Anasarca and myopathy in ostrich chicks

Area of Science:

• Avian pathology
• Ostrich farming
• Embryonic development

Background:

• Poor hatchability in ostriches is a significant economic concern for farms.
• Investigating causes of early chick mortality is crucial for improving flock health.
• Previous studies have identified various factors affecting ostrich embryo and chick survival.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the causes of mortality in newly hatched ostrich chicks from farms with low hatchability.
• To identify pathological and etiological factors contributing to early ostrich chick death.
• To correlate incubation conditions with observed pathologies in deceased chicks.

Main Methods:

• Post-mortem examination of 20 ostrich chicks that died within one week of hatching.
• Histopathological evaluation of muscle and vascular tissues.
• Biochemical analysis for specific nutrient deficiencies (selenium, vitamin A, vitamin E).

Main Results:

• All examined chicks exhibited anasarca (generalized edema).
• Fifteen chicks showed acute degenerative changes in complexus and pelvic limb muscles; one had arteriolar fibrinoid degeneration.
• Biochemical tests ruled out selenium, vitamin A, and vitamin E deficiencies. High relative humidity during incubation was identified as a related factor, alongside malpositioning causing embryo mortality.

Conclusions:

• High relative humidity during ostrich incubation is strongly associated with anasarca and muscle degeneration in newly hatched chicks.
• Nutritional deficiencies were not implicated as the primary cause of the observed syndrome.
• Addressing incubation humidity and malpositioning are critical for improving ostrich hatchability and chick survival.