Evaluation of Densitometric and Geometric Parameters of the Femur in 14-Month-Old Ostriches Depending on Sex with the Use of Computed Tomography

The aim of the study was to analyse densitometric and geometric parameters of the compact bone and the trabecular diaphysis of the femur of ostriches with the use of computed tomography. The method has been applied in ostriches for the first time. The study was conducted on the femur of 14-month-old ostriches of both sexes. The obtained results were analysed statistically using one-way ANOVA, with Bonferroni correction for multiple-group comparisons. It was stated that the mineral content (BMC) in the middle of the diaphysis of the femur was significantly higher in males (465.52 mg/mm) than in females (417.67 mg/mm). Similar tendencies were observed for the total bone area (TOT_ A), trabecular area (TRAB_ A), cortical area (CRT_ A), and strength strain index (SSI). The average area of the CRT_A for both sexes was 568.62 mm² and was lower than the TRAB_A - 884 mm², at P≤0.05. Moreover, it was found that strength strain index (SSI) of the diaphysis depended on the TOT_A and the TRAB_A. Both features positively correlated with SSI. Pearson’s correlation coefficient for both features was r = 0.97, at P≤0.01. Further research concerning the dynamics of changes of densitometric and geometric parameters occurring with age and involving both sexes is recommended, as there are many locomotion problems in ostriches, especially older ones, used intensively on farms for many years.