Kerala, India
Growing emus require fattening to enhance body weight (40kg) and achieve favorable FCR (5:1) at the time of marketing for meat production. Provide Yembroos® finisher ration from 35 weeks of age until slaughter or up to 12-18 months of age. Birds yield approximately 53% dressed meat and 3-4 liters of fat. Adding vegetable fat at 3-5% in emu diet will result in improved FCR and enhanced net returns as birds at this age utilize fat more efficiently compared to younger chicks below 15 weeks of age. Sub-adults designated for breeding purposes should be fed on Yembroos® maintenance feed formulated specifically for this stage from 35th week of age until reaching sexual maturity at 18-24 months.
Important Facts Related to Fattening/Finishing Stage:
- Provide fresh and nutritionally balanced feed containing all essential dietary nutrients for emu birds
- Maintain adequate floor space of 100 square feet per bird including both shelter and run areas
- Fencing must be constructed at 6 ft height using link mesh of 2 x 4 inches to prevent birds from jumping out of the pen
- Keep male and female birds in separate housing to prevent aggressive behavior and fighting
- Avoid storing feed for periods exceeding one month. Prolonged storage compromises nutrient quality. Additionally prevent toxin contamination in feed
- Never introduce new bird stock with existing birds in the same facility
- Avoid abrupt changes in feed formulation or type