Limb Deformities of Farmed Ostrich (Struthio camelus) Chicks in Botswana

Limb deformities were detected in 135 out of 885 ostrich chicks, giving a prevalence of 15.3%. Tibiotarsal rotation affected 73% of the chicks with limb deformities, whereas rolled toes accounted for 36%. The right leg was more often affected than the left leg. The incidence of limb deformities was highest in 2- to 3-week-old ostrich chicks. The incidence of limb deformities was highest at the beginning of the breeding season and lowest towards the end, when it was relatively warmer. The mean serum manganese and zinc levels in deformed ostrich chicks were higher than the levels reported for normal chicks.