QUICK FACTS

• The Ostrich is the largest living bird in the world.
• It is of the Ratite family, which means flightless bird.
• The Ostrich is native to Africa, yet thrives in countries all over the world.
• Adult males are eight to ten feet in height and weigh 350-400 pounds.
• A male Ostrich is called a rooster and a female Ostrich is called a hen.
• The male is black with white wing tips and tail plumes.
• The female has light brown and grey plumage and is slightly smaller than the male.
• This great bird has two toes, all other birds have three or four toes.
• The Ostrich can run at speeds of up to 40 MPH for sustained times.
• An Ostrich will live to be 50 - 75 years old.
• Although an ostrich egg is the largest of all eggs, it is the smallest egg in relation to the size of the bird.
• The Ostrich egg will weigh 1600 gm and is equivalent to 2 dozen chicken eggs.
• An Ostrich Hen can lay 40 -100 eggs per year, averaging about 60 eggs per year.
• Ostrich eggs hatch in 42 days.
• An Ostrich chick grows one foot taller each month until it is 7-8 months old.
• Females sit on eggs by day; males sit on eggs by night.
• To soft boil a fresh egg would take one hour.
• To hard boil would take 1 1/2 hours.
• Ostrich farming is a viable alternative agriculture industry, with fine quality leather, feathers and gourmet meat as the principal products.

http://www.ostrich.ca/manual/facts.htm

OSTRICH CHICKS, BREEDERS & EGGS CURRENT PRICES

Chicks and Breeder HURRY!!!!! (Promo Rates ) limited ostriches only
1 month old - P9,000 Regular Rate (P11,000)
3 months old chick - P15,000.00 Regular Rate (P20,000)
6 months old chick - P25,000.00 Regular Rate (P30,000)
12 months old ostrich - P35,000.00 Regular Rate (P40,000)Chicks and Breeder

Ostrich Meat
Choice Cut - P500.00/kilo
Ground Meat - P275.00/kilo
Ostrich Eggshell (empty)

Eggshell Class A 1 - P300.00
Eggshell Class A2 - P250.00
Eggshell Class B1 - P200.00

prices subject to change without prior notice/negotiable depending on quantity of orders
(excluding freight and handling from Butuan City)

FARMING INFORMATION

Production Facts

Ostrich production is the key to reaching the goal of commercial production. Ostrich hens can lay anywhere from 20-120 eggs per season, but the average in Canada is between 30-60. Our season generally runs from February/March to September/October. Climate, diet and the general well being of the birds will determine the production and fertility of eggs. The hens may start to lay as early as 2 years but are not considered mature until 4 to 5 years of age and at this age should be a consistent layer. Hens will lay an egg every other day until her clutch is depleted (10-15 eggs) and rest for a few days, then start laying again. Fertility rate can vary from 50% to 100%. The average is 80%.

Hatchability

The hatchability figures will vary from producer to producer. Proper nutrition is a key part of management and can have a major impact on the operation. With experience, proper incubation parameters and health conditions of breeding stock, hatch-ability as high as 80-90% of fertile eggs can be achieved.

Survivability

The survivability of chicks depends largely on management practices. Mortality of chicks averages 10%, but this figure will decrease as we learn more about raising these birds through research and development. Mortality may be higher in larger operations as compared to smaller operations with one or two breeding pairs. An average of 20-30 chicks can be raised to processing age from one laying hen. These figures will vary from farm to farm.

Processing Age

The age to process is generally determined by body size, a circumference of 110-112cm around the chest (in front of the wings) is considered an ideal size. This gives a hide that is 12-14 square feet in size. Birds are generally in the 200lb. to 240lb. range live weight at slaughter age. After processing, this will yield 90 -100 lb. of edible deboned lean meat. Processing age should be 12-14 months.

http://www.ostrich.ca/manual/index.htm#survive

RAISING OSTRICH IN THE PHILIPPINES

I. Introduction
Ostrich growers are rapidly expanding their flocks throughout the world to meet the increasing demand for high quality ostrich livestock and ostrich products।

During the breeding season (approximatelyFeb-Oct। in the Philippines) a good ostrich hen lays an egg every other day if the eggs are removed for artificial incubation. If the eggs are left with the birds to incubate, the eggs are set after a clutch of a dozen or so eggs are laid. Most producers begin the incubation process one day a week to ease the workload. After approximately 42 days of incubation with controlled temperature and humidity, an ostrich egg hatches.

A newly hatched ostrich chick is approximately 10 inches tall and weighs about two pounds। For the first three months, an ostrich chick needs diligent care and shelter. The grow-out phase is considered to be age 3 months to slaughter. Growth is approximately 10-12 inches a month for the first six months. Ostriches generally reach slaughter size between ages 10-14 months.

Ostrich meat is a low fat, red meat which is high in protein and also low in calories and cholesterol। It looks and tastes like beef, but has a nutritional content similar to chicken and turkey. Ostrich meat is being served in fine dining establishments throughout the United States, Europe, and the Far East. Ostrich meat is fast becoming a popular menu item wherever it is served and whenever it is consumed by the Gourmet diners.

The ostrich produces the world's premiere exotic leather। Ostrich leather is universally renowned for its strength and suppleness। Its unique quill pattern makes ostrich leather the premium leather of choice for high end exotic leather products produced around the world। Brand names such as Gucci, Tony Lama, Nocona, and Justin Boots use large quantities of ostrich leather in producing their top of the line leather products।

II. Ostrich Breeds - Cross-bred lines have resulted from selective breeding; for positive traits like meat productivity, early maturation, conformation, easier handling, and faster growth rates। Increasingly, more emphasis is being placed on the desirable traits of a particular blood-line, rather than on the more uncertain definition of "breed" type...

III. Acquiring Livestock - The Ostrich industry has evolved considerably over the past five years। Newcomers to the industry now have many options that were not available in the past years. Information is easier to obtain regarding various aspects of ostrich farming, and muchof the ground work for the future has been laid...

IV. Young Chick Rearing & Management Practices - Management plays a key role in successful ostrich chick rearing. The raising of chicks is one of the most important parts of the whole production process. The age of 0-8 weeks is where the highest mortalities are experienced. As an industry, it will be imperative that through experience, research and knowledge, we learn to reduce mortalities...

V. Ostrich Nutrion - Newly hatched chicks up to 4 - 6 weeks are generally fed a high protein ration ranging from 20 - 22 % . These starters are designed to meet the high energy requirements of young babies. Young chicks should consume 50 - 120 grams per day to maintain growth requirements. The length of time on this ration will depend on the individual chick...

VI. Fencing - If you are going to keep Ostriches, you are going to build fences! When constructing your fencing, take time to plan a layout, remembering that no doubt your flock will grow over time, and will need to construct more fences. Plan a layout that is easily added to if necessary, that provides lane-ways for moving your birds around, and provides access for any vehicles that may need to access your property for bird transportation...

VII. Purchasing Option - The potential buyer should decide at which point in the production cycle they are entering the industry and where they wish to be in the future. Birds grow very rapidly, and it is important to be prepared with adequate housing for all types of weather conditions. Birds can be purchased at any stage of development and these decisions should be based on a buyer's financial status and experience with livestock...

Why Eat Ostrich Meat? - Ostrich has found a place on the world's menu, delivering red meat flavor with 40% less fat than beef। Already a popular menu item at top rated European and American restaurants, ostrich is poised to become, "the premier red meat of the next century," according to the The National Culinary Review. The reason is simple. No other meat combines the flavor, versatility and nutritional benefits of ostrich. Ostrich is the healthiest red meat available. Try it and you'll agree...

For further inquiries contact:

CARAGA OSTRICH FARM


Gross Ostrich FARMN
Michael Gross
409 San Anton, San Leonardo, Nueva Ecija

Global Farm
John Go
138 Lore Avenue, Valenzuela City, Metro Manila

Philippine Ostrich & Crocodile Farm Inc.
Limketkai Corporate Center
Limketkai Center,Cagayan de Oro City

http://pinoyfranchising।blogspot।com/2006/09/franchising-raising-ostrich-in।html