Ostrich Farming: A New Turn in Poultry Industry of Pakistan

Abstract

Ostriches are the biggest ratite in the world. Their wild changing behaviour helps us to consider them as domestic birds. Ostriches can reach adult height 6-10 feet tall in between 1.5 to 2 years of age and their head may reach 1.8-2.75m above the ground due to large legs. These largest vertebrate only run in case of any danger and can run at a speed of 65-70 kilometer per hour. Presently there are four subspecies of ostriches which are limited to Africa. Ostriches can be reared on short grass plains and semi-arid desert areas. Meat of ostriches is very healthy for humans' consumption. Ostrich birds produce red meat that is similar to deer meat or beef and the hide makes fine leather products. Frequency of mating may be low in confined environment. Mostly breeders are kept in group of trio (1:2); one male for two females. Ostriches can live on any cattle fodder; however during early six months of life they need special feeds for better growth. Ostriches may gain 1Kg body weight with only 3Kg food, unlike cattle which gain 1Kg body mass with 20kg fodder. Ostrich may reach sexual maturity at about two to three years of age and lay 100eggs per season. Ostrich farming is now being done in the globe. Ostrich in Pakistan are now announced as a farm bird of commercial interest which is new turn in poultry industry of Pakistan.

Investigation of egg production curve in ostrich using nonlinear functions

“…, 2010 ; Ghorbani et al, 2013 ). The poultry industry is considered to have highlighted role in producing meat and eggs as sustainable animal protein source ( Abbas et al, 2018a ). Ostrich farming, is a developing part of the poultry industry and serves as an alternative protein producing source supporting human health ( Al-Khalifa and Al-Naser, 2014 ; Abbas et al, 2017 ; Brassó et al., 2021 ).…”

“…The poultry industry is considered to have highlighted role in producing meat and eggs as sustainable animal protein source ( Abbas et al, 2018a ). Ostrich farming, is a developing part of the poultry industry and serves as an alternative protein producing source supporting human health ( Al-Khalifa and Al-Naser, 2014 ; Abbas et al, 2017 ; Brassó et al., 2021 ). Even though, paying attention to the ostrich breeding industry in developing countries can provide part of the future food needs of these countries ( Abbas et al, 2018b ).…”

Hatching success and chick mortality of the ostrich (<em>Struthio camelus</em>) in a commercial farm in Nepal

“…Ostrich meat has got best nutritional value with a low amount of fat and high polyunsaturated fatty acids, in comparison to other live stock (Cooper & Horbañczuk, 2002;Magige & Roskaft 2017). The ostrich meat market is growing rapidly in the globe because of its health values; however, it is estimated that ostrich farmers are meeting only 10 percent of the consumer demand in the world (Abbas et al, 2017). Poor farm management and low hatchability have hindered the progression of the industry.…”

Isolation of Keratinolytic Bacteria from Common Ostrich (Struthio Camelus) and their Efficacy towards Feather Degradation of Poultry Waste

“…These wastes could cause serious soil and water pollution if not processed and discharged properly [1][2][3]. Now a day's ostrich industry is growing due to certain aspects of ostrich products like ostrich meat, leather and feathers, eggs, and multipurpose oil [4][5][6][7]. Ostrich breed is much faster and regular as compared to other animals breed.…”