Ostrich - a diversification option for east coast farms?
Abstract
Ostrich are currently being promoted as an
alternative to sheep, cattle and deer. Although
current bird prices are not sustainable, New Zealand
and overseas experience to date suggest ostrich
can be farmed successfully and profitability long
term. Climate and terrain of the east coast of New
Zealand suit ostrich physical requirements. It has
been suggested that production systems will
develop in which grazed herbage will provide 60%
or more of the nutritional requirements. The ability
to graze low-cost herbage combined with a
reproduction rate of about 25 progeny per hen per
year indicate that ostrich production systems may
be three times more efficient than beef or deer at
turning feed into lean meat. The low fat and low
cholesterol meat is likely to be the primary product
and is already being sold in international markets.
There is also a market for the leather, feathers and
oil by-products.... [Show full abstract]
Keywords
East Coast; farming systems; meat; ostrich; diversificationFields of Research
0702 Animal Production; 070203 Animal ManagementDate
1996Type
Conference Contribution - Published (Conference Paper)Collections
Copyright © The Authors and New Zealand Grassland Association.