Ostrich (Struthio camelus) embryonic development from 7 to 42 days of incubation

ABSTRACT

1. Hatching success of ostrich eggs is poor (50–60% of fertile eggs). The current study was designed to identify the timing of key stages in the development of the ostrich embryo.

2. Growth of both embryo and wing length during 42 d of incubation was comparable and approximately linear, with a more or less weekly doubling in size up to 35 d of incubation.

3. The embryo eye size increased more rapidly than beak length and reached a maximum of ~16.2 mm by 28 d of incubation, whereas beak length increased continuously until hatching at 42 d.

4. Linear regression equations were derived from morphometric measurements of embryos between 7 and 42 d.

5. Information stemming from these results can be used to estimate the age of dead-in-shell embryos in an attempt to identify timing of incubation problems that potentially result in low hatchability of fertile eggs.

KEYWORDS:

• Ostrich
• incubation
• embryology
• embryo length
• leg
• wing
• beak
• setting position

Acknowledgements

We acknowledge the financial and infrastructure support of the Western Cape Department of Agriculture, as well as the financial support of the Western Cape Agricultural Research Trust. The authors also thank Isak Janse for the maintenance of the incubators and eggs used, as well as everyone who provided assistance during the execution of the project.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Western Cape Department of Agriculture and Western Cape Agricultural Research Trust.