International Interdisciplinary Vidyardhi Vignan Journal
Volume 1, Issue No.1
January – December 2017
Impact Factor:
14. A Study on the management of Emu farming in and around Eluru Mandal,
West Godavari District, A.P
*A. Sudha Rani, B.Asha Latha,B. Dwaraka,B. Jyothsna,
B. Sowmya, S.Karuna Kumari
**Dr.R.Indira, Dr.K.Madhavi Rani, N.L.Prasanna,
Abstract
Emu farming has becoming commercial rearing in India. It promises a long-term return as compared to
the initial investment. Emu bird farming is basically just like Poultry. The reason for the growth of Emu
farms today is the increasing demand for the bird’s meat and oil, which is believed to have medicinal
properties, especially for treating joint pains and also high economic value for their eggs, skin and
feathers. This study includes the infrastructural and live stock management administrated in three visited
farms namely, Swarnamai Emu farm, koppaka; Singh’s Emu farm, palagudem and Gopannapalem Emu
farm. This gives the baseline data like the characteristics of study, the general management method
adopted in Emu farming, the infrastructural facilities to be provided for the Emu birds. Estimation of live
stock numbers, and then management in captivity, the composition of feed, feed timings, types of feeds and
method of feeding , the disease prevalence, prevalence rates and then prevention and treatment in three
study sites.
Key Words: Emu, Commercial rearing, Investment, Disease prevalence, Prevention.
*******
Introduction
Emu (Dromaius novaehollandiae) bird belong group has high economic value for their
meat, eggs, oil, skin and feathers. Meat from Emu is of high quality in terms of low fat, low
cholesterol, gamey flavor. These birds are adoptable to varied climatic conditions. Although
Emu and Ostrich were introduced in India, Emu farming has gained much importance.
Commercial aspects of rearing Emu has picked up in India in a big way as it promises a longterm return as compared to the initial investment. There are several organizations making more
efforts to spread awareness of the many health benefits of consuming Emu meat and using its oil.
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.
The country’s first commercial Emu farm was started in 1996 by an NRI named Mutiyala but it
soon closed down because of the poor response. The reason for the growth of Emu farms today is
the increasing demand for the bird’s meat and oil, which is believed to have medicinal properties,
especially for treating joint pains and also high economic value for their eggs, skin and feathers.
From a single farm in 1996, there are today more than 900 Emu farms in 14 states, with a
majority of them in Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra. 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. The profit of Emu farming is encouraged on the basis of
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management techniques employed. So, this project work has been undertaken to study the
application of good management of Emu farming.
Literature:
Habit and Habitat:
The scientific name of Emu is Dromius novaehollandiae.The soft –feathered brown,
flightless birds reach up to 2 meters (6.6ft) in height. They have thin long necks and legs. Emus
can travel great distances at a fast, economical trot and, if necessary, can sprint at 50 km/h
(31mph). Their long legs allow them to take strides of up to 275 centimeters (9.02ft). They are
opportunistically nomadic and may travel long distances to find food; they feed on a variety of
plants and insects, but have been known to go for weeks without food. Emus ingest stones, glass
shards and bits of metal to grind food in the digestive system. They drink infrequently, but take
in copious fluids when the opportunity arises. Emus will sit in water and are also able to swim.
They are curious birds who are known to follow and watch other animals and humans. Emus do
not sleep continuously at night but in several short stints sitting down.
Economic value
Meat: Emu meat is a low –fat meat (less than 1.5% fat),and with cholesterol at 85 mg/100 g, it
is comparable to other lean meats.
Fat: Emu fat is rendered to produce oil for cosmetics, dietary supplements, and therapeutic
products.
Oil: The oil is harvested from the subcutaneous and retroperitoneal fat from the macerated
adipose tissue and filtering the liquefied fat to get the oil. The oil consists mainly of fatty acids,
oleic (42%), linoleum and palmitic (21%) are the most prominent components. It also contains
various anti- oxidants, notably carotenoids and flavones. The oil has anti-inflammatory
properties.
Leather and egg shells: Leather is used in such small items as wallets and shoes, often in
combination with other leathers. The feathers and eggs are used in decorative arts and crafts, in
particular, emptied Emu eggs have been engraved with portraits.
Present status
Australian government in 1975 started domesticating these birds living in tangles by
establishing big farms. This activity spread to America, France and other European countries in
early eighties. At present there are few Emu association in India. one is at Hyderabad by name of
“Indian Emu association” and Mumbai “National Emu association
Basic Requirements
The basic requirements for the well-being of farm Emus are Appropriate and sufficient
food and water to sustain health and vitality, Sufficient area to maintain their well being and to
exhibit normal behavior, Protection from predation, Protection from disease, Protection from
extremes of climate, but particularly during certain phases of their lives and protection from pain,
distress, suffering and injury.
Fencing Requirements:
Fence which must be constructed to a minimum height of 1-9 meters, the fencing is
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made by line posts of pressure treated pine, hard wood, metal or such other material of adequate
strength and durability. Chain mesh welded mesh be properly strained and affixed to the line
posts to the side of the fence and in such a manner as to present the movement of Emus into or
out of the licensed Emu farm.
Housing: General: The type of housing and yard dimensions required by Emus will vary with
the geographic location of the Emu farm, the age of the Emus, the management practices to be
employed and the stocking density. All Emus need to be protected from climatic extremes and
Emus that are kept in yards or an extensive range should be provided with adequate shade and
protection from the elements.
Breeding pairs: Where Emus are kept as breeding pairs, under optimal conditions, each pair
should be provided with a minimum pen size of 20m × 20m which be securely fenced.
Equipment: All equipment to which Emus have access should be designed and maintained to
avoid either injury or pain to the birds. Feeders and waterier should be checked for efficient
operation at least once each day. An alarm system or generator in case of a power failure.
Protection from hazards: Emus should be protected from predators and, if necessary from each
other electric fences can be used to discourage predators Safe from the effects of fires and floods.
Sufficient exits to allow for emergency evacuation of the building. Firefighting equipment should
be available. When planning new building, consider the use of construction materials with a high
fire resistance.
Nutrition to adult: Emus will eat a feed called “Ratite feed”. Young Emu under 6months of age
should feed them with ratite Grower. Alfalfa pellets are can also be fed to Emus. Emus must have
fresh water daily. Vitamins and electrolytes should be added to the Emus water once a week
during the summer.
Laying in Emu birds: At the beginning of breeding season, which generally begins in the
summer months (July or august).But the actual laying season, which generally begins, Around
October and could last until May. Emu are excellent converts, 2.5/4kg of feed to 1 kg of gain.
Adult Emu consume on average 500 to 750gm of feed per day. Commercial feeds are readily
available at a cost of approx. Rs 6000/-per year per bird. Emu can exist on a simple diet and
require a lot of water, drinking 4 to 6 liters daily.
Inspections: Should be at least once each day. Inspections are best made at feeding times.
Health: Aware of the signs of ill health. These include separation from other emus, lethargy,
refusal to eat, changes in faces, vomiting, coughing, panting, lameness, and swellings on the
body or legs.
Labor and store room: one person is enough for 25 pairs of Emu, however we prefer to have at
least two persons for an Emu farm. Store room for keeping food and medicines is essential for
Emu farm.
Transportation: The duration of all journeys should be as short as possible as transportation
can be stressful experience.
Financial Assistance and farm Estimation: Government of India has recently launched
a new venture capable funding scheme for poultry in which loan for 50% of the project
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cost will be interest free for emu breeding farms, subject to a maximum project cost of
Rs.30lakh. NABARD is the nodal agency for the implementation of this scheme. Several
commercial banks, cooperative banks and regional rural banks have implemented this scheme.
Methodology
The Emu farm is a complex system. So, the methodology was designed to give an
overview of this complex system and ways to approach the needs and goals of the project. the
data was collected in detail method of questionnaire and observation of farm condition for a
period of three months during summer vacation (April- June). Type of data collected: General
information on Emu farm and birds are Housing construction, area requirement and equipments
using in farm. Nutrition of Emu administrated in farm are mainly Disease management and
vaccination schedule employed in farm and Value of byproducts from each farm.
Result and discussion:
Table: 1 Study farms sites visited
S. No
1
2.
3
Name of the farm
Swarnamai Emu farm
Singh ‘s Emu farm
Emu farm
Place
Koppaka, Pedavegi mandal
Palagudem ,Denduluru mandal
Gopannapalem, Pedavegi mandal
Table: 2 Housing and type of equipments used in 3 farm sites
S. No
Characteristics
1.
2.
3.
4.
Housing type
Farm area
Farm area per bird
Equipments used
5.
6.
7.
Sanitation of farm
No. of attendants
Enemies of Emu birds
Study Sites
1
Shed, fencing
1 Acre
5×5 meter
Plastic
troughs
water tanks-2
moderate
2
Snakes
2
Shed, fencing
1 Acre
5×5 meter
Plastic troughs water
tanks-3
good
3
Snakes
3
Shed, fencing
2 Acre
5×5 meter
Plastic troughs water
tanks-2.
good
4
Snakes
Table: 3 Characteristics of Emu birds in 3 study sites
S. No
105
Characteristics
1.
2.
3.
No. of Birds
Age
Behavior
4.
5.
Ecology
Life span
1
87
1 year
Active, they eat sand
and soil
Fields
35-40 years
Study sites
2
100
1 year
Active,
they
everything
Fields, road way
35-40 years
eat
3
250
1 year 2 months
Active,
they
everything
Fields, road way
35-40 years
eat
Table: 4 Nutrition of Emu administrated in 3 Study sites
S.No
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Characteristics
Study sites
1
Composition of feed. Brand Corn flour, Maize, Soya, raw rice,
of feed
shell, Vit D, Calcium, Phosphate.
Feed amounts/bird/ day
900gms
Change of ration
After 42 weeks grower ration is
changed to finisher ration.
Feed timings
Thrice /day
Water requirement
4-6Lt/day enough water
Any other minerals/vitami
ns along with feed
2
-do-
3
-do-
900gms
-do-
800grm
-do-
Thrice /day
4-6 Lt/day enough
Thrice /day
4-6Lt/day enough water
through water tanks
Metro-vit metrodidazole with zinc E-Vit, vit.E, selenium
sulphate feed supplement
and Biotin feed
supplement
EGS-MOR 12 vitamin,
proteins amino acids feed
supplement
Table: 5 Disease management /vaccination schedule employed in 3 study sites
S.NO
Disease
management
1
2
Tuberculosis Bronchitis
Aspergillosis Stress
Laryngo trachits Cyathostoma
Varicgnatum Simulium disease.
3
1.
Types of diseases
attacked
Calibacillosis Bronchitis
Zygomycosis Leg deformities
2.
Disease control
-Moderate sanitation
- -Good sanitation -Treatment given
giving treatment-vaccination -vaccination
3.
Vaccination
schedule
Losata vaccine once every 6 Lasota vaccine once every 6 Lasota vaccine once every 6
months
months
months
4.
Veterinary
consultancy
Monthly once Dr.
Shaker Bhimavaram
5.
Treatment
Proper medicines given
6.
-Moderate sanitation Treatment -vaccination given.
Ram Monthly once Dr. Satyanarayana Monthly once
Rajahmundry
Proper medicines given
Proper medicines given
Nutritionally
Very few
deficient diseases
Very few
Very few
7.
Behavior of Emu Do not eat food, inactive
during disease
Do not eat food,
Inactive
Do not eat food,
Inactive
8.
Care of birds
Special care in
Shelter
Special care is provided
9.
Any
problems
They became weak
Cannot walk properly
Special
attender
care
taken
by
other They cannot walk properly
Conclusion:
Emu is a large flightless bird of Australian origin. Its scientific name is Dromaius
novaehollandiae. There are five families of flightless birds. They are ostrich of Africa, Emu of
Australia, Rhea of South America, Cassowary of New Guinea and kiwi of New Zealand, out of
the above species, Emu is the preferred bird for farming virtually there is no waste products in
Emu. Every body part such as meat, eggs, fat, skin and leather, nails has economic value. These
birds are highly suited for faming in tropical climatic conditions, they have adapted very well to
climatic condition of our country, adult mortality of these birds is very low almost negligible and
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productive life is long. These birds are human friendly. Emu farming has high potential for
employment generation. Before starting an Emu farm the entrepreneurs and farmers are advice to
take the following suggestions for their farming. Emu farming is a profitable business. Before
stating a farm entrepreneurs or farmers are advised to undergo training on Emu farming, they can
contact local animal husbandry department /veterinary college or Agriculture University etc.
They should also visit Emu farms in the locality. Farm should be located away from the human
locality. Bio security measures must be maintained in Emu farm hatchery. The birds must be free
from disease and deformity and availability of Emu breeding stock in nearby market and also
Nearness of farm veterinary hospital, animal disease diagnostic laboratory. Marketing facility
and Emu products in local market Emu farming is becoming popular in India mainly due to
hardy nature of this bird adaptable to harsh climatic conditions, high economic returns. Owing to
the nutritional qualities of both Emu meat and oil, the future of Emu farming might grow to meat
the ever increasing demand for red meat with vast natural resources and low production cost.
There is a scope for reaching India top in global Emu production.
References
-Emu Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
-Emu Feeding- Sai Ram Agro farm- http:/www.freewebs.com/rkemu/emufeeding.htm
-Emu farming: How to avail bank finance and government incentives.
-Project report for establishment of Emu breeding farm with 25 pairs of two years of old Emu birds to
produce fertile egg for hatching-http:/www.odoshavit.com/emu
-Importance of Emu products and marketing: A. Rajashekar Reddy, Professor, Poultry Science and
Associate Dean, Collage of Veterinary Science, Korutla, Karimnagar District-505326
-Code of practice-Emu farming department of environment and heritage protection.
http://www.emufamstamilnadu.com/emu-egg.html.
http://www.emuoilcanada.com/emu-oil-faq- html
http;//www.indiamart.com/tallbird-emufarm/profile.html.
---------------------------------*Students, III B.Sc, Dept. of Zoology
** Under the guidance of HOD and Faculty of Dept. of Zoology, Ch. S. D. St. Theresa's
College for Women, Eluru.
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