Warning:
The information contained in these
web pages has not been verified for correctness. Some of the
information contained herein is hearsay and may not be correct.
Use the information from these pages only at your own risk!
One of the most recent investments to attract attention in the
United States today is Emu Ranching. The Emu is a large,
flightless bird (a member of the ratite family) with a wonderful
personality and a real market future. They originate from
Australia and have always been an important part of Aboriginal
life in the Australian outback. The U.S. is presently building a
breeder base of emus with the goal of sufficient production to
satisfy the consumer market before the next decade. Products
derived from the emu include meat, oil, leather and feathers. The
meat is a red meat much like beef. It is superior to other red
meat because of its low cholesterol, low fat, and high protein
value. The oil is an excellent moisturizer and joint rub. It's
recommended for arthritis pain, and is very effective on burns.
One person writes: Emus are NOT A GREAT ALTERNATIVE:
- They require a substantial investment in facilities and
stock.10K-50K.for HQ.
- They cost a lot to maintain. $200-300/year not including
medical.
- There is only a rapidly declining breeders market. Prices
have plummeted in the past year. The meat will never be
in demand, even at $1/lb., and the oil is mostly
exaggerated claims, with plenty of cheaper substitutes.
- This subject has been well researched, and is clearly a
market for dreamers, rainbow chasers, or suckers, with
very few exceptions.Ostriches or other ratites are no
better.
 |
If you are interested in any of the
titles below, click on the title and it will take you to
Amazon.com for ordering. Click on the icon at the left
for more information. |
- Ratite Management, Medicine,
and Surgery - by Thomas
N. Tully, Jr.(Editor), Simon M. Shane (Editor) -
Publication Date: August 1996 - List: $59.00
Booknews, Inc. , 12/01/96:
Compiles the knowledge and experience of veterinary
educators and practitioners involved in the commercial
production of ostriches, emus, and their near kin in
southern Africa. The topics include clinical anatomy,
hatchery management, hematology and chemistry, restraint
and handling, nutrition, disease control, reproduction,
anesthesiology, surgical conditions, parasites,
examination and health certification, and jurisprudence.
Includes several pages of color plates in addition to
many monochrome photographs. Annotation c. by Book News,
Inc., Portland, Or.
This page was last updated on
December 09, 2007