent whilst those who kept trios of one male and two females and smaller ratios was 57 per cent. The mean breeding season length was 7,06 months, ranging from 4 to 11 months. The average egg fertility was found to be 66 per cent. Even though there was no correlation between egg fertility and inbreeding, eggs from farms practicing inbreeding were less fertile (59 per cent) when compared to those from farms without inbreeding (73,3 per cent). Of the total 44.4 per cent of the farmers claim their inbreeding level is low, 16,7 per cent say it is high and 36,1 per cent claim it is zero. Farmers reporting high levels and inbreeding, had also observed an increase in congenital deformities while those reporting low or no inbreeding reported no increase congenital deformities. Farmers with complete pedigree records and breeding hen flocks of 15 and above represent 14 per cent of the respondents. These farmers can provide data for meaningful statistical genetic analysis.
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