Nutrient requirements and feeding management for ostrich during breeding and production: A comprehensive review

Ostrich farming has emerged as a significant contributor to the livestock industry, driven by the high value of its meat, hides, feathers, and oil in international markets. With an average egg production of 40 eggs per season and yielding 58.59% carcass on live weight, ostriches offer substantial economic benefits. The nutritional needs of ostriches evolve across different life stages, impacting growth and reproductive performance. As herbivores capable of digesting high-fiber diets, ostriches thrive on roughage and pasture, with a digestive system similar to other poultry. Essential nutrients, including 20-24% crude protein (CP) and 12-19% crude fiber, are critical for optimal development, particularly in early growth, where their feed conversion ratio is 2:1. As ostriches reach sexual maturity, maintaining a diet rich in amino acids, vitamins, and carbohydrates becomes vital for optimizing fertility and reproductive performance. This review provides a detailed overview of ostrich nutrient requirements across different growth stages, focusing on how energy and protein levels affect overall growth and productivity. It also explores the importance of feeding management practices in enhancing ostrich health and performance, offering insights for improving commercial ostrich farming.