<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><bold>Introduction:</bold> Ostrich characteristics include fast running, of which the probable enablers have been studied. Yet little research has taken place on one anatomical feature. It is mainly the special integuments on the ostrich foot which facilitate fast running on sand, because as point of direct sand contact they bear the whole weight and provide all the forward force. This study elucidates aspects of the integuments.<bold>Material and Methods:</bold> A stereo microscope, scanning electron microscope (SEM), and confocal scanning laser microscope were used to observe these integuments. Their surface structure was shown accurately in photographs. An SEM equipped with energy dispersive spectroscopy was used to check element contents of the upper and bottom areas and those on the lateral area of the 3rd toe.<bold>Results:</bold> The content of some chemical elements on the upper area (Mg 2.04%, Si 0.18%, P 1.97%, Ca 0.59%, and S 0.69%) was higher than that of the bottom area (Mg 0.14%, Si 0.09%, P 0.10%, Ca 0.28%, and S 0.90%). Zinc was the particular element on the upper area, while sodium, chlorine, and potassium were the specific elements on the bottom area. The parts which must withstand different frictions contained different chemical compounds.<bold>Conclusion:</bold> The microscopic plane with layer-like structure and stripes may contribute to the wear-resistance of the papillae. The polygonal and prism structures are helpful to fix papillae in a firmer way.</abstract>

Introduction: Ostrich characteristics include fast running, of which the probable enablers have been studied. Yet little research has taken place on one anatomical feature. It is mainly the special integuments on the ostrich foot which facilitate fast running on sand, because as point of direct sand contact they bear the whole weight and provide all the forward force. This study elucidates aspects of the integuments.Material and Methods: A stereo microscope, scanning electron microscope (SEM), and confocal scanning laser microscope were used to observe these integuments. Their surface structure was shown accurately in photographs. An SEM equipped with energy dispersive spectroscopy was used to check element contents of the upper and bottom areas and those on the lateral area of the 3rd toe.Results: The content of some chemical elements on the upper area (Mg 2.04%, Si 0.18%, P 1.97%, Ca 0.59%, and S 0.69%) was higher than that of the bottom area (Mg 0.14%, Si 0.09%, P 0.10%, Ca 0.28%, and S 0.90%). Zinc was the particular element on the upper area, while sodium, chlorine, and potassium were the specific elements on the bottom area. The parts which must withstand different frictions contained different chemical compounds.Conclusion: The microscopic plane with layer-like structure and stripes may contribute to the wear-resistance of the papillae. The polygonal and prism structures are helpful to fix papillae in a firmer way.

Macroscopic and microscopic study of integuments on ostrich (<italic>Struthio camelus</italic>) foot

Key Laboratory of Bionic Engineering, Ministry of Education, Jilin University, Nanguan District, Changchun, 130022, People’s Republic of China

Journal of Veterinary Research

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 3.0 License.

Macroscopic and microscopic study of integuments on ostrich () foot

Introduction: Ostrich characteristics include fast running, of which the probable enablers have been studied. Yet little research has taken place on one...

Macroscopic and microscopic study of integuments on ostrich (Struthio camelus) foot

Published Online: May 28, 2016

Page range: 219 - 226

Received: Dec 03, 2015

Accepted: May 18, 2016

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1515/jvetres-2016-0032

Keywords
ostrich, foot integuments, microscopic and chemical analysis

© 2016 Rui Zhang et al., published by De Gruyter Open

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 3.0 License.

Macroscopic and microscopic study of integuments on ostrich (Struthio camelus) foot

Published Online: May 28, 2016

Page range: 219 - 226

Received: Dec 03, 2015

Accepted: May 18, 2016

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1515/jvetres-2016-0032

Keywordsostrich, foot integuments, microscopic and chemical analysis

© 2016 Rui Zhang et al., published by De Gruyter Open

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 3.0 License.

Keywords
ostrich, foot integuments, microscopic and chemical analysis