Biology of feed digestion and growth in ostrich

Comparative analysis of digestive tract of ostrich reveals the exclusiveness of this biggest bird in the Earth: long growth period in compare to domesticated birds (chicken, geese, ducks, turkeys) - up to 20 months: high daily weight gains - up to 420-450 g. The data are presented on efficiency utilization of feed rich in cellulose and volatile fatty acids in different divisions of gastrointestinal tract of ostrich. These unique traits justify worldwide interest to the farming of ostrich.