Do’s and Don’ts During Ostrich Breeding Season

By understanding the biological and behavioural needs of ostriches during mating season, farmers can support optimal productivity and ensure the long-term sustainability of their breeding programs.

Background on breeding systems
Different breeding systems for ostriches can be used in practice, ranging from natural breeding (breeding pairs), where the parents are allowed to raise their chicks, to large breeding flocks where eggs are collected, artificially incubated and hatched, and chicks are artificially reared.

In ostrich farming systems in South Africa, approximately 70-80% of commercially farmed ostriches are maintained in large breeding flocks, with flock sizes ranging from 50-150 birds. Individual breeding pairs are rarely used in the industry, usually only for specific breeding programmes or to foster chicks.

Ostriches have evolved a reproductive strategy that ensures the survival of their offspring during times of abundant food and favourable environmental conditions. In Southern Africa, breeding naturally occurs in winter months, with chicks hatching in early spring when new vegetation is plentiful and daytime temperatures are moderate. This reproductive strategy should be taken into account in breeding management programs.
 
Factors affecting reproductive efficiency
Ostriches have very specific behavioural requirements that need to be accommodated in breeding systems. Small changes in environment, management and nutrition can have major consequences on mating behaviour and egg production.

Table 1. Factors affecting reproductive efficiency
 
 

Sand and limestone can be used to keep nests dry and comfortable for birds to lay in, especially in areas or camps where the terrain is not naturally sandy. Unwanted moisture in nests will provide an environment favourable for pathogens and bacteria to proliferate. Eggs should be collected frequently to avoid dirty eggs and possible bacterial contamination, and to stimulate females to continue egg production.

Do’s and don’ts during mating season
Ostrich producers can keep the following in mind during breeding season to support healthy reproduction, good egg output, hatchability and chick vitality.

Do:
• Use a specific, breeder-appropriate ration during breeding season. This ration should be higher in certain nutrients to support birds during this period.
• Start with the breeder ration 2-4 weeks before mating starts.
• Provide sufficient space for natural mating behaviour and males to claim nest territories (0.25ha/ breeding pair). Overcrowding lowers egg production, fertility, and hatchability.
• Separate males and females after breeding season for a “rest period” so they have time to rebuild reserves.
• Ensure minerals and vitamins are sufficient throughout the breeding period: e.g., calcium, phosphorus, zinc, copper, trace elements. Imbalances can reduce fertility (e.g., too much Ca in males reduces zinc absorption and lowers sperm quality).
•  Ad lib access to feed is recommended.
• Collect eggs routinely (especially in commercial systems) to prevent brood behaviour from stopping further laying.
• Keep records of breeders where possible: weights, condition score, feed intake, egg output, and fertility. In pairs/ trios/ quads, track egg production and fertilization rates. In flocks, conduct semen evaluations, especially for males in poor condition.
• Minimise disruptions and handling during the breeding season (harvesting feathers, major camp changes, ration changes) to avoid affecting mating/laying.
• Contact De Heus for breeder ration assistance.
 
Don’t:
These are pitfalls that often cause reduced fertility, low hatchability, poor chick quality or poor egg production.
• Don’t start breeding with birds that are too young or too old.
• Don’t feed overly high-energy diets in the rest period. This can cause birds to become too fat, which can reduce fertility.
• Don’t allow nests/eggs to remain unattended if they are for commercial production. If the female begins natural incubation too early, she will stop laying.
• Don’t crowd breeders into inadequate space and limit any disturbances that may stress the birds. Stress lowers fertility and increases conflict between the males.
• Don’t neglect parasite control. Internal and external parasite loads reduce breeder condition and productivity. If intervention is needed, birds need to be handled very carefully to avoid a drop in egg production.
• Don’t ignore environmental or lighting changes. Sudden weather changes or changes in photoperiod will
affect mating and impact egg production.
•  Avoid moving birds during the breeding period. If birds are moved to a new camp, new nests must be built, and males will dominate each other again for females and territories all over again.
•  Don’t hesitate to contact De Heus for any technical or nutritional advice.

Conclusion
Breeding success in ostriches is the outcome of sound management and a sound understanding of the factors driving reproduction. Nutrition, photoperiod, environmental conditions, and potential stressors all work together to influence hormone production, egg production, and fertility. When these elements are aligned, birds respond naturally with strong reproductive performance. Consistent attention to detail, from feed quality to flock behaviour, is what makes a breeding season successful.

To learn more about the do’s and don’t during ostrich breeding season contact your local De Heus Technical Advisor - https:// www.deheus.co.za/meet-our-team/.