IJAR - Indian Journal of Applied Research

Dr. Aravinth. A; Dr. Selvan S.T

Volume : V, Issue : XII, December - 2015

BREEDING BEHAVIOURAL PATTERN IN OSTRICH A KEY FOR BETTER MANAGEMENT FOR ITS REPRODUCTIVE LIFE

Dr. Aravinth. A, Dr. Selvan S. T

Abstract :

This review is about the eeding behavioral pattern of ostrich (struthio camelus). Male and female attains maturity at 30 months and 24 months respectively. Walking, feeding and running are the most common behaviour in both conditions. Breeding season begins from august to march in southern hemisphere. During this season kantling (male), soliciting (female) and agonistic (male and female) displays are the predominant reproductive characters of ostriches in both natural and captive conditions. Not much appreciable difference has been found among the genders related to these behaviour. Male cock shows territorial aggressiveness towards hen resulting in mating which may lead to fertile egg production. Cock dug nest bowl of about 15 –20cm deep and 1–2m in diameter and where the hens lay their eggs. Mature female can lay 40 to 60 eggs per year. Once a clutch of 20 –24 eggs is reached both genders of ostrich incubate egg for a period of 42 days. Change of shift between female and male is noticed during day and night respectively. The study of behaviour transitions helps understanding the sequences of behaviour and their relative importance more deeply