Effects of diet on concentrations of some blood metabolite, enzymes and electrolytes of ostrich chickens at two different ages

There are limited studies about nutrition of ostriches، and its role in the body’s metabolic status. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of different concentrate: alfalfa hay ratio on concentrations of blood protein and energy metabolites، electrolytes and activity of some enzymes of African domestic ostrich chickens at 8 and 10 month of age. Three treatments were as follows: 700g of concentrate plus 300g alfalfa hay (treatment 1)، 650g of concentrate plus 350g alfalfa hay (treatment 2) or 600g of concentrate with 400g of alfalfa hay (treatment 3) per kg of diet. A total of 18 ostrich chickens، with average weight of 63 ± 3. 15 kg، were used in this experiment (6 birds per treatment). The treatment 1 had significantly higher blood glucose and lower uric acid levels compared with treatment 3 (P).