Emu
Farming and ranching have been around a long, long time. Man has needed meat and vegetables to eat, and someone had to fill to need. Emu ranches are relatively new in North America, but have been a constant in Australia for centuries. Emu are in some ways the perfect herd for a ranch, given the size of the emu herd per acre and the many uses for the birds and their eggs.
What is an Emu?
Much like an ostrich, an emu is a flightless bird, native to Australia and a member of the ratite family. The prehistoric-looking emu is said to have been around since the age of dinosaurs, possibly making it one of the oldest animals on the planet. Fully grown, it stands almost 6 feet tall and weighs between 110 and 130 lbs. The aborigine in Australia have used emus for spiritual guidance for hundreds of years. Emu have undefined wing muscles that prevent them from flying and overly developed leg muscles, allowing them to run 30 to 40 miles an hour over a
short distance. They are very docile creatures even during mating. They make great petting zoo animals, as well as herd animals.
Why Emu?
Emu make great ranch herds for many reasons. They need less space than cattle or swine, so ranchers need less land for a sizable herd. They eat mainly vegetation, but will eat bugs and even small rodents and snakes. The result is that they cost less to feed than other herd animals. Also, more than 95 percent of the emu can be processed. including the beak and feet, so there is very little waste--making them more profitable. Many ranchers have added emu to their herds to boost profits instead of converting completely to emu. Emu tolerate weather extremes well. They can be raised in the cold extremes of the north as well as the arid deserts of southern regions.
Emu Benefits
Emu have many health benefits as well. Emu meat is red and comparable with beef, but much leaner and healthier. The fat can be refined into an oil that is used in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, and is known to help people with high cholesterol, arthritis and certain skin conditions. Their feathers are used for crafts, floral arranging, as dusters in the automotive and electronic industries and for fishing. Their beaks and feet are used in crafts, and the hide is used as an alternative to leather.
Other Benefits
Emu characteristically lay up to 25 eggs at a time, as opposed to cattle, which have only one offspring per season. Emu eggs can be hatched for herd growth, or sold as eggs to other ranchers. The hatchlings also can be sold for profit. The egg shells are often painted and sold as artwork, making virtually the entire animal usable in one way or another.
Other Considerations
While emu can't fly, their powerful legs help them jump higher than 5 feet, making special fencing necessary. The eggs and hatcheries require special lighting, heating and sun protection. Emu need a fresh supply of water daily, and will escape to find water if neglected. There also are special veterinary needs for both eggs and hatchlings, as well as vaccinations for adult birds. All in all, the costs are minimal compared to their uses and projected profits, even if emu are only added to a current herd. Overall, emu make a great herding animal.
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