EMU FARMING

EMU FARMING IN INDIA

July 28, 2019

1873

Emus belong to ratite group and have high economic value for their meat, eggs, oil, skin and feathers. These birds are adaptable to varied climatic conditions. Although emu and ostrich were introduced in India, emu farming has gained much importance.

Ratite birds have poorly developed wings and include emu, ostrich, rhea, cassowary and kiwi. Emu and ostrich are reared commercially in many parts of the world for their meat, oil, skin and feathers, which are of high economic value. The anatomical and physiological features of these birds appear to be suitable for temperate and tropical climatic conditions. These birds can be well maintained on extensive (ranches) and semi intensive rearing systems with reasonably high fibrous diets. United State, Australia and China are leading in emu farming. Emu birds are well adapted to Indian climatic conditions.

Features of Emu

Emu has long neck, relatively small naked head, three toes and body covered with feathers Birds initially have longitudinal stripes on body (0-3 months age) then gradually turn to brown by 4-12 months age. Mature birds have bare blue neck and mottled body feathers. Adult bird height is about 6 feet with a weight of 45-60 kg. Legs are long covered with scaly skin adaptable to hardy and dry soil. Natural food of emu is insects, tender leaves of plant and forages. It also eats different kinds of vegetables and fruits like carrot, cucumber, papaya etc. Female is the larger of the two, especially during breeding season when the male may fast. The female is the dominant member of the pair. Emus live for about 30 years. It may produce eggs for more than 16 years. Birds can be maintained as flock or pair.

Opportunity of EMU Farming in India ——–

In India, chicken is the most popular of the poultry species, followed by ducks and quails. Of late, we need to diversify to other species of poultry in order to reap more profits. Considering this let us discuss about Emu. Emu is a social bird with dark whitish complexion. The birds live in groups and can thrive under varying climatic conditions ranging 0° C to 52° C. These birds are omnivorous and eat leaves, vegetables, fruits, insects, worms. They can be fed modified poultry feed. It is clarified by the Chief Conservator of forest, GOM, Pune that Emu is an exotic bird and it has not been included in any of the schedules of Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. The provisions of Wild Life Protection Act, 1972 and rules made there under are not applicable for these birds. As such no permission from forest Department is necessary for rearing, farming and selling of these birds. At present there are four Emu Associatison in India. They are – at Hydrabad as Indian Emu Association”, Mumbai – “National Emu Assocation”. These two associations are working at all India level. And in Maharastra level at Baramati in the name of “Maha Emu Association” and another at Pune in the name “Emu Farmer Association”. The experience of the Association in these states has been encouraging.

Business Plan for Emu Farming ——–

(a) One can Start Emu farm with maximum 1 acre of agricultural land. (b) Purchase Minimum 30 to 50 number of genetic 3-month-old Emu chicks from good Emu farm organizers. (c) Emu Birds are grown by group concept only (16 birds group need 56 x 56 feet space with 6 feet height fence). (d) Farm maintenance should be very important with good organic feed, purified drinking water. (e) Emu bird 1st yields only in winter season and after completion of 21 months (in India November to December months) (f) Further yield period is every year in winter season from October to March. (g) Average of 10 to 15 eggs can be obtained from the 1st yield and subsequently average of 20 to 25 eggs can be obtained from next yields every year. (h) Chick sale is a best profitable compared to egg sale.

Scope & potential———–

Emu farming offers great scope and potential because of its supplementary income additional employment and simplicity in operation. Efficient emu development can be achieved by promotion of small units in villages through a gamut of functions like dissemination of information and technology, making various inputs and organizing training sessions for farmers on this subject.

Emu farming, a lucrative option————-

Emu farming, which is growing worldwide, is gaining in popularity in India, and many are taking to it as an alternative to cash crops. Emu, native to Australia, is stated to be the second-largest living member of the ratite family of flightless birds. The demand for emu is said to be growing as the bird has “100 per cent utility” in terms of market value. “The money lies in the emu’s oil, which has great worldwide demand. An adult emu can yield up to 15 kg oil. Emu oil has great worldwide demand for its therapeutic and cosmetic use. One kg of refined emu oil costs between Rs 5,000 and 6,000, which means an income between Rs75,000 and 90,000 per bird. The emu’s meat accounts for 45 per cent of the bird’s weight, which means 25 kg per average sized bird. At Rs 300 per kg, this amounts to Rs 7,500. Emu’s egg, which weighs between 500 and 750 g, comes for around Rs 2,000. Emu’s feathers, nails, bones and skin of legs also go into commercial use. In short, 96 per cent of the bird is used after slaughter Currently, emu farms in India have around 25,000 of the birds, including 10,000 grower and 15,000 breeder birds. The total number of emus is expected to grow up to 40,000 this year.

How to make Emu farm——-

Emu birds live on barren or bushy land and always flock together. So far emu farm are a nonagricultural or barren land from which water may run off easily is fine. A single bird needs minimum of 400 to 500 sq. ft. area. These birds like open land. An emu farm must have minimum 20 birds (male female pairs). A grilled fence 50 feet wide & 100 ft long gives excellent protection. A structure of 20 x 40 feet may be erected to give the birds shelter from sun, wind and rain. Emu lives in a natural environment hence it eats grains, cereals, pulses seeds of fruits, leafy vegetables and grass. However, to increase the egg-production foodstuff like crable-pallet, grower pallet, holding-pallet and layer-pallet is recommended.

Management of emu birds

Management of Chicks

Emu chicks weigh about 370 to 450 g (about 67% of egg weight) depending on the size of egg. First 48-72 hours, emu chicks are restricted to incubator for quick absorption of the yolk and proper drying. Clean and disinfect brooding shed thoroughly and well in advance of receiving chicks, spread litter (paddy husk) and cover new gunny bags or burlap over the litter. Arrange a set of brooder for about 25-40 chicks giving 4 sft per chick for first 3 weeks. Provide brooding temperature of 90⁰F at first 10 days and 85⁰F till 3-4 weeks. Proper temperature makes the brood successful. Provide sufficient water mugs of a liter capacity and equal number of feeder troughs under the brooder. A chick guard must be 2.5 feet height to avoid jumping and straying of chicks. A 40 watt bulb should burn in the brooder shed throughout the day for every 100 sft area. After 3 weeks of age, slowly extend the brooder area by widening the chick guard circle and later remove it by the time chicks attain 6 weeks. Feed starter mash for the first 14 weeks or till attaining standard body weight of 10 kg. Ensure proper floor space for the birds housed, as these birds require run space for their healthy life. 30 ft run space is required; hence floor space of 40ft x 30ft is required for about 40 chicks, if out door space is provided. Floor must be easily drained and free from dampness.

Do’s:

Never over crowd the pen
For the first few days, provide sanitized water and anti-stress agents
Clean the waters daily, otherwise automatic waters are preferable
Monitor the birds daily for their comfort, feed intake, water intake, litter condition etc for making immediate corrections if any.
Ensure proper mineral and vitamins in the feed for healthy growth of chicks and to avoid leg deformities.
Practice all- in -all -out rearing to maintain better biosecurity

Don’ts:

Never handle the birds during hot hours.
Birds easily excite. Hence, calm and quite environment in the pen is required
Birds easily grab any item, so avoid certain objects like nails, pebbles etc in the vicinity of birds
Avoid unauthorized persons, material into the farm. Proper biosecurity must be ensured
Never keep the birds on smooth and paddy husk spread surface, as the young chicks easily excite, run and break their legs due to slipperiness.

Grower management

Emu chicks grow, they require bigger size waterers and feeders and increased floor space. Identify sexes and rear them separately. If necessary, place sufficient paddy husk in the pen to manage the litter in good and dry condition. Feed the birds on grower mash till birds attain 34 weeks age or 25 kg body weight. Offer greens to about 10% of diet particularly different kinds of leaf meals for making the birds adapt to fibrous diets. Provide clean water all the time and offer feed as much as they want. Ensure dry litter condition throughout the grower stage. If necessary, add required quantity of paddy husk to the pen. Provide 40ft x 100 ft space for 40 birds if outdoor space is considered. Floor must be easily drained and avoid dampness. Restrain the younger birds by securing the body by side ways and hold the body firmly. Sub adults and adults can be secured by holding the wing by side way and by grabbing both the wings and place by dragging closely to handling person’s legs. Never allow bird to kick. Bird can kick sideways and front ways. Hence, better securing and firm holding is necessary to avoid harming the bird as well as person.

Do’s:

Monitor flock at least once daily for alertness of birds, feeding and watering troughs
Notice leg deformities and droppings. Identify and isolate ailing birds
Practice all- in –all- out system. Never keep in the vicinity of the adult birds

Don’ts:

Never keep sharp objects, pebbles in the vicinity of the birds. Birds are mischievous and grab anything that comes in their vicinity.
Never handle or disturb the birds for restraining or vaccination during the hot weather conditions.
Provide cool and clean water throughout the day.

Breeder management

Emu birds attain sexual maturity by 18- 24 months age. Keep sex ratio of male to female as 1:1. In case of pen mating, pairing should be done based on the compatibility. During mating, offer floor space of about 2500 sft (100 x 25) per pair. Trees and shrubs may be provided for privacy and to induce mating. Offer breeder diet well in advance i.e 3- 4 weeks prior to breeding programme, and fortify with minerals and vitamins to ensure better fertility and hatchability in birds. Normally, adult bird consumes 1 kg feed /day. But during breeding season, feed intake will be drastically reduced. Hence intake of nutrients must be ensured.

First egg is laid at around two and half years age. Eggs will be laid during October to February, particularly cooler days of the year. The time of egg laying is around 5.30 to 7.00 PM. Eggs can be collected twice daily to avoid damage in the pen. Normally, a hen lays about 15 eggs during first year cycle, In subsequent years, the egg production increases till it can reach about 30-40 eggs. On an average, a hen lays 25 eggs per year. Egg weighs about 475-650 g with an average egg weight of 560 g in a year. Egg appears greenish and looks like tough marble. The intensity of colour varies from light, medium to dark green. The surface varies from rough to smooth. Majority of eggs (42%) are medium green with rough surface.

Feed the breeder ration with sufficient calcium (2.7%) for ensuring proper calcification of egg with strength. Feeding excess calcium to the breeding bird before laying will upset the egg production and also impairs the male fertility. Provide extra calcium in the form of grit or calcite powder, by placing in a separate trough.

Collect eggs frequently from the pen. If eggs are soiled, clean with sand paper and mop up with cotton. Store the eggs in a cooler room providing 60⁰F. Never store eggs for more than 10 days to ensure better hatchability. Eggs stored at room temperature can be set every 3 to 4 days for good hatchability.

Incubation and Hatching

Set the fertile eggs after adjusting to room temperature. Place in a horizontal or in slant arranged row-wise in a tray. Keep the egg incubator ready by cleaning and disinfecting them thoroughly. Switch on the machine for setting the correct incubating temperature i.e dry bulb temperature of about 96-97⁰F and wet bulb temperature of about 78-80⁰F (about 30-40% RH). Place carefully the egg tray in a setter, once the incubator is ready with set temperature and relative humidity and place identification slip for date of set and pedigree, if required. Fumigate the incubator with 20g potassium permanganate + 40 ml formaline for every 100 cft of incubator space. Turn the eggs every one hour till the 48^th day of incubation. From 49^th day onwards, stop turning the eggs and watch for pipping. By 52^nd day, the incubation period ends. The chicks need drying. Hold the chicks for at least 24 to 72 hours in the hatcher compartment, for reducing the down and to become healthy chicks. Normally hatchability will be 70% or more. There are many reasons for low hatchability. Proper breeder nutrition ensures healthy chicks.

Feeding management of emu bird

Emus need balanced diet for their proper growth and reproduction. Based on the literature, certain nutrient requirements were suggested (Table 1 and 3). Feed can be prepared by using common poultry feed ingredients (Table 2). Feed alone accounts for 60-70% of the production cost, hence least cost rations will improve the margin of returns over feeding. In commercial farms, feed intake per emu breeding pair per annum varied from 394-632 kg with a mean of 527kg. Cost of feed was Rs.6.50 and 7.50 during non-breeding and breeding season respectively.

Nutrient requirements suggested for Emu at different age groups

Parameter	Starter (10-14 week age or up to 10 kg body weight)	Grower (15-34 wk age or10-25kg body weight)	Breeder
Crude Protein%	20	18	20
Lysine %	1.0	0.8	0.9
Methionine%	0.45	0.4	0.40
Tryptophan %	0.17	0.15	0.18
Threonine %	0.50	0.48	0.60
Calcium % mini	1.5	1.5	2.50
Total phosphorus %	0.80	0.7	0.6
Sodium chloride %	0.40	0.3	0.4
Crude fiber (max) %	9	10	10
Vitamin A(IU/kg)	15000	8800	15000
Vitamin D 3 (ICU/kg)	4500	3300	4500
Vitamin E (IU/kg)	100	44	100
Vitamin B 12 (µ g/kg)	45	22	45
Choline (mg/kg)	2200	2200	2200
Copper (mg/kg)	30	33	30
Zinc (mg/kg)	110	110	110
Manganese (mg/kg)	150	154	150
Iodine (mg/kg)	1.1	1.1	1.1

Emu Feeds (kg/100kg)

Ingredients	Starter	Grower	Finisher	Breeder	Maintenance
Maize	50	45	60	50	40
Soybean meal	30	25	20	25	25
DORB	10	16.25	16.15	15.50	16.30
Sunflower	6.15	10	0	0	15
Dicalcium phosphate	1.5	1.5	1.5	1.5	1.5
Calcite powder	1.5	1.5	1.5	1.5	1.5
Shell grit	0	0	0	6	0
Salt	0.3	0.3	0.3	0.3	0.3
Trace minerals	0.1	0.1	0.1	0.1	0.1
Vitamins	0.1	0.1	0.1	0.1	0.1
Cociodiostat	0.05	0.05	0.05	0	0
Methionine	0.25	0.15	0.25	0.25	0.15
Choline chloride	0.05	0.05	0.05	0.05	0.05

Health management of emu birds

Ratite birds are generally sturdy and live long (80% livability). Mortality and health problems in emus are mainly in chicks and juveniles. These include starvation, malnutrition, intestinal obstruction, leg abnormalities, coli infections and clostridial infections. The main causes were improper brooding or nutrition, stress, improper handling and genetic disorders. Other diseases reported were rhinitis, candidiasis, salmonella, aspergillosis, coccidiosis, lice and ascarid infestations. Ivermectin can be given to prevent external and internal worms at 1 month interval beginning at 1 month age.

In emu, enteritis and viral eastern equine encephalomyelitis (EEE) were reported. In India, so far few outbreaks of Ranikhet disease were recorded based on gross lesions but were not confirmed. However, the birds vaccinated for R.D at the age of 1 (lasota), 4 (lasota booster) weeks; 8, 15 and 40 weeks by mukteswar strain gave better immunity.

Emu products

Meat from emu and ostrich are of high quality in terms of low fat, low cholesterol, gamey flavour. Valued cuts are from thigh and larger muscle of drum or lower leg. Emu skin is fine and strong. Leg skin is of distinctive pattern hence highly valued. Emu fat is rendered to produce oil, which has dietary, therapeutic (anti inflammatory) and cosmetic value.

Economics

Emu farm economic survey indicated that cost involved in purchase of breeding stock were expensive (68%). The rest of the investments are on farm (13%) and hatchery (19%). Feeding cost per breeding pair per annum was estimated to be Rs. 3600. Cost of production of hatching egg and day-old chick was Rs.793 and 1232 respectively. Annual feed intake per pair was recorded as 524 kg, costing Rs.3578. The cost of salable chick at day-old age was Rs.2500-3000. Better returns from emu are possible with good hatchability (more than 80%), lower feeding cost and minimized chick mortality (less than 10%).

Biosecurity measures to be taken in Emu Farming / breeding———-

The farm should be ideally placed and away from the population. b) The housing should be proper with adequate breeding facilities. c) Proper disinfection procedures/foot dips etc., should be maintained. d) The quarantine sheds should be separate and away from other sheds. e). Routine disease monitoring procedures like postmortem examination of dead birds and periodic sera antibody assay is recommended. f) Water source should be tested for mineral, bacterial, chemical, contamination and pathogen load. g) The other birds (parent, commercial or pure line etc.) and pets should not be reared/allowed to enter the same farm. h) The brooding space should be optimum. i) There should be provision of showers, change over and dips. j) Proper storage of feed to prevent contamination should be made. The water quality should be checked periodically and if contamination is seen it should be treated with any sanitizer. k) There should be scientific facility for disposing off/destroying the bedding / dead birds etc. l) The equipment should be proper, properly disinfected and separated. m) The farm should have a water sanitation system.

Emu based commercial products—————

Meat, skin and oil are the major products from emus; carved emu eggs and small quantities of emu feathers are also sold Emu meat is a low-fat, low-cholesterol (less than 0.05%) Emu fat is rendered to produce an oil which is used in cosmetics and therapeutic products Emu oil for acne, hair, arthritis, hair loss, skin, eczema psoriasis. current research is going on to develop various products in emu industry

Emu eggs This is the most important among various products in emu farm. In the initial period the eggs should be used for the purpose of reproduction. In the later period the eggs will be used for growing fleshy young ones. In emu farming the egg production and hatching remains a very important everlasting process. In future emu-eggs production will definitely fetch large amount of profits. These birds live for forty years and remain sexually active for at least twenty five years. Hence with a single investment one can obtain long term production and profit. A single bird gives minimum twenty and maximum forty eggs every year. These eggs have dark-green colour. Each egg ways 400 to 600 gms.
(B) Emu Chick • Emu chick weighs approximately 70% of emu egg weight • Emu chick breeds naturally or by using incubator • Artificial incubation is often conducted at a temperature of approximately 97.5 degrees fahrenheit • A relative humidity that varies according to the climate. • Average incubation time ranges from 48 to 52 days. • Born chick colours are coffee brown with white line marks. • Colour will change after 3 months • Nutrition food and purified water is must up to 3 months
(C) Emu Oil A number of studies have been conducted and are currently being conducted throughout the world on facts of the Emu oil, including its composition, benefits, applications in different industries and the resulting properties of compounds formulated with the oil. Traditionally Emu oil has been used for treatment of muscle and joint pains. Clinical experience with Emu oil has shown that its two major benefits are its anti-inflammatory properties and its ability to penetrate the skin. It also appears to provide some solar protection. The penetrating effect appears to be related to its non-phosphorous composition. “Our skin is phospho-lipid deficient. In other words, there is no phosphorous in our skin. If you put anything on your skin that has phosphorous in it, your skin is ‘programmed’to keep it from penetrating. Anytime you put anything on your skin that is phospholipids’ deficient, or has no phosphorous, it penetrates right through “. Researchers who have analyzed the oil found that there is a compound in oil that they believe is the key to its effectiveness. This compound molecule is believed to be collagen. Collagen is found in chickens and turkeys in a much diluted form. However, the test result on the Emu shows this molecule to be present in an extremely concentrated form. Research and development of Emu oil using in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals is rapidly expanding. Emu oil has been documented to exhibit the following properties and/or has been used for the following purposes. • Anti-inflammatory • Moisturising • Cholesterol reducer • Bacteriostatic • Penetration enhancer • Signficant epidermal proliferative activity • No –comedogenic • Significant wound healing agent • Significantly reduces recent keloid scarring • Appears to promote faster healing of burns with less pain and scarring • Anti-arthritic activity • Excellent emulsifier This is an important product in emu absorbed in human skin within 4 used in skin ointments and also for various cosmetic products. Recent research oil serves as excellent medicine for arthritis. It is also used as a pain killer. The fatty acids present in this oil decrea research. Because of the medicinal value of this oil, western countries are capturing international markets by producing new cosmetics creams has a great opportunity to enter in to international market.
(D) Emu Meat Low on cholesterol, high on protein,” in what sounds like a well the benefits of consuming emu meat. 300 in Maharashtra-up and running in the country today. While 1,000 may seem like a big number, it’s a drop in the ocean in comparison with the poultry farms that dot the country. Likewise in production, there are estimate of about 33,000 tonnes of emu meat produced in India now, which is a fraction of the 1.9 million tonnes of chicken meat produced in the country every year. The bird’s meat is considered a healthy substitute for other red-meat variants such as lamb or beef. It is supposed to be extremely nutritious, with fat and h and development of Emu oil using in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals is rapidly expanding. Emu oil has been documented to exhibit the following properties and/or has been used for the following purposes. nflammatory activity educer nhancer Signficant epidermal proliferative activity omedogenic Significant wound healing agent Significantly reduces recent keloid scarring Appears to promote faster healing of burns with less pain and ctivity mulsifier This is an important product in emu-farming. From the fat oil can be extracted. This oil gets absorbed in human skin within 4-5 seconds and reaches the bones. Hence this oil is mainly used in skin ointments and also for various cosmetic products. Recent research oil serves as excellent medicine for arthritis. It is also used as a pain killer. The fatty acids present in this oil decrease the blood-cholesterol level as per the modern research. Because of the medicinal value of this oil, western countries are capturing international markets by producing new cosmetics creams and lotions from this oil. India too enter in to international market. Low on cholesterol, high on protein,” in what sounds like a well-rehearsed line designed to sell the benefits of consuming emu meat. There are estimated 1,000 EMU farms and running in the country today. While 1,000 may seem like a big number, it’s a drop in the ocean in comparison with the poultry farms that dot the country. here are estimates about 33,000 tonnes of emu meat being ndia now, which is a fraction of the 1.9 million tonnes of chicken meat produced in the country every year. The bird’s meat is considered a healthy meat variants such as lamb or beef. It is supposed to be th fat and cholesterol content being much lower than in any other red meat. Each and every part of emu’s body is commercially valuable. The most important is of course, its meat which is 97 to 98% fats free. Emu meat is rich in proteins; it contains plenty of iron, vitamin B-12, hence as the modern research shows ’emu meat is an excellent diet for people suffering from heart–ailments. Emu meat has less fat content, it is easily digestable, very tasty and hence it serves as a very good alternative for mutton and chicken. Therefore, there is a great demand for it in international market. Each bird can yield about 25 kg of meat.
(E) Emu Skin Emu-skin is very soft and smooth, hence it has a great demand in international leather industry for producing new fashionable goods. A variety of goods can be produced from emu-skin. A fully grown up bird can yield 6 to 8 sq. ft. leather.
(F) Emu Feathers The feathers of the Emu bird are double quilled, attractive and velvety to the touch. They are soft, light and non-allergic, which makes them the ideal material for a host of applications. They are in demand both in the fashion and in art and craft industries. They are used as feather duster, feather pad, fans, bows, masks, finishing metals prior to painting, weather-proof apparels, pillows, blazers, sweaters, jewellery, and craft items.

Emu farming in India: Frequently asked questions .
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What is emu and emu farming? Why should we take it up?
Emu belongs to the ratite family of birds. These birds can thrive under varying climatic conditions wherever poultry can be reared. They are omnivorous and eat leaves, vegetables, fruits, insects, worms. And about 96% of the bird’s parts are usable.
Recognizing the economic importance of these birds, Australian Government in 1975 started domesticating these birds, that were living in the forest, by establishing big emu farms.
In early eighties, emu farming activity started spreading in America, France and other European countries too. It is reported that there are about 10,000 Emu farms in America. The emu farming practice has also spread to China, Japan, Malaysia and Korea.
In India, we need to diversify to such other species of poultry in order to reap more profits as diversification is the key to success in any enterprise. Emu farming is now emerging as a promising economic activity in India.
How emu farming originated in India? Can you comment on the suitability of emu for Maharashtra?
In 1996, one Emu farm was established in Andhra Pradesh on a small scale. Few years later, another farm was setup in 2001 in Pune, Maharashtra followed by another one in 2002 in Baramati, Maharashtra. Also, there are two Emu Associations, dedicated to the emu industry, raising public awareness of emu products.
Presently about 50-60 progressive farmers of Maharashtra state have started Emu farming with 10-100 pairs in Pune, Thane, Nasik, Akola, Nagar, Beed, Kolhapur districts.
At present more than 1000 pairs of Emu are reared by the farmers in the state. For large scale production of meat, oil and skin, there is a long term potential for breeding and rearing of more than 75000 emus.
The experience of the farmers so far has been encouraging. Recognizing the economic importance of emu, Commissioner of Animal Husbandry, Maharashtra, has also come out with the biosecurity measures to be followed in emu farming.
Similarly, Chief conservator of Forests (Territorial), Govt. of Maharashtra has also indicated that no permission from Forest Department is necessary for emu farming.
How did NABARD get into scheme formulation?
Because of increasing popularity of emu industry through newspaper articles, television coverage & exhibitions, many farmers were coming to us for guidance and inquiring about the availability of bank loan for establishment of a new farm or expansion of existing farms.
To promote such innovative activity in the state which can accelerate capital formation in the rural area, NABARD, Maharashtra Regional Office, Pune has taken a decision to formulate a model project for rearing of 10 pairs of Emu, as there is demand for such unit size.
Can you tell us the economic importance of emu farming?
As I have mentioned earlier about 96% of the bird’s parts are usable. The bird can be sold as a whole bird or as products, such as, meat, oil, and skin.
Presently, the farmers enter into a buy-back arrangement with the hatcheries, this as of now is working well. Before entering into emu farming, farmers may have to properly ensure the market availability for their products, such as buy-back agreements.
Now, let’s discuss the various economic uses of the bird in detail.
Whole Bird:
It is reported that the price of a pair of 15 months old birds having live body weight each 40 Kg is about Rs. 20,000/- to Rs 21,000/- and the birds are used for table purpose.
Meat:
Meat of Emu bird is soft and with less of cholesterol, i.e., 98% fat free. Emu meat is lower in fat than Chicken, Turkey, Pork & Beef. It is considered as the “Super Food of the New Millennium”.
Emu meat commands higher price than that of meat from other birds/animals and is reported around Rs. 200-250 per Kg. The American Heart Association has included emu meat in its listing of heart healthy meats.
Oil:
About 4-6 liters of oil is available from a bird which is devoid of any color, taste and odor. The price of one liter refined emu oil is about Rs.3000. The oil is penetrating and is having moisturizing, analgesic, anti-allergic and antiseptic properties.
The oil is used in analgesic ointments, beauty creams and lotions, soaps, hair oils, shampoos, perfumes and massage oils. The raw fat/crude oil of emu fetches about Rs. 1000 per Kg.
Skin:
The skin is very thin, soft and strong. Price of good quality skin is reported to be about Rs. 1000/- per Sq.ft and 8-12 sq ft. of skin is available from a well matured bird. The skin is used in the preparation of shoes, bags, belts, purses, jerkins and seat covers for expensive cars.
Eggs:
Hatcheries purchase @ Rs 600/- to 750/- per egg or on the basis of chick born @ Rs. 1200 to 1250 per chick as per buy back agreement for supply of Emus & purchase of eggs.
Feathers:
Feathers are soft non-allergic, anti-static, beautiful double quilled. They are used in hats, dresses, computer and car cleaning brushes, and household decorative items. About 400 to 600 gm of feathers would be available from a bird and each bird would fetch about Rs. 200/- at present .
Egg shells and nails:
The egg shells are used for painting and as decorative items owing to their deep blue color. Nails are strong having decorative uses in artificial ornaments and craft goods.
Tell us about the availability of emu pairs. What other inputs are required for emu farming?
In Maharashtra, there are two private emu hatcheries – Mahaemu Association , Baramati and Emu Farmers Association, Pune – supplying the Emu pairs of different age groups – 3 months, 6 months, 12 months and 15 months old.
The major inputs required in emu farming are:
Feed:
Poultry feed (layer) can also be fed to Emu. In addition to poultry feed, mineral mixture and shell/stone grit can be given. Sprouted desi chana and methi has to be fed during laying season. During summer season chopped vegetables like cabbage, carrot, beet root, etc has to be fed.
Veterinary aid:
Like poultry chlorinated water should be given to Emu birds. Deworming should be done twice in a year at an interval of 6 months.
Shed, breeding pens and Run-off area:
Low cost shed and building material locally available can be used.
Equipment:
Waterer, feeders & egg trays are locally available can be used.
Can any farmer take up emu farming?
A good practical training and experience on a Emu farm will be highly desirable before starting a farm. If possible, they should visit the progressive Emu farms/Hatcheries in the area and discuss the various techniques and profitability of farming.
Training on Emu farming is given in some farms, during training these farms supply technical information in the form of books/CDs/booklet/pamphlet etc. The farmers should also ensure proper marketing like buyback arrangement.
Any information about the project developed by NABARD?
One model of 10 pairs Emu have been formulated for use by small farmers for taking bank loan. The total project cost is Rs. 3 lakh. This model has been circulated to all controlling offices of major financing banks in the State .
What are the loan facilities available to the interested entrepreneurs?
Loan from banks with refinance facility from NABARD is available for establishing Emu farm. For obtaining bank loan, the farmer should apply to the nearest branch of a Commercial or Cooperative or Regional Rural Banks in their area in the prescribed forms which is available in the branches of financing banks.
A project report should be attached/enclosed with loan form. For Emu farming schemes with very large outlays, detailed reports have to be prepared.
The technical officers associated with the bank or the Branch Manager of the bank can help/give guidance to the farmers in preparing the project report to obtain bank loan.
A scheme can also be prepared by the beneficiary after consulting local technical experts or private commercial Emu hatcheries.
Is there any facility available with NABARD for helping the farmers in project preparation?
Consultancy Services of NABARD (NABCONS) are available on payment of necessary fees. NABARD can identify, formulate or appraise the projects.
How much income can we expect from an unit of 10 birds and what will be the repayment period?
A net income after repayment of loan and interest thereon for the first three years would be Rs. 20,000 and subsequently an increase of approximately Rs.5000 per year. Usually, the repayment period of 7 years with one year moratorium and will depend on cash flow.
Is there any other incentive for emu farming?
The Government of India has now launched a new Venture capital fund in which loan for 50% of the project cost will be interest free for emu breeding farms & processing units, if the repayment is regular and subject to a maximum project cost of Rs.30 lakh.
What is the future of emu farming?
You can observe that the health consciousness is ever increasing among our people, emu meat is of low fat and heart friendly, considering this there will be demand for emu meat in the country.
Apart from this, the oil extracted from emu is of medicinal value and is gaining popularity now. It is also fetching remunerative price. As emu business is in its nascent stage, farmers have to be careful about ensuring the availability of the market before venturing into emu farming.
What are the precautions to be observed by the farmers?
This is a relatively a new and innovative activity. Sale of emu and its products cannot be made in the open market, the way chicken etc. are marketed.
The farmer should enter into effective buy-back arrangements, check the soundness of those willing to buy-back and confirm the track record of those who supply emu chicks and buy back the eggs. Since the emu birds are exotic, the rearing practices should conform to the technical advice given.