title: Yolk sac utilization in ostrich (Struthio camelus) chicks.
abstract: The mass of residual yolk sac expressed as a percentage of initial mass of the egg from which the chick hatched decreased sharply in the first 2 days post-hatching. A gradual reduction occurred between 3 and 10 days after which a sharp decline was noted between 11 and 13 days post-hatching. The highest number of chicks with unabsorbed yolk sac was noted on day 5 post-hatching followed by days 6 and 7. Chick mortality followed the same pattern. The dynamics, causes and clinical consequences of yolk sac utilization are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Botswana College of Agriculture, Private Bag 0027, Gaborone, Botswana.
authors.forename: E Z
authors.initials: EZ
authors.lastname: Mushi
authors.forename: M G
authors.initials: MG
authors.lastname: Binta
authors.forename: R G
authors.initials: RG
authors.lastname: Chabo
mesh_terms: D000367:Age Factors; D000818:Animals; D020310:Struthioniformes / Q000196:embryology / Q000254:growth & development*; D013997:Time Factors; D015017:Yolk Sac / Q000378:metabolism*