Correlation estimates among morphometric measures, egg weight and Rhea chick weight raised in captivity.

摘要

This study was conducted to determine the correlation between egg weight (PO), morphometric characteristics of eggs, birth weight (PN) and weight equivalence (EP) in Rhea sp. A total of 68 Rhea eggs were collected from 8 August to 13 September 2003 in Quirinopolis, Goyas, Brazil. The morphometric characteristics studied were egg length (CO), egg width (LO), egg circumference (CIO), air chamber length (CCA) and egg shell thickness (EC). PO had a significant correlation (P<0.01) with CO, LO and CIO. CO had a significant correlation with LO and CIO (P<0.05). LO was significantly correlated with CIO and CCA (P<0.01 and 0.05). CIO had a significant correlation with CCA. CCA was significantly correlated with EC and PN. EC showed a significant correlation with PN (P<0.01), and PN significantly correlated with EP (P<0.01). PO was not considered a selection characteristic. CCA was the ideal variable for the selection of viable embryos at the 15th day of incubation, when they were fertilized commercially.