Environmental adaptability of ostrich chicks aged 0 to 1 months under cool and hot seasonal conditions

Abstract

The present study explored the cloacal temperature, respiratory rate, and behavior of ostrich chicks aged 0 to 1 months during the cool (February to April) and hot (June to August) seasons in Taiwan to evaluate their environmental adaptability under subtropical climatic conditions. Ambient temperature, humidity, and temperature–humidity index (THI) values differed considerably between the cool and hot seasons. However, the cloacal temperature and respiratory rate of the ostrich chicks reared on raised beds inside a shelter did not substantially differ between seasons. Behavioral analysis revealed that the chicks spent 64% and 30.9% of their daytime hours resting during the cool and hot seasons, respectively. Overall, these findings indicate that using heating or ventilation equipment during seasonal transitions can enhance the rearing environment of ostrich chicks and increase their adaptability to subtropical environmental conditions.