EMU... EMU... EMU...

WHAT'S ALL THIS TALK ABOUT EMU?

(An Emu Farming Overview)

BY SUSAN WRIGHT

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Thank you for taking an interest in one of the fastest growing industries in the nation and around the globe.

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What is a ratite?

Webster defines a ratite as a "large flightless bird with a flat breast bone." This is the family of birds that includes emu, ostrich, rhea, cassowary, and kiwi.

What are emu and where do they come from?

Emu are the second largest flightless bird in the world. Native to the deserts and woodlands of Australia these birds stand about 5 1/2 feet high and weigh about 120-150 pounds as adults. Emu run at speeds of up to 30 mph and defend themselves by kicking, they also swim well. They are long legged heavy-bodied birds that grow rapidly, with wings that are very tiny. Emu tend to be friendly, and so curious that they will even follow you around. The hair like plumage of both sexes form a mop like "tail". Its neck is long and flexible covered with skin that has a bluish tone.

What are emu like in the wild?

Emu pair up for a 5 month breeding season, during this time, couples wander together in search of leaves, fruits, seeds, and insects-- food to fatten up the male. The male emu needs this extra fat, because he'll soon be sitting for 2 months without food while he incubates the eggs laid by the female. The male incubates a clutch of 8 to 10 dark green eggs for about 54 days, each egg weighing about 1.5 lb. The chicks hatch and begin to follow the parents around foraging for food themselves within a few days. Emu chicks physically mature around 1 year of age. They will fill out some after this time and will sexually mature between 18 months and 3 yr. Emu tend to flock together when not in breeding season.

What's all this talk about emu?

Maybe you've seen them at a farm nearby or in a neighbor's yard. But why would anyone want to raise emu. This is a question sweeping through the American agricultural community. Well they are kind of cute, don't eat that much, will draw interest from your family, friends and neighbors. But aren't they a little expensive for a pet?

Emu vs. Traditional Livestock

Lets look at some facts about raising and breeding emu:

* small land requirements:

2-3000 sq. ft. per breeding pr

* multiple offspring per year:

Up to 30+ per yr. per pr

* hardy-easy to raise:

Survival rates up to 95%

* oil-meat-leather products:

Markets already exist

* breeding season - winter:

Slowest season for most farmers

* low feed cost vs. high product return

Are these just pets or is there a market for their products?

The emu breeding industry in America began in the late 1980's when researchers found that emu meat is an ideal heart-healthy protein source. Why? It is a red meat that is lower in cholesterol and higher in protein than beef or pork, with fat content comparable to chicken or turkey. Since about 40 lb. of boned, red, tender meat is available  from a mature emu, it would require 2 1/2 million emu to provide each person in the USA with 1/4 lb. of emu meat. Currently, emu breeders, across America are looking to expand their flocks of emu to accommodate the growing consumer market for this healthy, red meat and other  emu by-products.

The leather produced from emu is a high quality product used for garments, boots, and accessories.

The oil processed from emu naturally reduces inflammation, retards wrinkles, softens the skin, is hypoallergenic, and it is a transdermal carrier capable of penetrating skin tissues. This is a highly marketable oil, which is currently being manufactured by many beauty and cosmetic companies. Many national sports teams, to help reduce inflammation and soreness in muscles and joints use the oil currently.

Emu feathers are used by the fashion industry because of their beautiful and unique two feathers per quill formation. They are also used for feather dusters and in the industrial arena for finishing metal prior to painting.

Emu are classified as an alternate livestock in much of the USA. Research shows that many emu farmers are trying to supplement traditional farm income or their existing jobs. The steady growth of the emu industry is no surprise to many farmers. Emu production can help a farm in many ways, from being a small part of the farming picture bringing in only a portion of overall farm income to a full-time operation with emu as a focus. Moreover, emu can be incorporated into farming operations of many types: big or small. Hilly or flat, wet or dry. In short, the adaptability of emu production points to an enduring new agricultural market that will provide excellent benefits and opportunities for growth in the years ahead.

 How do you raise emu in captivity?

The most productive way to breed and raise these birds for farm production is to match up a male and female at about 18 months of age. Within the first 1 to 2 breeding seasons (which is from September through April approximately) the pair will begin to mate and the female will start laying eggs 1 at a time. These eggs are then manually collected and placed into a specially designed incubator for about 54 days at which time they are removed and put into a hatcher. If the male is not allowed to gather a clutch of eggs the female will continue to lay eggs 1 at a time approximately every 3 days throughout the breeding season. It is not uncommon for a female emu to lay 30 or more eggs per season under this type of procedure.

What kind of support is there for emu breeders?

The AEA (American Emu Association) which is a national organization supports this industry with an inter-connected listing of all members across the nation. They provide seminars, magazines, an active web site and much more. They are always seeking new ways to develop and expand this new and exciting industry. The ILEA (Illinois Emu Association) is establishing a market for the products and an information network for the emu breeders in Illinois. We also provide a support network throughout the state that will help our members whenever possible. Meetings are held that are informative and provide opportunities for you to get involved with promoting this ever-growing industry. The ILEA has provided marketing opportunities for our association such as the Sandwich Fair, Dekalb county IL; The Farm Progress Show, a tri- state farming event; an Emu Information Seminar, Joliet IL; and many new and exciting events are planned each year. This is just the beginning of the wide-open future of the emu industry.

What does the future have in store?

At this time there is an expanding market for all emu products. As information reaches consumers the demand for these unique products increases. New avenues are being sought to promote and educate the public about the health benefits of these amazing creatures. Foreign markets are very strong and opportunities abound! We are in need of more farmers and investors to keep up with the pace. Only your imagination is your limit. Emu ranchers across America have been on the forefront when it comes to developing new products and potential outlets. Some, like us have started their own companies build upon this industry. This is an exciting and rewarding new agri-business.

The opportunities are limitless depending on your ingenuity, hard work, and common business sense.

Recommended Resources: "The Emu Farmer's Handbook" Vol. 1 &2.

Volume 1 - 178 pages, packed with information for the new emu farmer.

Volume 2 - 320 pages, the latest in farm management techniques, includes up-to-date info on meat cuts, leather and oil, for the commercial emu/ratite farmer.

These books are available from Schatz Publishing by calling toll free 1-888-474-6397.

brought to you by:

UNIQUELY EMU PRODUCTS, INC

1201 W. Main St., Ottawa, IL 61350

 Toll Free Phone 1-888-383-9513 or Phone 1-815-434-5726

Fax 1-815-434-3987

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