Structures and techniques for ostrich breading in Sicily

Ostrich breeding presupposes a whole range of technical know-how, not only regarding alimentation, sickness and preventive treatment, but above all in relation to the equipment and the shelters needed to allow the animals best achieve their productive potential. For this reason, the authors conducted an investigation into the breeding farms in eastern Sicily, given that the morphological and climatic features of the island ensure an optimal habitat for ostrich breeding. Following suitable inspections, an analysis form was compiled for each breeding farm. The form was articulated in a number of sections, each corresponding to a homogeneous category of information, and allowed correlating the collected data. The elaboration of the results of the investigation has provided some basic knowledge necessary to define the criteria and the methods for the planning of breeding farms in Sicily.