Browsing by Author "Cilliers, S. C."

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    Evaluation of feedstuffs and the metabolisable energy and amino acid requirements for maintenance and growth in ostriches (Struthio camelus)
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 1994-12) Cilliers, S. C.; Hayes, J. P.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Agrisciences. Dept. of Animal Sciences.
    ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Differences in the digestion and metabolism of ostriches and poultry, require the assessment of nutritional values (especially ME values) of various ingredients to establish a new system for ostrich feed evaluation. These findings are a prerequisite for the determination of nutrient requirements and efficient diet formulations. A number of comparative studies between ostriches and adult roosters were conducted with respect to true and apparent metabolisable energy, corrected for nitrogen retention (TME" and AME") of common ingredients used in diets for ostriches and poultry. Results were obtained by balance method with continuous feeding and total excreta collection. Results obtained for mature ostriches were then compared to those calculated for younger birds (6 months of age). AME" values were determined according to the replacement method, while TME" values were calculated, using the regression method. The theory of ME determinations and the accuracy of determined TME" values of ingredients for ostriches and roosters were evaluated by comparing theoretical and determined TME" values of an experimental diet, comprising various ingredients. Experimental evidence was produced to confirm the suitability of the method used for determining ME in ostriches, for measuring amino acid availabilities. Hence a comparative study was conducted between ostriches and roosters with respect to the true and apparent availabilities of amino acids in an experimental diet. In a response study, nutrient (energy, amino acids, protein, lipid and ash) retentions in feathers, hides, legs and carcasses, was separetly measured by means of comparative slaughter technique. Requirements for maintenance and utilisation efficiencies were established. The potential growth of a flock of ostriches, representative of Oudtshoorn birds, were estimated according to the Gompertz Model. Potential growth, feed consumption figures, carcass characteristics and utilisation efficiencies, were then used to compute dietary requirements for the experimental group of birds (7 months of age) and these results were extrapolated to assess dietary requirements for ostriches from dayold to maturity (day 600).