Omprakash, A.V.Gajendran, K.TANUVAS2017-12-012017-12-012003-11http://krishikosh.egranth.ac.in/handle/1/5810036710TNV_PSFPL_Y2003_Pg144-164The 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.enPoultry ScienceArticle