In this paper, we present an effective algorithm for reassembling three-dimensional apictorial jigsaw puzzles obtained by dividing a curved surface into a finite number of interlocking pieces. As such, our algorithm does not make use of any picture or design that may be painted on the surface; nor does it require a priori knowledge of the overall shape of the original surface. A motivating exam...

Introduction: The magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technique permits to monitor the development of the embryo in vivo without causing any developmental defects. Although increasing application of MRI imaging are predicted in veterinary sciences, there is little information available about MRI studies of avian embryos and their eggs. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the o...

The ultrastructure of the eggshell of the domestic hen has been well researched and structural studies of other avian species, such as the ostrich, often base their interpretation of egg shell structure on that of the chicken. In the ostrich, lowered hatchability and hatching trauma may be due to shell ultrastructural abnormalities. In the present study the ultrastructure of the calcified porti...

A study was conducted to assess the physical characteristics, chemical composition and fatty acid profile of ostrich eggs. Fifteen eggs were collected randomly and used for the conduct of study. Studies revealed the average size to be 1435.1 ± 20.10 g, length 151.5 ± 0.83 mm, width 113.6 ± 0.34 mm, shell thickness 2.56 ± 1.12 mm and shape index 74.2 ± 0.82. Three principal components amounted t...

This study aimed to compare post-thaw quality of boar semen following freezing in an ostrich egg yolk lipoprotein (LPFo) extender supplemented with 0%, 0.25% and 0.50% Orvus Es Paste (OEP). Sperm assessments included total motility (TMOT), mitochondrial function (MF), plasma membrane integrity (PMI) and acrosome integrity (normal apical ridge, NAR). Considerable variations among boars and OEP t...

The study provides information on the reproductive performance of ostriches maintained at different stocking rates and male:female (M:F) ratios under intensive commercial conditions in the Little Karoo, South Africa. Breeding ostriches are concentrated on relatively small areas and through trampling have a most significant impact on the vegetation in the Little Karoo. Reproductive performance, ...

Dating back as far as 100 ka, the Blombos ochre and the Diepkloof ostrich egg engravings are considered among the earliest fossilized evidence of human symbolic behavior. Of special interest to this study is the temporal trajectory spanning more than 30 thousand years from earlier simpler parallel line patterns to later complex cross-hatchings suggesting adaptive compositional development. Thro...

Z. Brand, S.W.P. Cloete, C.R. Brown and I.A. Malecki 1 Department of Animal Sciences, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa 2 Institute for Animal Production: Oudtshoorn, PO Box 313, Oudtshoorn 6620, South Africa 3 Institute for Animal Production: Elsenburg, Private Bag X1, Elsenburg 7607, South Africa 4 Institute of Science & the Environment, University of Wo...