WINTER BONUS MAGAZINE 2026

Do’s and don’ts during ostrich breeding season Annalise Kotzé – Technical Advisor: Monogastric & Ostriches The breeding season is one of themost critical and demanding periods in ostrich production, requiring careful management to ensure optimal fertility, egg production, and chick quality. During this time, the physical condition, nutrition, and environment of breeder birds play a key role in reproductive success. Effectivemanagement involves more than pairing birds – it includes balancing nutrition, minimising stress, maintaining biosecurity, and providing suitable nesting conditions. By understanding the biological and behavioural needs of ostriches during mating season, farmers can support optimal productivity and ensure the long-term sustainability of their breeding programmes. Background on breeding systems Different breeding systems for ostriches can be used in practice, ranging from natural breeding (breeding pairs), where the parents are allowed to raise their chicks, to large breeding flocks where eggs are collected, artificially incubated and hatched, and chicks are artificially reared. In ostrich farming systems in South Africa, approximately 70–80% of commercially farmed ostriches are maintained in large breeding flocks, with flock sizes ranging from 50–150 birds. Individual breeding pairs are rarely used in the industry, usually only for specific breeding programmes or to foster chicks. Ostriches have evolved a reproductive strategy that ensures the survival of their offspring during times of abundant food and favourable environmental conditions. In Southern Africa, breeding naturally occurs in winter months, with chicks hatching in early spring when new vegetation is plentiful and daytime temperatures are moderate. This reproductive strategy should be taken into account in breeding management programmes. www.agribonus.co.za 26 Winter 2026 BONUS