Scientific name: Struthio camelus var. domesticus. Also known as Oudtshoorn ostrich. Domesticated breed. Most sought after. The majority of ostriches bred worldwide. High quality feathers; highest quality hide, greatest amount of oil & most amount of lean red meat of all 3 breeds. One African Black ostrich can produce 14 square feet of leather. High egg producers; high rate of survivability. Estimated life span 20-30 years in wild; 50 years domestically. Reach adult height & weight (120 kg) in approximately 18-20 months; early sexually maturity at 2-3 years of age. High degree of fertility. Easy handling

Scientific name: Struthio camelus molybdophanes. Somali ostrich. Males show blue neck & thigh colouration. Better meat birds. Larger in comparison to African Blacks. Adult weight 160 kg. Tallest ostrich. Strikingly bold crown. Wide, white necking. Lower feather quality.

Subtypes:
Struthio camelus australis or Cape ostrich from South Africa with feathered crown but no white feathers around neck. Brown tail
 

Scientific name: Struthio camelus massaicus. Massai ostrich from East Africa (Tanzania & Kenya) with males showing pinkish or red neck & thigh colouration. Taller breed. Crown can be partly bold or completely feathered. Ring of white neck feathers is narrow. Lower feather quality. Very aggressive/bad tempered. Adult weight 170 kg

Subtype:
Struthio camelus camelus or Sahara ostrich from North Africa. Crown of neck is bold & surrounded by ring of short, brown feathers. Feather colour of adult cock differs from those of chicks & hens. Cock has a ring of white feathers on transition of naked part to lower, feathered part of neck.