CONCEPT PAPER ON COMMERCIAL
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Date
2003-11
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Loyola College, Chennai
Abstract
The Ostrich is the world's largest living bird with height
ranging between 2. 1 and 2.5 metres and they weigh between I00
and 160 Kilograrns. The egg shaped body is covered with soft
feathers. The Ostrich produces the world's premier exotic leather
and low fat red meat. It has a remarkable tolerance to heat,
withstanding air temperature of 56 °C without undue stress.
Apart from the producfion of skin, meat and feathers,
Ostrich are being explored for medical and medicinal purposes.
The tendons of the Ostrich's leg are used to replace tom tendons
and in Ophthalmology the possibility of Ostrich eyes being used in
cornea transplant in human.
Ostrich production can be exploited commercially with the
following features. ‘
The bird grows to 2.5 metres, lives to 70 years, breeds for
35 years and can produce more than 20 ofl"spring each
year.
In Australia, Ostrich can yield a fann gate return every 18
months $ 12,000/= per acre and return 38 per cent on
The bird is ready to marloet in 12 months, producing 15sq.ft
of leather hide and 30 kg of premium quality meat
which is low in fat, cholesterol and calories, yet high in
protein and iron.
Economically maintained in paddocks with minimum
husbandry practices and can be reared on annual/
perennial pastures.
Description
TNV_PSFPL_Y2003_Pg144-164
Keywords
Poultry Science