Assessment of Minimum Stable Areas for Young Ostriches According to Animal Welfare Legislation

Regarding the ongoing global development of commercial ostrich husbandry, it is necessary to establish science-based recommendations for the appropriate treatment and welfare of ostriches. In this study, we determined the minimum housing area required for ostriches aged between 6 and 15 months. The planimetry revealed that the animals in this age group cover an average area of 0.31 m² to 0.57 m² with their bodies. To investigate the effects of space differences, the animals were divided into three groups and kept in 2.5 m², 5 m², and 10 m² of available space per animal. When comparing their weight and growth, a deficit was found in the animals that were provided with a housing area of 2.5 m². Furthermore, the animals exhibited differences in their integument and plumage score. The ostriches with the smallest housing area showed poorer scores in the plumage and integument than the animals with more space. At the conclusion of this study, the animals were slaughtered, and their carcass weights were compared. Similarly, lower carcass weights of the animals with a 2.5 m² barn area were observed. Prior studies have indicated that long-term stress leads to immune deficiencies associated with the inadequate development of the immune organs. However, a preliminary examination of the heart and spleen did not reveal any evidence for this. Further ethological studies are necessary to provide specific recommendations for minimum housing areas for ostriches.