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Development of body temperature regulation in ostrich chicks

C R Brown1, S A Prior

  • 1Department of Zoology and Entomology, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa. c.brown@ru.ac.za

British Poultry Science
|December 1, 1999
PubMed

Insights

Young ostrich chicks develop efficient thermoregulation (body temperature control) within days of hatching, contrary to previous beliefs. This allows them to maintain stable body temperatures even in cooler environments soon after birth.

Area of Science:

  • Animal Physiology
  • Avian Biology
  • Thermoregulation Studies

Background:

  • Literature suggests young ostriches are poor thermoregulators, requiring 8-12 weeks to develop homeothermy.
  • Precocial birds typically exhibit advanced self-sufficiency, but thermoregulation in young ostriches has been debated.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the thermoregulatory ability of young ostrich chicks (1-10 days old).
  • To evaluate ostrich chick body temperatures (Tb) under varying ambient conditions.
  • To challenge existing recommendations for high rearing temperatures.

Main Methods:

  • Measured body temperatures (Tb) of 1-10 day old ostrich chicks.
  • Conducted experiments in laboratory settings and typical farm conditions.
  • Exposed chicks to ambient temperatures ranging from 13°C to 28°C.

Main Results:

  • One-day-old chicks maintained Tb > 36°C at 20°C ambient temperature.
  • Older chicks maintained adult-like Tb at 13°C ambient temperature.
  • From 2 days old, chicks maintained adult Tb outdoors across various conditions.

Conclusions:

  • Ostrich chicks possess well-developed homeothermy shortly after hatching.
  • High artificial rearing temperatures may be unnecessary for young ostriches.
  • Chicks can be housed outdoors in suitable climates soon after hatching, with caution for weather.

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