Some Post-mortem Observations On Unhatched Ostrich Embryos In A Selected Locality In Kenya

Abstract

Twenty-seven ostrich eggs that failed to hatch were examined from one commercial farm in Kenya, with poor hatchability (56%). The eggs were at different stages of incubation. Twenty one (78%) of the chicks had subcutaneous oedema, either generalized (16), or localized to the head (1), neck (1) one leg (1) and head and neck (2). In all cases there was no foul smell from the eggs and aerobic bacteria were not isolated either from the residual albumen or the yolk. Abnormalities were also observed in the albumen, yolk, yolk sac (membrane) and chorio-allantoic membranes of some cases. Since, the egg incubation conditions were optimal it is postulated that the abnormalities observed may be related to nutritional inadequacies in the parents' feed.