Abstract

The ostrich is the largest wild ratite bird. The head of ostrich is 1.8-2.75m above ground due to large legs. The ostrich is the largest vertebrate and achieves a speed of 60-65km/h. There are four extinct subspecies and limited to Africa. The preferred habitat in nature is the open area, small grass corners and open desert. They choose more open woodland and avoid areas of dense woodland and tall grass. In natural environment, ostrich is gregarious and lives in groups. This small crowd are led mature sire or dam. Walking, chasing and kantling are exhibited to protect the territories by males. Off springs are protected by adults from predator by mock injury. Other behaviours are yawning, stretching and thermoregulation. Frequency of mating is low in captivity. Mostly male-female ratio is 1:2 (Male: Female) kept in experiment and ostriches are selective in case of their mates and they might direct their courtship displays at humans rather than their mates, due to the presence of humans around in captivity. The breeding behaviour of ostriches is improved due to external application of L-carnitine-magnesium supplement.