RandomGuy
02-16-2010, 09:26 AM
By Mkhululi Mancotywa
Feb. 11 (Bloomberg) -- At least 250 ostriches died from temperatures of more than 50 degrees Celsius (122 Fahrenheit) in Oudtshoorn in South Africa’s Western Cape province, Beeld said.
About 100 birds died on one farm while other farms suffered losses of between 30 and 70 ostriches each, the Johannesburg- based newspaper cited Adriaan Olivier, the head veterinarian and manager of research and development at Klein Karoo International Farms, as saying. Ostriches between the ages of four and five months, which cost about 2,300 rand ($300) each, are most vulnerable, it said.
The ostriches weren’t able to cool down as temperatures exceeded their body temperature of 38 degrees Celsius, the newspaper said. Ostriches struggle to gasp as a means of cooling down when there is extreme heat, resulting in organ failure, Beeld said.
Feb. 11 (Bloomberg) -- At least 250 ostriches died from temperatures of more than 50 degrees Celsius (122 Fahrenheit) in Oudtshoorn in South Africa’s Western Cape province, Beeld said.
About 100 birds died on one farm while other farms suffered losses of between 30 and 70 ostriches each, the Johannesburg- based newspaper cited Adriaan Olivier, the head veterinarian and manager of research and development at Klein Karoo International Farms, as saying. Ostriches between the ages of four and five months, which cost about 2,300 rand ($300) each, are most vulnerable, it said.
The ostriches weren’t able to cool down as temperatures exceeded their body temperature of 38 degrees Celsius, the newspaper said. Ostriches struggle to gasp as a means of cooling down when there is extreme heat, resulting in organ failure, Beeld said.