Egg and embryo abnormalities in the ostrich (Struthio camelus).

ABSTRACT

Ostrich hens reach sexual maturity at approximately 2.5 years, remaining fertile for about 40 years. Each hen commonly lays about 50 eggs a season. Selective breeding, good breeder nutrition, hygiene and correct incubator settings are important for good productivity (1). Unbalanced nutrition may result in mutifaceted nutrient deficiencies in embryo, including yolk sac pathology (2) and leg abnormalities (3)