Food Selection by Ostrich in Southern Africa

Abstract

We observed ostrich (Struthio camelus) in southern African savanna, desert grassland, arid shrubland, and fynbos (Mediterranean shrubland) to determine physical and chemical factors that influenced food selection. Natural diet information was needed to provide guidelines on carrying capacity of natural vegetation for ostrich and for improving rations for captive ostrich. Ostrich fed on green annual grasses and forbs when available. When these were not available they consumed leaves, flowers, and fruits from succulents and woody plants. Dead or woody material and animal matter (other than bone) were absent from the diet. Ostrich selected (P < 0.05) for fiber and against (P < 0.05) phenolics in forbs