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EMU
Farming
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The emu is a
prehistoric, flightless bird which roamed the
outback of Australia 80 million years ago.
Today, this bird of the
past is playing a large role in the future of Indian
Agriculture. Mature emu breeder hens can produce 20
- 50 chicks each year (October to April season) and
can be productive for 20 years or more, making them
far more profitable than traditional livestock.
Diet Of EMU
In the wild, emu eat
fruits, flowers, insects, seeds and green
vegetation; they love caterpillars. To aid in their
digestive process, they will swallow large stones.
They need water daily.
On American farms, emu are
raised on feed formulated to optimize growth. They
are housed in spacious pens providing ample room to
grow. Emu grow to be between 5 1/2 to 6 feet tall
and weigh 110 to 120 pounds.
Emu Eggs and Chicks
Emu eggs are
dark green. The female lays an egg every 3
to 5 days. As she lays the eggs, the male
(called a rooster) will cover them with
leaves, grass, straw or whatever is
available until he is ready to start
incubating them. When there are at least 9
eggs, the male will start sitting on the
nest. The male will incubate the eggs for 52
to 56 days. During this time, he will not
eat or drink. When the eggs hatch, the first
thing he will do is eat the eggshell. This
helps to get his system going, and also
hides evidence of the chicks from predators.
The chicks will stay with the rooster until
they are grown.
On farms, the eggs are
usually picked up by the farmer and put into
an electric incubator. If the father is
allowed to hatch, he is provided with food
and water.
Emu chicks are
cream colored with brown and tan stripes. As
they grow older, they loose their stripes.
By the time they are 6 months old, they will
be a chocolate brown color. By the time they
are 2 years old, they will have lost the
chocolate colored feathers in favor of the
lighter colored feathers of the adults.
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Emu Facts
Emu are members of the
ratite family of birds, along with ostrich,
rhea, cassowary and kiwi.
Ratites have flat
breastbones and no wing muscles, so they
cannot fly, but have instead developed
strong legs for running. An emu can run 40
miles per hour for short distances.
Emu have 3 toes, the underside of each is
flat with a broad pad.
Emu have two main calls, a throbbing drum
(by the female) and a grunt (by the male).
The chicks whistle and the male will whistle
to them.
Emu feathers are unique because both the
primary and secondary feathers are the same
length. Each feather has two shafts, with
barbs so widely spaced that they do not
interlock to form a firm vane as in most
birds. Instead, they form a loose, hair-like
body covering.
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The Totally Useable Bird
When emu are processed, the fat is refined
into a safe and stable oil, used in health
and cosmetic products. The low-fat, mild
flavored red meat is sold to health
conscious consumers. The exceptionally
durable, supple and breathable leather is
crafted into beautiful goods.
In addition, emu feathers, toenails and egg
shells are being used in unique fashion,
jewelry and craft designs. The feathers are
also being used in high-tech industrial
cleaning applications. |
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