Emu  farming in India

Emu  farming in India

Emu belong to Ratite family of birds. It is the third biggest bird species after Ostrich and Cassowary. They are originated from Australia. Emu is a social bird with dark whitish complexion. The birds live in groups and can thrive under varying climatic conditions ranging 0 degree C. to 52 degree C. These Birds are Omnivorous and eat leaves, vegetables, fruits, insects, worms. They can be feed Modified poultry feed. Emu is the second largest flightless bird under the group ratites. It is scientifically classified as Dromius noveahollandiae along with other members of the group ostrich, kiwi, rhea and other flightless birds. Emu farming will be a booming agri-business due to their benevolent donations to the human race viz. pain relieving oil, red healthy meat, soft, supple leather and gorgeous feathers. Presently, emu is native to Australia and its farming spread all over the world like U.S.A, China and Australia including Asian countries. Emu is becoming popular for having 98% fat free red meat and other utilities obtained by products namely; emu oil, skin, feathers and ornamental eggs and toe.

A year old EMU is five to six feet in height, and weigh 30-40 Kg’s and upon completing 18-10 months EMU weighs in range of 50-60 kg. During its growth it changes its color thrice. On a new born up to 3 months there will be stripes on its body, after 4 months it starts looking chocolate brown. After 1 year it again starts changing its color, its feather on the neck goes away and neck looks greenish blue and feathers exhibit a variety of colors but mostly in brown and black shades.

There is no visible distinction between a male and a female EMU. Usually 18-month-old female is capable of reproduction; however in some EMU’s this period may extend up to 20 to 24 months too. As per available national data on an average during breeding period, female EMU lays up to 32 eggs. The breeding period is 6 months, from October to March.

EMU eggs are dark green in color. Compared to egg of a hen they are 10-12 times bigger. Female EMU may lay eggs after every 3 to 5 days.

EMU has a long life and lives at least for 30 and maximum up-to 40 years. A properly managed EMU is capable of reproduction for at least 25 years. We can take it for granted that they produce 30 young ones per year. So in simple terms if a farmer keeps these birds, takes good care of birds, they will give him healthy financial returns in forms of eggs & chickens for 25-27 years of age. After it stops’ reproducing it is a minimum of 50 Kg bird to sell for various products like meat, oil & skin and still make money for the farmer. Emu chicks when hatch out have body stripes similar to squirrel later and grow after three months. Thereafter, they lose the stripes which turn into brownish black feathers. Adult emu will be a large bird up to 6 feet height with long neck and small naked head and weighs 45 to 60 Kg. Legs are long and covered by scaly skin and three toes in the leg, entire body covered by long feathers while on the neck it is absent.

Sex differentiation –

Phenotypically emus look similar in both sexes. However, sexing is done on day old based on feather sexing, vent sexing by identifying male organ and sound differentiation on maturity. Emu identification is usually done by painting different colours on the legs, leg strips and micro chipping. Moreover, male emu after getting maturity makes grunting sound, whereas female makes drumming sound.

Products of emus and the economic importance Emu, can also be called as “million dollar bird” and its farming is getting great economic importance and booming an agri-business. A pair of 3 months old birds will be priced about Rs. 18000/- . and a pair of 15 months old birds (having live boy weight each 40 to 50 Kg). Different products of emus are listed below:

EMU BASED COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS:

(a) Emu Egg

EMU egg 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 & hatching remains a very important everlasting process. In future EMU eggs production will definitely fetch large amount of profits. These birds live for thirty to forty years and remain sexually active for at least twenty five years. Hence with a single investment one can obtain long term production & profit. A single bird gives minimum twenty and maximum forty eggs every year. These eggs have dark-green color. Each egg ways 400 to 600 gms.

(b) EMU Chicks:

• a) Emu chick weighs approximately 70% of emu egg weight
  b) Emu chick breeds naturally and/ or by using incubator
  c) Artificial incubation is often conducted at a temperature of approximately 97.5 degrees Fahrenheit
  d) Average incubation time ranges from 48 to 52 days
  e) Born chick colors are coffee brown with white line marks
  f) Color will change after 3 months
  g) Nutrition food and purified water is must up to 3 months
  h) 3 months old chick can either be grown for future reproduction and/ or can be sold for other farmers to begin farming;
  i) Reproducing chicks can be repeated with an adult pair of EMU’s for minimum 25 times (25-40 eggs every year).

(c) EMU Meat:

Emu meat: Emu meat is 98% fat free red meat, rich in protein, iron, vitamin B12 and vitamin C, hence it is an excellent diet for people suffering from heart ailments. The tenderness and texture of emu meat enables to be fit for preparations, it is low in fat, loses moisture quickly and best under moist heat cooking. The emu meat contains less than 0.05% cholesterol. Due to healthful benefits of emu meat, Americans recognized the emu meat as a healthy alternative to beef.

Low on cholesterol, high on protein 97 to 98% fats free, what sounds like a well-rehearsed line designed to sell the benefits of consuming EMU meat. In India there are estimated 1,000 EMU farms, 300 in Maharashtra itself are up and running in the today. While 1,000 may seem like a big number, but 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 Tons of EMU meat being produced in India now, which is a fraction of the 1.9 million Tons of chicken meat produced.

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 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 digestible, 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.

(d) Emu Oil

Emu oil is semi solid white mass, which is generally located all along back of bird, but when it is processed and refined it is a clear liquid. Emu oil fatty acid composition makes it to have high permeability when applied on to human skin. Furthermore, it is being used for treatment of various conditions namely arthritis, skin treatment, burn injuries, hair loss, etc. This property of high permeability is made use for delivering specific drug molecules for treatment of skin conditions. Emu oil act as wound healing agent, reduces recent keloid scarring and excellent emulsifier. The oil is extremely fine, making it exceptionally penetrating, moisturizing, cholesterol reducing and is used in treatments for muscular and joint ailments, as well as cosmetics and skin care products. Emu oil has also two major benefits having its anti-inflammatory properties and its ability to penetrate the skin. Nonetheless, it is also found to provide some solar protection and its penetrating effect appears to be related to its non-phosphorous composition. These analgesic, anti-allergic and antiseptic properties of emu oil make it to provide the economic values in emu farming and having the price of Rs. 1000 / per Kg of raw fat or crude oil of emu.

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

(e) EMU Feathers, Skin & Nails:

Emu skin is of high quality with usual yield of about 6 to 8 sq. ft. per bird and price good quality skin is reported to be Rs.700/- to Rs.1000/- per Sq ft. This is used in preparation of leather products including apparels. The leg skin is very unique and with scales similar to crocodile skin and is being used in protective things for knives, swords and shoe top etc. Emu skin is soft and supple, characterized by a raised area around the feather follicles which gives a pleasing dotted pattern, when body leather is used for clothing, boots, bags and wallets, as well as being a wonderful medium for crafts. It has a great demand in international leather industry for producing new fashionable goods. Emu feathers are soft and are being used in preparation of brushes specifically used in cleaning hard ware and circuits of electronic goods including computers. They are used as feather duster, feather pad, fans, bows, and masks, finishing metals prior to painting, weather-proof apparels, and pillows, blazers, sweaters, jewelry, and craft items. Usually approximately 400 to 600 gms of feathers would be available from a bird and each bird would fetch about Rs. 200/- at present.

EMU – Feathers are double quilted, attractive and velvety to the touch. They are soft, light and nonallergic, 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, and masks, finishing metals prior to painting, weather-proof apparels, and pillows, blazers, sweaters, jewelry, and craft items.
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.

EMU skin is also a Good option for crocodile skin, as EMU leg skin is easily available and have same look and feel.

EMU – Nails are polished, finished and designed in different ways to be used as various jewelry pieces for woman.

Emu egg and toe nail:

The unfertilized eggs which are emerald green are cleaned and used in crafting antique mementos for sale with different carving on the shell. Emu nails are also been used as key chains, pendants in necklaces. The eggs have a distinctive dark green granulated surface. They are very attractive when carved, or made into ornaments and jewellery items. The Aborigines (native Australians) have eaten the eggs for years, and they were a nutritious addition to the diets of the early white settlers.

Miscellaneous product: Besides eggs, meat, oil, skin and feathers, the eyes of emus are being used to replace damages corneas in human beings.

Breeding of emus and its management

Emus attain sexual maturity by 18 to 24 months and breeding occurs during October to February month in India. In nature, the female mates with the male during breeding season and gives a clutch of eggs. Later, male sits for brooding on these eggs for a period of 52 days without food and water. Emu generally gives eggs during evening between 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Each adult emu after three years can give an average egg production of 30 eggs during breeding season. Emu birds require different nutritional requirements, in which a pre-breeder ration with high protein and micro nutrients is given to prepare for breeding. During breeding, the feed consumption will be reduced to fifty percent. After breeding, maintenance ration is given with low protein and low energy diet.

Hatching of emu eggs —

Emu eggs are weighing about 600 to 800 grams and emerald green in colour. The incubation period in emu is about 52 days. Eggs are collected on regular basis and are stored in a cooler temperature of 60o F maximum up to seven days. Later they are set in incubator machines which are specially designed to hold emu eggs with a dry bulb temperature of about 96 to 97o F and wet bulb temperature of about 78 to 80o F (about 43% relative humidity) up to 48th day with regular turning mechanism every one hour. From 49th day the eggs are shifted to hatcher, wherein till 52nd day they are kept. Emu chicks hatch out on 52 nd day naturally; assisted hatch is also carried out manually by helping the chick to come out by opening the shell at the head and toe positions. The normal hatchability is about 80%.

Managing egg production

Emus begin breeding at about 20-24 months. Young adults and other unpaired adults should be run in groups in large pens allowing each emu to choose its own mate thus forming compatible pairs; this increases egg fertility. (Selective pairing will begin to take place from December/January each year.) If each pen has only one pair of emus, they may be incompatible and poor mating will result, so decreasing egg fertility and possible bird injury.

When pairs form, they can then be separated into individual breeding pens. If the pair performs well, they can be left as a pair or, if you wish to split them, they can be put into the large group pen after the breeding season has finished.

Alternatively, breeding emus can be left as a group in a large pen and not segregated into individual breeding pens. If this option is chosen it is important to give them sufficient space to avoid fighting and to sex the birds so that the male: female sex ratio is about equal.

Hens will begin to lay from mid to late April each year, and most females will have finished laying by October/November. Most adults are not physically aggressive to farm personnel when they are collecting the eggs. The few that get ‘too close for comfort’ can be bluffed by facing them and holding up an arm or other object to make you taller than the bird. Walking towards them will usually make them turn away.

However, as a basic safety rule, do not stand in front of an emu within range of its feet; keep at least 1 m away. Emus kick and strike forwards if they feel threatened or are caught but can’t kick sideways or backwards. The beak can pinch but generally causes little damage. Keep an eye on the feet.

Incubation
Two basic types of incubation can be used natural and artificial. To date, most emu farmers use artificial incubation.

Natural incubation

In natural incubation, the male emus go broody and are allowed to sit on the eggs. When young females begin to lay, eggs are commonly laid at random throughout the pen. After a time or the onset of maturity, a nest site will be chosen and eggs are then laid at this site. Dispersed eggs are rolled together and often camouflaged with dry grass, sticks and leaves, etc. by the male emu.

The rate of lay is slow initially with several days between the early eggs. The rate increases to one egg every two days or so towards the end of the clutch. After some 6-10 eggs have been laid, the mature male will go broody and begin sitting on the eggs. Further eggs laid near him are rolled under to join the others. Over a few days, the male will slow his metabolic rate to a point where he sits on the eggs full-time, will not eat or drink, and only stands several times a day to roll the eggs. It is advisable to remove other birds from the pen when a male begins to sit because group penning may result in fighting and egg damage and the male will not settle properly.

Once a male is fully broody, he can be approached quietly, and gently lifted to check the condition of the eggs. The incubation period for emus is 56 days but it is good policy to check daily from day 50 to see if any chicks have hatched.

If chicks are to be reared in a brooder house, they should be removed at this daily check and taken to the brooder house. If you are leaving the chicks for the male to rear, you should remove all unhatched eggs after the male moves off the nest. At an early age the chicks are prone to wander and care is needed to prevent predators such as crows, hawks and foxes killing them.

Natural Incubation

Natural incubation requires more space and pens to move birds into; especially if the male is left to rear the chicks. If you plan to do this, you should get further information on this subject before starting because it will require different procedures.

There are problems associated with natural incubation including the potential for bacterial contamination of eggs, especially in wet conditions. Some eggs will be in the pen for two to four weeks before the male sits. During this time, daily temperature fluctuations may trigger the embryo to begin developing and the low night temperatures may kill the embryo – this is known as pre-incubation. Despite these problems, reasonable hatching rates are possible using natural incubation.

Artificial incubation

For artificial incubation, eggs are collected once or twice daily and placed in an incubator. Eggs should be collected daily if possible to reduce pre-incubation problems and disinfected using a recognised egg-sanitation process and stored in a cool room at a temperature of 10-16oC for up to 10 days. Batches are then set in the incubator at regular intervals (setting batches at 10 day intervals is a common practice).

Specific emu egg incubators are available; however, poultry incubators can be converted to hold emu eggs with good results. The eggs should be taken out of cool storage, allowed to return to room temperature for approximately 12-18 hours, then placed in the incubator. As a guide, the incubator will need to be run at a constant temperature of 35.25-35.5oC (dry bulb) and a relative humidity of 45-50% [26-27oC] (wet bulb) throughout the first 50 days of incubation.

Emu Egg Incubator

The eggs will require turning a minimum of three times per day. This can be done manually or by using automatic turning devices in the incubator. Automatic turning methods can be installed in most incubators. Note, however that eggs should always be turned an odd number of times per day when turned manually. This makes sure that the embryo does not go into the same position each night with the risk of it becoming stuck to the side of the shell and subsequently dying.

At day 50, the eggs are transferred to a separate, clean, hatching compartment. The hatcher should be operated at a slightly lower temperature, 35oC, and higher humidity, 28-29oC (wet bulb). The higher humidity helps to moisten the internal membranes and soften the shell to assist in the hatching process. Eggs are not turned during this period in the hatcher.

Emu eggs, like all other eggs, are susceptible to bacterial contamination and should be sanitised immediately after collection by using a recommended fumigant or egg washing product. Eggs can also be fumigated at certain stages during incubation. Empty incubators and hatching compartments also need to be sanitised between batches using the same products.
Artificial incubation is a specialised procedure and problems may occur if:

• eggs are not collected regularly, fumigated or stored prior to being placed in the incubator
• incorrect temperatures and humidities are used during incubation and hatching
• incubator and hatching compartments are not cleaned or fumigated adequately.

The egg is a living organism and needs to breathe. Fresh air (oxygen) is absorbed through the shell and stale air carbon monoxide and other gases are dispersed. It is extremely important that each day clean fresh air is allowed into the incubator and hatching chambers in order to satisfy this requirement. This is achieved by opening the doors for short periods of time, which occurs during manual turning or using the normal ventilation mechanisms of the machine.

Incubation

• Two basic types of incubation can be used – natural and artificial. To date, most emu farmers use artificial incubation.

Natural incubation

• When young females begin to lay, eggs are commonly laid at random throughout the pen. After a time or the onset of maturity, a nest site will be chosen and eggs are then laid at this site. Dispersed eggs are rolled together and often camouflaged with dry grass, sticks and leaves, etc. by the male emu.
• There are problems associated with natural incubation including the potential for bacterial contamination of eggs, especially in wet conditions. Some eggs stay in the nest for two to four weeks before the male sits. During this time, daily temperature fluctuations may trigger the embryo to begin developing and the low night temperatures may kill the embryo; this is known as pre-incubation. Despite these problems, reasonable hatching rates are possible in natural incubation.
• As soon as the egg is laid, a few changes begin to take place. The egg shell hardens totally, and the cuticle dries. The egg also cools from the mother’s body temperature to air temperature. This shrinkage egg contents results in the formation of an air sac between the two membranes, and on the one end of the egg. As the egg loses moisture, the air sac will increase in size.
• The rate of lay is slow initially with several days between the early eggs. The rate increases to one egg every two days or so towards the end of the clutch. After 6-10 eggs are laid, the mature male in the pair will go broody and begin to sit on the eggs. Further eggs laid near him are rolled under. Over a few days, the male will slow his metabolic rate to a point where he sits on the eggs full-time, will not eat or drink, and only stands several times a day to roll the eggs. The male survives only on accumulated body fat. It is advisable to remove other birds from the pen when a male begins to sit to prevent fighting and to provide calm environment. Once a male is fully broody, he can be approached quietly, and gently lifted to check the condition of the eggs. The following activities of broody male provide suitable conditions for incubation.
  • By moving up and down on the nest, he regulates the temperature
    • He regularly turns the eggs in the nest
    • By turning and also positioning himself, he provides air flow, and oxygen for breathing of the eggs.
    • He keeps the nest area clean to protect the eggs from bacteria and infections.
• The incubation period for emus is 56 days but it is better to check daily from day 50 to see if any chicks have hatched.
• If chicks are to be reared in a brooder house, they should be removed at this daily check and taken to the brooder house. If the chicks  are left to the male for natural brooding, all unhatched eggs are removed after the male moves off the nest after completing incubation. At an early age the chicks are prone to wander and care is needed to prevent predators such as crows, hawks and foxes killing them.
• Natural incubation requires more space and pens to move birds into; especially if the male is left to rear the chicks. If you plan to do this, you should get further information on this subject before starting because it will require different procedures.

Artificial Incubation

Egg collection

• It is important to collect eggs within an hour or two from lay. They are disinfected using a recognised egg-sanitation process and stored in a cool room at a temperature of 10 to 16^oC for up to 10 days. Regular collection is necessary to ensure that the egg does not freeze in extreme cold or it does not receive pre-incubation in hot climates. In left uncollected for long time, the eggs may, become infected with faeces it might have been laid on, become muddy or wet. If records are being kept of the parentage of each egg, the egg needs to be marked immediately. Mark the side that is upper most with the sire and dam numbers and date of lay. A white marking pen or correction pen can be used. Otherwise a piece of marking tape can be stuck on the egg with identification marked on it. If parentage is not going to be recorded, it is best to still mark the upper most side of the egg.

Egg cleaning

• Excessively dirty eggs should not be set for incubation. Manure or dirt should be gently scraped off or lightly sanded with fine grit sandpaper. It is not advisable to wash eggs unless absolutely necessary. Dirty eggs can be flushed with commercially available 3 percent hydrogen peroxide. The wash water and rinse water used for cleaning must be at least 10^°F warmer than the eggs. An individual towel should be used for wiping each egg and towels should not be reused.

Setting

• Batches are then set in the incubator at regular intervals (setting batches at 10 day intervals is a common practice). Specific emu egg incubators are available; however, poultry incubators can be converted to hold emu eggs with good results. The eggs should be taken out of cool storage approximately 12 to 18 hours before setting to allow them to return to room temperature and then placed in the incubator. The eggs are arranged row-wise in a tray in a horizontal or in slant position. The incubator is made ready after thorough cleaning and disinfection well in advance and switched-on two hours in advance to attain correct incubating temperature. The egg tray is placed 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.

Physical requirements of incubation

• As a guide, the incubator will need to be run at a constant temperature of 35.5 to 36.5^oC (dry bulb) and a relative humidity of 45 to 50% (26 to 27^oC wet bulb) throughout the first 50 days of incubation.
• The eggs require turning of minimum three times per day. This can be done manually or by using automatic turning devices in the incubator. Automatic turning methods can be installed in most incubators. Turning makes sure that the embryo does not stick to the side of the shell and subsequently die.
• At day 50, the eggs are transferred to a separate, clean, hatching compartment. The hatcher should be operated at a slightly lower temperature of 35^oC, and higher humidity of 60% (28 to 29^oC wet bulb). The higher humidity helps to moisten the internal membranes and soften the shell to assist in the hatching process. Eggs are not turned during this period in the hatcher.

Fumigation

• Fumigate the incubator with 20g potassium permanganate + 40 ml formalin for every 100 c. ft. of incubator space. Eggs can also be fumigated at certain stages during incubation. Empty incubators and hatching compartments also need to be sanitised between batches using the same products.

Candling and examination

• Eggs of most other species of birds allow for easy monitoring of eggs by candling (monitoring the embryo growth by holding the egg against a light). Because of totally opaque shell of an emu egg which does not allow any light through, candling is impossible. The internal pipping can be identified by tapping method. The egg is lightly tapped with the metal rod. A screw driver of medium to heavy weight will work for this. Once the chick has broken through the air sac, the egg will ring more hollowly when tapped. Internal pipped eggs should be transferred to the hatcher.

Wet chick problem and its control

• It is important to note that chicks are hatched either wet or dry, with dry being the most desirable. A dry chick is one that has dried completely within a minute or two of hatch. A wet chick is one that has not lost enough moisture in the incubation period, and has difficulty in absorbing the yolk sac. To correct wet chick syndrome, the humidity in the incubator should be maintained low.
• The incubating egg looses its weight throughout the incubation period. The weight loss is very important to achieve good hatchability of ratite eggs. Since the weight is influenced by the relative humidity of incubator, necessary attention needs to be given. Normally, 15% weight loss at piping is considered optimum. Eggs should be weighed every 5 days to determine if adjustment of the dry and wet bulb temperatures is necessary for a normal hatch. For example, if a freshly laid egg weighs 500 grams, the ideal weight loss is calculated as 75 g (15% x 500g = 75g total target weight loss). The rate of weight loss for the 50 days period can be calculated as follows.
• Target daily weight loss = 75 g in 50 days = 1.5 g/day
• However, it should be remembered that weight loss is not linear because more weight is lost at the beginning and end of incubation.
• Once the chick has hatched, it can be left in the hatcher for 12 to 24 hours. Weaker birds are better left in the warmth and safety of the hatcher for a longer period, where as stronger birds can stay for a much shorter period. Once a chick becomes active, and the chick’s navel is closed, they are moved to the brooder. No food or water needs to be provided in the hatcher.

Hatchery Management

• Normally the hatchability of total eggs in emu is around 70%. Proper management is critical for successful hatchability. Hatchability problems can be caused by inadequate breeder nutrition, mating problems, improper egg handling, incubator or hatcher malfunctions, and humidity or temperature problems.
• Equipment requirements for the hatchery include a stand by generator, forced draft incubators and hatchers, service tables, a vacuum for cleaning, pressure washer, tray washers, and carts. Incubators and hatchers that can be used for emu eggs are manufactured and sold by several commercial companies.
• A good ventilation system is a must for successful incubation and hatching. In addition, when building a hatchery, it has to be remembered that emu eggs require low relative humidity. Thus, in areas of the state with high relative humidity during the emu’s breeding season, a dehumidifier system should be installed.

Chick management

Emu chick breeds naturally and/or by using incubator. Artificial incubation is often conducted at a temperature of approximately 97.50 F. Born chick colors are coffee brown with white line marks and change after 3 months. Reproducing chicks can be repeated with an adult pair of Emu’s for minimum 25 times (25-40 eggs every year). Emu chicks weigh about 370 to 450 grams. For the first 48 to 72 hours, emu chicks are restricted to Hatcher itself for absorption of egg yolk and proper drying. The brooding shed would be prepared well in advance with thorough cleaning and disinfection and flooring should be covered with gunny bags to prevent slipping of legs of young chicks. Emu chicks have long legs and are very active, slippery flooring will make emu chicks to have hip dislocation resulting in irreparable damage. Arrange a set of brooder for about 25 to 40 chicks, giving four sq.ft./chick for first three weeks. Provide brooding temperature of 90o F for the first ten days and 85o F till three to four weeks. Provide feed and water with a brooder guard of 2.5ft. height. Feed starter mash for first 8 weeks. Provide sufficient run space for the chicks to have healthy life. Hence, floor space of 40ft. x 30 ft. is required for about 40 chicks with outdoor space.

Grower management (9 to 42 weeks of age) –

As emu chicks grow they require bigger size of waterers and feeders and increased floor space for run. Feed the birds grower mash till 42 weeks of age. 10% Greens (carrot, papaya, cucumber) can be offered, deworm the birds once with broad spectrum anthelmatic/ivermectin and vaccinate with R2B at 8th week and repeat at 40th week against Ranikhet disease. Provide 40ft. x 100 ft. space for 40 birds.

Housing and feeding of adult emus –

Emus are reared in open paddocks which will have chain link fencing of 2×2 or 3×3 enclosure with 2 ft. concrete wall construction on this chain link mesh of 6 ft. ht. is erected. Night shelter is optional with usual asbestos sheet roofing of 6 to 8 ft. Feeding is given in feed troughs which are usually hung on the fence and water is given in specially designed water tank or troughs with good drainage.

Some Peculiarities about emu—

 

• Emu eats fruits, flowers, insects, seeds and green vegetation and love caterpillars. b) Emus require 6-10 litters’ good water daily. c) Emus require 3 times food per day. d) Emus are being raised in a variety of conditions ranging from the cold winters to the extreme heat. e) Female emu or hen begins laying eggs and male emu keep watch of incubation. f) The male waits until the female lays at least 9 eggs and then he starts incubating them by sitting on the nest. g) He incubates them for 52-56 days and doesn’t eat or drink during this time. h) Emu can reproduce for as long as 25 years.

 

Nesting, social and sleep behavior———

Nesting takes place in winter. The male builds a nest by placing bark, grass, twigs, leaves, and few feathers in a shallow depression in the ground. The nest consists of a platform of grass on the ground, about 10cm thick and 1-2m in diameter. Five to fifteen eggs, measuring 130x90mm, are laid at intervals of 2- 4 days. These are dark bluish-green when fresh, becoming lighter with exposure to the sun. The shells are thick, with paler green and white layers under the dark outer layer. When eggs are fresh, they are dark green, but become almost black with time. Emus are solitary creatures and although they often travel in large flocks where there is food, this is not a social behavior. Emus are not really social. Exception is of young birds, which stay with their father with certain period of time. Young birds stay close together and remain with the male for four months. They finally leave from them at about six months. Immediately after the sunset, the emu lie down to sleep, although it may rise up to eight times during the night for the purpose of defecation and feeding. On an average, the emu will awaken every one and half to two hours. They rise for a few minute, stands to defecate and feed. This interruption to sleep continues from 10 to 20 minutes. In this manner emu is disturbed from six to eight times a night. The actual duration of complete rest is being up to seven hours.

Bio-security measures to be taken in emu farming/ breeding—-

1.Farm should ideally be placed and away from the population. 2. The fencing should be proper with adequate breeding facilities.3.Proper disinfection procedures/ foot dips etc. should be maintained. 4. The quarantine sheds should be separate and away from other sheds. 5. Routine disease monitoring procedures like postmortem examination of dead birds and periodic sera antibody assay is recommended. 6. Water source should be tested for mineral, bacterial, chemical, contamination and pathogen load. 7. The other birds (parent, commercial or pure line etc.) and pets should not be reared/allowed to enter the same farm. 8. The brooding space should be optimum. 9. There should be provision of showers, change over and dips. 10. Proper storage of feed to prevent contamination should be made. 11. The water quality should be checked periodically and if contamination is seen it should be treated with any sanitizer. 12. There should be facility for disposing off/destroying the bedding / dead birds etc. 13. The equipment should be proper, properly disinfected and separated. 14. The farm should have a water sanitation system

DR SP SINGH, GM ,VENKYS,BENGALURU

REFERENCE-ON REQUEST

IMAGE-CREDIT GOOGLE