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The determination of the age of ostrich carcasses from ossification of the pectoral girdle (ossa cinguli membrii thoracici)

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 September 2010

J. Sales  and
F. D. Mellett
J. Sales
Affiliation:
Department of Animal Sciences, University of Stellenbosch, 7600 Stellenbosch, South Africa
F. D. Mellett
Affiliation:
Department of Animal Sciences, University of Stellenbosch, 7600 Stellenbosch, South Africa
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Abstract

Although the extent of ossification between the caracoid and clavicle bones of the pectoral girdle (ossa cinguli membrii thoracici) in the ostrich carcass can be used to determine between ossification classes within the age range 8 to 14 months (considered as the optimal time of slaughter of ostriches), it is not an accurate tool for estimating the exact age at slaughter. It is possible to distinguish between carcasses originating from the birds between 10 and 12 months of age, at which ostrich meat toughens.

Keywords

age determinationossificationostrichespectoral girdle
Type
Research Article
Information
Animal Science , Volume 60 , Issue 3 , June 1995 , pp. 499 - 501
Copyright
Copyright © British Society of Animal Science 1995

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References

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