Yolk sac utilization in ostrich (Struthio camelus) chicks.
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.
Mushi
E Z
EZ
Botswana College of Agriculture, Private Bag 0027, Gaborone, Botswana.
Binta
M G
MG
Chabo
R G
RG
D000367:Age Factors; D000818:Animals; D020310:Struthioniformes / Q000196:embryology / Q000254:growth & development*; D013997:Time Factors; D015017:Yolk Sac / Q000378:metabolism*