The incision and beyond: successful implantation of temperature loggers in thecoelom of ostrich chicks

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.36303/JSAVA.668

Keywords:

Struthio camelus, anaesthesia recovery, core body temperature

Abstract

The surgical procedure and post-surgical consequences of data logger implantation in ostrich chicks are described for the first time. Twenty-eight two-week-old ostrich chicks were anaesthetised with isoflurane for the implantation of miniature temperature data loggers into the coelom. Following surgery, the ostrich chicks regained consciousness within five minutes, and recovered quickly without complications. No signs of discomfort were noted during observations for 72-hours post-surgery. Detailed behavioural observations were conducted directly after surgery and thereafter every 15 minutes, for 30 minutes (at T0, T15, and T30). At T15, the chicks spent significantly less time sitting than at T0, and at T30 the percentage of sitting decreased further. Walking increased significantly at T30 compared to T0. Feeding behaviour increased at T15 compared to T0, followed by a further increase at T30. The percentage of chicks showing staggering and/or shivering behaviour was lower at T15 and T30 than at T0. For the seven days after surgery, the body temperature of the chicks ranged from 35.5 to 41.8 °C, with an overall mean of 39.3 °C. The surgical procedure was safe and suitable for young ostrich chicks, since the chicks recovered quickly after the procedure and had a 100% survival rate at one month after surgery.

Author Biographies

  • MR Kekana, Western Cape Department of Agriculture

    Directorate Animal Science, Western Cape Department of Agriculture, Oudtshoorn Research Farm and Brain Function Research Group, Department of Physiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa

  • A Fuller, University of the Witwatersrand

    Brain Function Research Group, Department of Physiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa

  • A Angelbrecht, Western Cape Department of Agriculture

    Directorate Animal Science, Western Cape Department of Agriculture, Oudtshoorn Research Farm, South Africa

  • AC Donaldson, University of the Witwatersrand

    Brain Function Research Group, Department of Physiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa

  • N Lotz, Western Cape Agricultural Research Trust

    Western Cape Agricultural Research Trust, South Africa

  • A Olivier, South African Ostrich Business Chamber

    South African Ostrich Business Chamber, South Africa

  • SWP Cloete, University of Stellenbosch

    Department of Animal Sciences, University of Stellenbosch, South Africa

  • SK Maloney, University of Western Australia

    Directorate Animal Science, Western Cape Department of Agriculture, Oudtshoorn Research Farm, South Africa and School of Human Sciences, University of Western Australia, Australia

  • AJ Haw, University of the Witwatersrand

    Brain Function Research Group, Department of Physiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa

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Published

2025-06-04

Issue

Section

Original Research