Influence of Sex on Bone Mineral Density and Content of the Skeleton of the Thoracic and Pelvic Limb in the Ostrich - Struthio Camelus Var. Domesticus

The influence of sex on bone mineral density (BMD) and the bone mineral content (BMC) have been analysed in selected bones of the thoracic and pelvic limbs of African ostriches. The examination was conducted with the use of a densitometer, using the technology of affinited beam of X-ray and the programme for animal research. It was shown that the analysed bones of ostrich skeleton differed significantly regarding the BMD and BMC. Significantly higher values of both parameters were recorded in case of the bones of the pelvic limb in comparison with the bones of the thoracic limb. A central part of the shaft of the tibio-tarsal bone and its proximal end (the pelvic limb) were characterised by the highest values for both BMD and BMC, whereas for the ulnar and radial bones (the thoracic limb) the lowest values were obtained. The study also demonstrated that males showed a significantly higher BMD and BMC values than females referring to the pelvic bones, i.e. the tibio-tarsal bone. For further study aiming at monitoring changes in BMD and BMC during the growth and development of ostriches from hatching till the 14 month of life, the use of densitometer intravitally is recommended.