TRAINING WORKSHOPS IN INCUBATION AND EMBRYOLOGY FOR OSTRICH FARMERS

 

This course is aimed at hatchery managers working with ostrich eggs in order to increase their basic knowledge within the normal working environment in a hatchery. The course will also be of interest to hatchery service personnel (e.g. incubation manufacturers) who would benefit from a greater understanding of hatchery operations and incubation.

The aim of the course is to educate hatchery staff in the basics of embryology and egg biology in ostriches.

The course will consist of a series of illustrated talks on a variety of themes which will extend the knowledge of the participants with regard to the biology of incubation. A copy of "Ratite Egg Incubation" written by the tutor will complement the oral presentations. The location will be at the Shillingford Bridge Hotel, near Wallingford, South of Oxford England.

 

Qualifications and experience

Publications on ostriches

Improving our Understanding of Ratites in a Farming Environment, Conference Proceedings. Edited by D. C. Deeming (1996), 194 pages. Ratite Conference, Oxfordshire. ISBN 0-952758-0-7.

Rearing Ostrich Chicks - A Stockman's Guide. D. C. Deeming, A. C. K. Dick & L. Ayres (1996). 124 pages. Ratite Conference, Oxfordshire. ISBN 0-952758-1-5.

Ratite Egg Incubation - A Practical Guide. D. C. Deeming (1997). 182 pages. Ratite Conference, Buckinghamshire. ISBN 0-952758-2-3.

The Ostrich: Biology, Production and Health. Edited by D. C. Deeming. (1999). 358 pages. C.A.B. International, Wallingford. ISBN 0-85199-350-8

A total of 88 refereed papers and book chapters including: 20 on Ostrich eggs and chicks, 15 on ostrich behaviour and 11 on other aspects of ostrich biology. Also 32 articles on ostrich incubation and biology in ostrich industry magazines.

From 28th October 1996 to present day

Self employed consultant to poultry and game hatchery industries and to ostrich farmers.

Specialisation in incubation problems and hatchery operation in poultry and game birds, and in incubation problems, chick rearing, and behaviour of ostriches.

I carry out research projects whenever funding is available. Projects to date: factors affecting early mortality of commercial broiler eggs; effects of climate on the behaviour of adult ostriches kept outside during the winter (funded by a charity).

November 1990 - September 1993

Technical Advisor - Incubation and Embryology ~ Buckeye, South Petherton, Somerset, England.

Technical advisory work in incubation and embryology involving liaison with hatchery managers and ostrich farmers.

September 1993 to October 1996

Scientific Advisor ~ Hangland Farm Ostriches Ltd., Upper Wardington, Banbury, OX17 1SU, England.

Management of incubation units providing technical expertise on incubation and embryology as well as research into commercially important aspects of incubation and embryology; Development and supervision of research into various other aspects of the biology of the ostrich in order to better understand the animal during farming conditions.

Additional work

Guest lecturer on ostrich farming, and incubation and rearing of ostriches and other exotic birds for MSc in Wild Animal Health run by the Institute of Zoology and Royal Veterinary College, London (annual commitment from 1994/95 through to 1999/2000).

Numerous ostrich industry seminars in the UK, USA, Canada, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Australia, Norway, Sweden, Spain, Germany and Holland.

 

PROVISIONAL PROGRAMME

 

ALL PRESENTATIONS TO BE GIVEN BY DR D. C. DEEMING

Breeder bird behaviour and egg fertility

Hatching egg quality and successful incubation, egg handling and storage prior to incubation

Basic egg morphology and embryonic development

Fundamental aspects of incubation

Assessment of hatchery performance

The commonest problems in failure of ostrich egg incubation

  

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