Blue Mountain Compared To Gompertz Models

Contributed by Fiona Benson of South Africa

Fiona Benson's Explanation Of Above Graph.

In 1992 some scientists at the Department of Animal Sciences at Stellenbosch University fitted a Gompertz Model to growth performance data of Ostrich. (Gompertz 1992).

It has been noted that the Gompertz 1992 model is the potential growth under conditions of no restraint as opposed to the ACTUAL growth results obtained in the Oudtshoorn region of South Africa. It was therefore argued that this curve had been constructed under "ideal conditions of no restraint" and this led to the development of the Gompertz 1995 model - to more realistically reflect the performance of Ostriches in what are described as 'practical' conditions.

Gompertz models have many purposes in production and research and should be used as a tool to measure management and feeding compared to the potential growth of Ostriches.

The Blue Mountain Feed Trials were carried out by Blue Mountain Feeds and a farmer using 3 independent batches of chicks. Not only did the birds grow close to the Gompertz 1992 model at 10mths they broke right through and continued to put on muscle (MEAT) - thus proving that the Ostrich, when fed a diet designed for fast growth and good muscle development - is capable not only of achieving the original model predictions but of achieving greater growth and that growth continuing for longer. Blue Mountain Ostrich Meats slaughter figures confirm that these results are achievable on a consistent basis. Rations designed for fast growth and good muscle development also produce birds demonstrating all the characteristics of a PRIME GRADE carcass, as defined by the Blue Mountain Ostrich Carcass Grade & Yield System©, and a high percentage of hides providing Super Premium and Premium Grade characteristics as defined in the Blue Mountain Ostrich Leather Grading System©.

It should also be noted that the Blue Mountain Feed Trials and the Blue Mountain Ostrich Meats Slaughter birds are raised in the Midwestern United States. Weather conditions can be extreme with winter temperatures below freezing for several months with wind chill factors reaching -50degrees Fahrenheit. Summer temperatures reaching high temperatures and humid conditions. Consistent high winds are experienced on a regular basis and significant rain fall is also experienced. Not conditions that are traditionally considered as 'ideal' for Ostriches.

References:

Hayes, J.P; Cilliers S.C. & Du Preez, J.J. (1996) Nutrition of the Ostrich for Meat and Leather Proceedings of the EOA World Congress - Hengelo 1996

Smith, W.A & Sales, J (1995) Feeding and Feed Management p10 and p11

If you have any comments or questions concerning the data used to create the above graph, please contact Fiona Benson at:

Last modified on Thursday, November 03, 2005