Bezuidenhout A J, Burger W P, Reyers F, Soley J T
Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, South Africa.
Onderstepoort J Vet Res. 1994 Sep;61(3):203-6.
Tibiotarsal rotation in ostrich chicks is a serious problem that accounts for considerable financial loss to ostrich farmers. Serum- and bone-mineral analyses of 20 ostrich chicks with tibiotarsal rotation were compared with serum- and bone-mineral analyses of eight normal ostrich chicks of comparable age, sex and body mass, and raised under identical conditions. The serum-zinc values were significantly higher and the bone-calcium and phosphorus values significantly lower in the affected group than in the group of normal ostrich chicks. The results indicated poor mineralization of bone with subsequent reactive osteoid formation.
