Diet preference and breeding success in captive-bred Greater rheas (Rhea americana): a preliminary study

Authors : Gisela BAZZANO, Joaquín L NAVARRO, Mónica B MARTELLA

Pages : 33-39

View : 16 | Download : 8

Publication Date : 0000-00-00

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :We conducted 2 consecutive experiments to verify whether adult captive Greater rheas insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(Rhea americana); could select diets differing in nutritional and energetic content, and to evaluate the effect of those diets on egg production and hatchability. From August to January, animals were offered four diets: processed feed for rheas insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(diet 1);, diet 1 + soybean insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(diet 2);, processed feed for chicken insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(diet 3);, and diet 3 + soybean insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(diet 4);. Rheas preferred the diets containing feed for chicken insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(diets 3 and 4, 179,67 ± 12.12 [S.E.] g/ind./day);. Diet 2 was more consumed insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(95.67 ± 16.70 g/ind./day); than diet 1 insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(60.09 ± 11.31 g/ind./day);, whereas preferences for feed for chicken did not vary with supplementation. Diet 1 and soybean-supplemented diets were consumed by males insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(113 ± 13.66 and 163.57 ± 13.33 g/ind./day, respectively); in a greater amount than by females insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(42.27 ± 8.61 and 96.72 ± 16.52 g/ind./day, respectively);. Diet type did not affect egg production insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(43-63 eggs);, but hatchability was 13% higher in eggs from females fed soybean-supplemented feed insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(diets 2 and 4);, and those fed diet 2 produced more chicks. While diets 3 and 4 were apparently of lower nutrient quality, they provided more energy than those formulated with processed feed for rheas. Conversely, diet 2 seemed to be the most favourable for females during the reproductive season. The quality of diets provided to females would largely influence breeding success in captive Greater rheas.
Keywords : Key words Greater rheas, breeding success, diet preference