Kerala, India
Emu birds reach sexual maturity at 18-24 months of age. Select either flock or pen mating systems. Maintain male to female sex ratio of 1:1. For pen mating, pairing must be established based on bird compatibility. During the mating period, allocate floor space of approximately 2500 square feet (100×25) per pair. Trees and shrubs may be planted to provide privacy and stimulate mating behavior. Supply Yembroos® breeder diet well ahead of time, approximately 3-4 weeks before commencing the breeding program, and supplement with minerals and vitamins to maximize fertility and hatchability in birds. Semen collection and artificial insemination has proven successful in emus, enabling reduction in male maintenance costs. However, implementation requires specialized skill. Immediately following the breeding season, separate sexes and maintain them in flocks while feeding Yembroos® maintenance ration. Typically adult birds consume 1 kg feed daily but during breeding season feed intake decreases dramatically, therefore adequate nutrient consumption must be ensured.
First egg production occurs at approximately two and half years of age. Eggs are laid during October to February, particularly during cooler periods of the year. Egg laying time ranges from 5.30PM to 7.00PM. Collect eggs twice daily to prevent damage within the pen. Generally a hen produces about 15 eggs during the first breeding cycle, in following years egg production increases progressively until reaching approximately 30-40 eggs. On average a hen produces 25 eggs annually. Eggs weigh about 475-650 g with average egg weight of 560 g per year. Eggs display greenish appearance resembling tough marble. Color intensity ranges from light, medium to dark green. Surface texture varies from rough to smooth. Majority of eggs (42%) are medium green with rough surface texture.
Feed Yembroos® breeder ration with adequate calcium (2.7%) to ensure proper egg calcification and shell strength. Feeding excessive calcium to breeding birds before laying commences will disrupt egg production and also compromise male fertility. Supply supplementary calcium as grit or calcite powder in separate feeding troughs.
Collect eggs regularly from the pen. When eggs are soiled, clean using sand paper and wipe with cotton. Store eggs in cooler room conditions at 60°F. Never store eggs beyond 10 days to maintain optimal hatchability. Eggs stored at room temperature should be set every 3 to 4 days for good hatchability results.
Ostrich in breeding programs require 0.25-0.5 hectare pen area per bird. Birds mature at 2-3 years of age. Infertile eggs from young hens are common due to unsuccessful mating. Eggs weigh approximately 1300-2100 g with maximum reaching 2100 g. Eggs are light yellow colored, porous with thick shells. Fertility rate is about 80%. Overweight birds do not mate successfully, avoid overfeeding.
Important Facts Related to Breeder Management:
- Introduce Yembroos® breeder ration 3-4 weeks prior to breeding season with proper mineral and vitamin fortification
- Maintain proper male to female ratio of 1:1 for optimal breeding results
- Provide adequate space of 2500 square feet per breeding pair
- Collect eggs twice daily during laying season to minimize breakage and damage
- Store eggs at 60°F and never exceed 10 days storage for best hatchability outcomes
- Clean soiled eggs gently using sand paper and cotton, avoid washing with water
- Monitor calcium intake carefully as excess calcium before laying affects production and male fertility
- Separate sexes after breeding season and feed maintenance ration to prevent unnecessary weight gain
- Provide supplementary calcium in separate containers allowing birds to self-regulate intake
- Monitor body condition regularly as overweight birds experience reduced mating success and fertility issues