Here we discussed Variables when scientifically evaluating diets of ostrich.   Reference was made to Veldt Pasture. Note there was no definitive definition provided for Veld pasture.

Figures 1 and 2 are illustrations of two different areas of veld (also known as Veldt) pasture.   I can confirm that the birds in figure 2 were fed controlled rations twice daily and were rarely seen consuming any of the vegetation surrounding them.

Figure 1 – Outdshoorn Veldt – South Africa

Wikipedia description of Veld:
The term Veld (often spelled Veldt) refers primarily (but not exclusively) to the wide open rural spaces of South Africa or southern Africa and in particular to certain flatter areas or districts covered in grass or low scrub. The word veld comes from the Afrikaans (ultimately from Dutch), literally meaning ‘field’. [See below for dictionary definition of field as it relates to agriculture]

Figure 2 – Breeders in Western Cape Sand Veldt

All readers will surely agree that there are significant variations in the nutritional content of grass and scrub….there are also many variations in nutritional content of any type of vegetation between seasons.

Most interesting is the fact that the literal translation of “Veld” is “Field” thus introducing another variable – that of language translations and interpretation.

Google definitions for Pasture – many variables come up:

A key comment in the second definition is grass and herbage.  Grasses come in many different varieties that are continually developed, can be uncultivated or cultivated and managed to a high level.  Herbage can vary from scrub grazing, these different bushy type plants found on the South African Veldt as illustrated or legume crops such as lucerne (alfalfa) as examples.  All totally different in the range of nutrients they offer.  All varying in nutrient quality depending on the season and the climatic conditions.

As one can see from the variables in these definitions it is essential to define parameters very  clearly.   This loose understanding of “pasture” is probably behind the advice given in the early years of our industry that ostrich require grazing land.  Veldt herbage cannot be compared to grasslands.  Scrub land can support browsers. Ostrich are browsers rather than grazers.  Wild pasture land provides access to vegetation for browsing as well as grazing and cannot be compared to the controlled and well maintained (often single specie) grass paddocks we associate with many modern farms today.

Dictionary definition of “Field” as it relates to agriculture:
an area of open land, especially one planted with crops or pasture, typically bounded by hedges or fences.  
synonyms:    meadow, pasture, paddock, green, pen, grassland, pastureland, sward;
From that point, there are further definitions and this is simply in the English Language.

Therefore one can see just why it is essential if defining the specificatons for a trial, study or simply guidelines, it is essential to be very clear on the detail.  Also for those following guidelines they are absolutely clear just what is defined as our interpretation of pasture will vary from region to region.