The demand for ostrich meat and other products is increasing. The primary problem facing the industry is a lack of information on the nutrient requirements of these birds, particularly neonatal birds. This may be partly responsible for the high mortality of chicks and the lack of expansion of the industry. Knowledge of the development of the ostrich’s anatomy and digestive function is limited. ...

The process of nutrient transfer through an ecosystem is an important determinant of production, food-chain length, and species diversity. The general view is that the rate and efficiency of nutrient transfer up the food chain is constrained by herbivore-specific capacity to secure N-rich compounds for survival and production. Using feeding trials with artificial food, we show, however, that ph...

The valve system in the mouth piece of two spacer devices was analysed. Pressures required to open and close the non-rebreathing valve were very low (less than 0.1 kPa). Inspiratory flow requirements were within physiological limits for infants' normal tidal breathing. Expiratory flow requirements varied significantly, and the flow required to prevent rebreathing from the chamber may exceed the...