Some factors affecting fertility and hatchability in the fanned ostrich: A review

Abstract

This review highlights some of the factors that affect fertility and hatchability in the farmed ostrich, considering the enormous impediments that these two parameters present on ostrich productivity and enterprise viability. Fertility may be influenced by cock and/or hen factors. Cock fertility is influenced by age, stage of the breeding season, frequency of ejaculation, sperm supply, disease and nutrition. Hen fertility is influenced by reproductive age, feed energy levels, disease and efficiency in sperm storage. Pre-season breeding soundness examination and artificial insemination are animal production technologies that should be implored further, while the effective grouping of breeders based on compatibility should be emphasized in order to optimize reproductive efficiency. Hatchability can be improved through, the use of contamination free eggs, appropriate incubation temperature and humidity and the attainment of the recommended 15% moisture loss during incubation among others. © Medwell Journals, 2010.