Why should anyone raise Emu?
| Emu are one of the fastest growing livestock industries in
North America. Raising Emu offers a High rate of return
on investment. They are very tough, hardy birds that adapt well to most
climates and conditions.
Docile, curious and easily managed, Emu do not generally show any aggression to humans, even in the breeding season. Emu do not require elaborate housing and do well in modified older farm buildings or shelters. Emu do not require prime farm land to be raised. Marginal land not suited for crops can be utilized. Fifty to sixty birds per acre is acceptable. Emu ranching is an efficient, environmentally conscious way to raise livestock. Emu are not as labour intensive as other traditional livestock. Emu can be raised as an additional farm enterprise to what is currently being done. Retired or semi-retired people can easily manage a good sized breeding flock. Emu are excellent converters. 2.5 lbs of feed to 1 lb of gain. Adult Emu consume on average 1.5 - 1.75 lbs. of feed per day. Commercial feeds are readily available at a cost of approx. $140 per year per bird. Emu are 95% usable. Products include Meat (a low fat and cholesterol red meat), Oil (a highly penetrating, non-toxic moisturizer), Leather (a soft, supple, durable hide with a very distinctive quill pattern, used for the high fashion industry in products such as jackets, boots, belts, gloves, and accessories), Feathers (designer evening vests, hats & trim, fishing lures, and high tech environments for delicate cleaning), Eggshells and Claws (can be carved into jewelry and decorative items). For more information on the industry,
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ECONOMICS OF EMU RANCHING
| Conservative | Optimistic | |
|---|---|---|
| No. of Breeding Stock | 5 Females/5 Males | 5 Females/5 Males |
| Acreage Required | 2 - 4 | 3 - 4 |
| Offspring Produced | 80 | 125 |
| Breeding Stock Feed Costs | $900 | $900 |
| Offspring Feed Cost (13-15 mo.) | $7,500 | $11,000 |
| Average Offspring Wt.@ Process | 80 lbs. | 100 lbs. |
| Offspring Sales Price /lb live Wt. | $2.00 | $3.00 |
| Total Income | $12,800 | $37,500 |
| Net Profit (in US $) | $4,400 | $25,600 |
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