Future of ostrich farming in Pakistan

Advances in Zoology and Botany 6(2): 55-65, 2018 http://www.hrpub.org
DOI: 10.13189/azb.2018.060202
Future of Ostrich Farming in Pakistan
Ghulam Abbas1,*
, Osama Zahid2
, Muhammad Shahzad Ahmad Khan3
, Muhammad Sajid4
,
Hira Saeed2
1
Department of Animal Production, Riphah College of Veterinary Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
2
Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Riphah College of Veterinary Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
3
Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Riphah College of Veterinary Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
4
Department of Anatomy, Riphah College of Veterinary Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
Copyright©2018 by authors, all rights reserved. Authors agree that this article remains permanently open access under
the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License 4.0 International License
Abstract Ostrich farming is a new emergent in avian
production throughout the globe from the last few years
which can open new vistas for development for its
delicious meat, feathers and the hide. Pakistan being
independent in cheap labor and cheap feed can easily set
up ostrich farms of high production potential in the
country. Ostrich is gaining popularity in Pakistan and
there are many farmers who are rearing ostrich at small
scale in various parts of the country. Demand for meat
(healthy meat), fat/oil, hide, eggs, feathers and other
products is increasing day by day in Pakistan. However,
ostrich producers are only meeting 10% of the customers
demand. Therefore, it is high time to capture our share in
the local and international market. Major clients for meat
are Super Stores, Meat Markets, Restaurants and hotels.
Academia [Riphah College of Veterinary Sciences
(RCVetS), university of Veterinary and Animal Sciences
Lahore (UVAS), Pir mehar Ali Shah Arid Agriculture
University Rawalpindi (PMAS-AAUR)] and Livestock
and Dairy Development Department (L&DD) are playing
their considerable efforts to promote ostrich farming in the
country and very soon Pakistan can be the world leader in
ostrich farming. To promote ostrich farming on large
commercial scale research is needed for different welfare
considerations of ostriches in climatic conditions in
Pakistan.
Keywords Ostrich, Farming, Future, Meat, Feather,
Globe, RCVetS, Pakistan
1. Introduction
Struthio camelus (Ostriches) are ratite (large flightless)
birds having existed as a species for over 40 million years.
The Ostrich is the largest living species of bird and lays the
largest egg of any bird species (although it is very small
compared to the body size of the bird). There are fossils
records of presence of ostrich like birds is the Central
European Palaeotis from the Middle Eocene, the fossil
record of the ostriches continues with several species of the
modern genus Struthio which are known from the Early
Miocene onwards.
The zoological classification of the ostriches is as under.
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Struthioniformes(Emus, kiwis, and other ratites)
Family: Struthionidae
Genus: Struthio
Species: S. camelus
Ostriches belong to the Struthioniformes order of
(ratites). The extinct members of the order were Aepyornis
(Elephant bird). However, paleobiogeographical and
paleontological evidences are slightly in favor of the
multi-order arrangement for ratites. There are five
subspecies of the ostrich [32; 29] ranging from the Arabian
and Saharan deserts southward throughout Africa:
Southern Ostrich (Struthio camelus australis), North
African Ostrich or Red-necked Ostrich (Struthio camelus
camelus), Masai Ostrich (Struthio camelus massaicus),
Arabian Ostrich or Middle Eastern Ostrich (Struthio
camelus syriacus); extinct since 1966, Somali Ostrich
(Struthio camelus molybdophanes).
Struthio camelus (camel sparrow) are larger usually
weigh from 200 to 285 lb [20; 21] and some males may
gain up to 340 lb (155kg). Ostriches are very loving (Fig 1)
are world's fastest two-legged animal, in spites of their
heavy weight they are top runner (Gill, 2010) among the
globe birds and can run at a speed of 70Km per hour
(ostrich tendons can store much a lot of elastic energy) [23].

56 Future of Ostrich Farming in Pakistan
Figure 1. Response of ostriches toward caring behavior
Ostrich have a thin layer of down on head and neck
whilst their strong legs are featherless. As compared to
other birds, ostriches have just two toes on each foot. Outer
toe are nail-less [18] whilst inner toe having a larger nail
resembling a hoof (an adaptation unique to fast run).
Ostrich lack teeth, crop, gallbladder and keel bone. Their
beak and sternum is flat, breastbone (sternum) is raft-like
lack the keel for attachment of wing muscles, and beak is
rounded at the tips. Ostrich reach to sexual maturity during
2-4 years of age. They grow about 10 inches/ month and
can gain about 80 kg body weight at one year of age. Male
may reach a height of 6 to 9 ft, whilst female can reach up
to 5.5 to 6.5 ft at sexual maturity. They live in groups
(range 5-50 members) and can be alive up to 80 years.
Ostriches have acute eyesight and hearing and can defend
themselves either by hiding themselves by lying flat
against the ground, or by running away, in most threatened
conditions can cause injury and even death with a forward
kick from its powerful legs (kicking from the knees).
Ostriches are unique in kneecap (double kneecap)
configuration [28].
Ostrich farming is a new addition among agricultural
businesses in Pakistan. Markets for ostrich eggs, meat,
leather, feathers and related products are developing
rapidly throughout the globe. However at the present,
ostrich producers are merely meeting 10 percent of the
consumer demand. This is best/exact time for Pakistan to
exploit the resource for ostrich farming to make our big
share in the local and global market.
2. Evolutionary History of Struthio
camelus
The most primitive fossil records of ostrich-like birds is
found in the Central European Palaeotis from the Middle
Eocene (from 56 to 33.9 million years ago), a middle-sized
flightless bird that was originally believed to be a bustard
(family, Otididae). Fossil records of the ostriches continue
with numerous species of the Struthio (modern genus)
which are known from the Early Miocene (about 23.03 to
5.333 million years ago) onwards.
The relationship of the African species is relatively
uncomplicated, however numerous Asian species of
ostrich have disconnected remains and their
interrelationships and how they relate to the African
ostriches is very puzzling. Ostriches are known to have
become extinct. In China and only around/even after the
end of the last ice age [the period of the last few million
years [12]; images of ostriches have been found there on
prehistoric pottery and as petroglyphs (rock carvings).
Records in maritime history revealed that Struthio camelus
(Ostriches) also being sighted way out at sea in the Indian
Ocean and when discovered on the island of Madagascar
(located in the Indian Ocean off the eastern coast of
Africa).These were seen by the sailors of18th century and
they referred to them as “sea ostriches”, although it is
based-less. Several of these fossil forms are ichnotaxa;
name used to identify and distinguish morphologically
distinctive ichnofossils and their relationship with those
illustrated from distinctive bones is controversial [6].
 Early Miocene of Elizabethfeld, Namibia(Struthio
coppensi)
 Liushu Late Miocene of Yangwapuzijifang, China
(Struthio linxiaensis)
 Late Miocene of Moldavia (Struthio orlovi)
 Late Miocene - Early Pliocene of SW and CE
Africa (Struthio karingarabensis - oospecies(?)
 Laetolil Early Pliocene of Laetoli, Tanzania
(Struthio kakesiensis) - oospecies
 Early Pliocene of China and Mongolia(Struthio
wimani)
 Early - Middle Pliocene of Namibia (Struthio
daberasensis) – oospecies
 Pliocene of Ukraine (Struthio brachydactylus)
 Pliocene of SE Europe to WC Asia (Struthio
chersonensis) - oospecies
 Early Pliocene - Late Pleistocene of Central Asia to
China , Asian Ostrich, (Struthio asiaticus)
 Late Pliocene/Early Pleistocene of Dmanisi,
Georgia (Struthio dmanisensis )
 Early Pleistocene of Tanzania (Struthio oldawayi )
- probably subspecies of Struthio. camelus
 Struthio anderssoni - oospecies(?)
3. Gender Identification Breeding
Behavior, Mating Pattern and
Laying
Feathers of Struthio camelus are different from other
birds as these are fluffy, and do not hook collectively like
flight feathers. These feathers are not water-resistant,
hence, in the rain, an ostrich usually looks much disheveled
and wet [10]. Although the wings of ostriches are long,
these are flightless [27], however these feathers are used in
courtship behavior (mating displays), submission and can

Advances in Zoology and Botany 6(2): 55-65, 2018 57
also provide protection to chicks and eggs [31]. Wings of
Struthio camelus may have a wingspan of over six feet
[16].primordial Egyptian gods is portrayed/pasteurized in
art as wearing an ostrich feather, while ,goddess of law and
justice (Ma'at), bore one on her head [9]. Adult male
ostriches are mostly black [see table 1], with white wings
tips and tail and bright red or blue skin. The female and
young male ostriches are dull grayish brown [3]. The
appearance of pink color of the beak and shank in male is
due to hormone testosterone.
Table 1. Overview of some Physical authentication between male and
female ostriches
Male Female
Color Black Grey
Height 8-9 Feet 7-8 Feet
Weight 50 Kg 130 Kg
Speed 70 Km/hr 70 Km/hr
Ostriches set up breeding attachments in pairs or one
male for two females. Mating pattern varies by ecological
area, but territorial males fight for a harem of two to seven
females. In small secluded populations, monogamous
breeding units appear to dominate. Mature female usually
complete prenuptial molt sooner than the male ostriches
and begin courtship behavior. The chief hen, however
demonstrates her domination by attacking others during
courtship. Finally, the males become sexually vigorous and
there appear a reddish coloration in the neck, thighs and
phallus and it is usually the time for competition with other
males. Sometime hens provoke male-male fight for mating,
increases the likelihood that she will be mated with a male
of high vigor. This is malodorous of the behavior of female
Mirounga anguslirostris (elephant seals) [11]. Usually a
more confident ostrich hold its head and neck raised, with
the front of the body tilted upwards and the tail up, whereas
an obedient bird will hold its head low and its tail down
[5].Ostriches usually sit down at dusk and stay almost
inactive all over the night except being disturbed [15].
Ostriches start laying eggs around the first of April and
continue laying as late as the end of August s [13].
However this breeding season is from February to August
in Pakistan [2]. Eggs (glossy and cream in color) are laid
about every other day, with an average of about 10-110
eggs produced per year (breeding season). Eggs are usually
6 inches long and 5 inches wide [7] and an omelet made
from one egg can feed more than 25 persons.
4. Ostrich Farming: A Wise Approach
towards Sustainable Protein
Production in Pakistan
Presently, a number of beef producers in the world have
switch to commercial ostrich farming due to higher returns
compared with traditional livestock. Ostrich excellently
converts the raw resources in to high quality protein as
compared to cow that reaches 100kg after one year
exploiting high inputs, an ostrich lays 80 eggs/annum and
can produce at least 40 chicks annually that reach
marketing age after year and yield 2000kg of meat, 50m2
of
leather and 36kg of feathers each year whereas a cow can
produce only one calf every 1.5 years. Ostrich have
dressing percentage much higher than that of cattle, sheep
and even poultry. Furthermore, production period of
ostrich is up to 40 years, therefore ostrich farming is an
extremely viable, sustainable and highly economical
proposition for Pakistan (Table 2).
Table 2. Overview of some production parameters
Mortality 10-15% during early age about 0% after 3 moths
Food
Balanced Grain Ration and Fresh Fodder or just
ostrich chick starter.
Growth 1 Foot Per Month During the 1st 6 Months
Slaughtering Age One year of age (profitable)
Meat Output
Net Carcass is 50% of Live Weight and 35-40 %
pure red meat
Skin Output 14 sq feet
The overall feed to weight gain ratio of cattle is 7:1 and
that of sheep is 5:1.The overall feed to weight ratio gain of
an ostrich is 2:1 during the first few months of their lives
and this climbs to only 3.5:1 during their normal
development for processing at 9 months or so [2]. The
benefits are considerable: less maintenance, less feed and
of course less animal waste.
5. Breeding Management of Ostriches
in Climatic Conditions of Pakistan
Ostriches start breeding at about 2-3 years of age [22]
and can continue for up to 25 years, however, peak
production occurs at 6-11 years of age (Table 3).
Table 3. Breeding Specifications of ostriches
Social Life 1 Male for 2-3 Females
Duration of life 70-80 years
Breeding life 30 years
Sexual Maturity Female 2 years Male 2.5 years
Laying 70 Eggs/annum
Egg Weight 1200gm-1800gm
As well as hatching process is concerned, it starts when
the egg cell is de-attached from the ovary and passes into
the oviduct where spermatozoa are present, here
fertilization occurs and cleavage starts which results in the
formation of a visible embryo that appears as a whitish disk
on the surface of the yolk. However, additional
development occurs under proper incubation environment.
It takes about 24 hours for the egg to be fully formed and
after 24 hours discharged from the ovary it is laid.

Ovulation and oviposition are about 2 days apart in the
ostriches [25; 26]. The females lay the eggs together in a
single large depression in the sand. The male sits on them
at night and the female incubates them by day. The weight
of eggs on an average ranges 1200gm to 1800gm which is
enough to bear the weight of bird. Storing eggs for a period
of 7 to 10 days generally results in better hatchability [14].
In practice the major problems associated with transport
are high temperature in transport vehicles. To avoid the
problem it is advised that chicks should be transported
during the cooler parts of the day, early morning or late
evening. The heat of vehicle itself and that of loading birds
are the cause of stress relate problems, therefore chicks
should be carried out calmly ensuring a minimum of
predisposed on the loading ramp and not be to loaded at too
high a density into vehicle. For a bird’s welfare
temperature of truck should be kept at 15°C-20°C to ensure
bird during transport.
Incubation Specification of Ostrich Eggs
Incubation of egg takes about 38-45 days. In natural
environment, eggs are incubated by the females (dull
female camouflage in with the sand) during day time and
by the male during night (mask in the night). For successful
incubation proper facilities should be provided i.e. proper
temperature 36.5 C and 36 C and humidity 15-20% and
40% in setter and Hatcher respectively (Humidity should
not exceed 45%), fresh air exchange should be at least 20%.
For maximum hatchability strict bio-security measure
should be adopted. Additional air movement within the
room should be supplied by portable fans or some similar
mechanism. At the time of internal pipping, the bird has not
yet internalized all of the yolk material and the blood
vessels that are attached to the inside membranes of the
shell (thick shells marked by small pits) have not dried up
sufficiently to allow the bird to hatch normally. It may be
necessary to remove pieces of sharp shell or to remove
dried membranes to assist the chick in this process.
Hatchability of ostrich eggs is comparatively poor
(50–60%) compared to other birds [8; 35].
6. Production System
Struthio camelus can adapt most of the climates, so long
as they are given proper protection and management [33].
Fencing is dependent on personal preference and
economics. Chain link is good but may result in problems
related to leg and foot injures and is not easily climbed if
escape from the pen by egg gatherers is necessary. Tubular
"cattle" type fence is suitable and offer some benefits and
others types of woven wire or bamboo fencing are
routinely used. The ostrich responds well to management
systems that establish a routine for it to learn and depend on,
and this routine helps to keep stress at a low level. It is vital
to set up a set routine within the first six weeks of a chick's
life in terms of feeding, handling and exercise. Ostriches
want to be housed during the winter months, while being
given access to exercise outside [35] (Figure 2, 3). Group
pens consisting of several males and numerous females in
larger acre area (similar to a natural situation) appears to
provide some benefits with respect to fertility, more egg
numbers, and extended laying periods. Several acres of
enclosed pasture are needed for this type of operation.
Bush-fencing is the economical, however, bamboo, wattle
-fencing, post and Wire, stone walls, bush cut down and
piled up to the height of a few feet etc. Bush fencing is
short lived. Stone wall being permanent is good to be
constructed as it has considerable break-wind, however it is
costly a wire fence for Ostriches should never be less than 4
feet 9 inches in height. It is desirable to make sure birds are
housed in dry shelter at night, and this can be accomplished
by feeding in the shelter as a routine.
Figure 2. An ideal farm depicting inside and outside floor for ostriches
Figure 3. An inside area for 15 ostriches
The space that you need for a breeding trio is
approximately 30 meters (32 yards) by 50 meters (55 yards)
– a total of 1500 square meters and recommended pen size
for an ostrich trio varies from 1/4 to 1/2 acre. It is based on
the basis of 2 different rearing techniques: Poultry and Cow
Farming. Production is a semi-intensive farming, indoors
and outdoors (building and free space) (table 3). For better
fertility it advised to maintain ostrich breeding flock in 1:2
[trio], may equally consider pairs (one male and one
female), quads (one male and three females) or colonies
(two or more males to two or more hens) for an average
output of 60 eggs per female and 120 eggs per trio for
breeding season, and with good rearing techniques one can

get 75 slaughter birds (10 months period). .The advantage
of a colony is that the birds have more birds to choose from,
in seeking a partner.
 The open shelter should offer protection on 3 sides
with a door on the 4th side.
 The opening should be minimum 4.5 feet wide. The
shelter will be minimum 8 feet high.
 The fence should be minimum 4.5 feet high for the
birds and breeders (according to the farm and
objectives) with a post for every 12 feet.
Brooding Facilities with Special Reference to
Geonetical Conditions of Pakistan
Once the bird has completely exited the shell treat the
umbilical area with liberal amounts of 7% Iodine. Immune
system of ostrich is much stronger than livestock and
poultry. However, to provide good start farmer proper care
of the chicks is necessary. Try to provide them a
comfortable environment. Clean and disinfect the house
properly to give the chicks disease free environment and
good start .The shelter should be designed so that birds
must enter confidently. Optimum house temperature for
poultry birds for efficient performance is 19-22°C for
efficient performance [4]. However they require higher
house temperature during early period of their life
(brooding period). Therefore house temperature at bird
level should not be less than 95℉ during the first week.
Reduce it to 85℉ thereafter and after week 3rd
, the
temperature should be near about 80℉.
For chicks, they really need little space during their first
four weeks of age. A cemented floor of 250 ft2
is sufficient
for 50 Ostrich Chicks age between 2 to 3 months. For this a
poultry building ad joint with free space can be used.
Afterwards provide 80-100ft2
/chick at 12 months when
they are adult ostriches. At that time a cow or sheep
building along with adjoining free space is enough. For
breeders (a trio) of age above 24 months at least 2 Kanals
land is required (table 4). Ideally the chicks should be kept
in groups of 20. They like company but they also should
not be overcrowded. If chick mortality is 8%, it is
exceptionally well. If mortality is under 20% also well, and
the industry average is anything around 40% and upwards.
Chick Starter rations very high in protein are not
recommended because very high protein diets may be
associated with leg abnormalities in turkeys. Breeder
rations contain additional calcium. These diets are based on
limited scientific nutritional research, therefore addition of
roughage sources such as alfalfa hay always advised. To
solve the problem Riphah College of Veterinary Science,
Lahore (Pakistan) has formulated starter, grower, finisher
and breeder rations according to exact nutritional
requirements of ostriches. These rations also have cut
down the need of Lucerne feeding.
Vaccination
The areas where infectious diseases are common,
vaccination with proper vaccines can help to avoid the
prevalence of disease and consequent economic losses.
Vaccination should be carried out according to the
regulations and recommendations of manufacturers.
Newcastle disease may cause extensive damage and
mortality in ostriches. Ostriches should be vaccinated
against ND (inactivated) La Sota via eye drop, wings tip or
spray into the eye at age of 3 and 6 weeks and subsequent
subcutaneous injection of an inactivated emulsified or
alum-precipitated La Sota be given at the 3 months and 6
months of age. Then repeat the vaccine each 6 months
interval thereafter. Vaccination should be repeated at 6
months of age and once a year thereafter in breeding flocks.
H7N1, H5N9, H5N2 and H9N2 are most commonly
pathogenic strains of avian influenza for ostriches.
Autogenous inactivated oil-based vaccine against influenza
can induce good immunity.
Table 4. Space Requirements (Trio)
Age Indoor Outdoor
1-21 Days Building 2 Sq Feet/Bird According to the Climate 10-15 Sq Feet /Bird
22-90 Days 3 Sq Feet Per Bird 30 Sq Feet Per Bird Min150 Sq Feet
90-300 Days Open Shelter 3 Sq feet Per Bird 300 Sq Feet Per Bird Min 2000 Sq Feet
Breeder/Selection Only Open Space 1500-2000 Sq Feet/Bird
12 Months and Older Open Shelter 15 Sq Feet Per Bird Min space 2000 Sq Feet
Table 5. Production Cycle
Age Housing
Starters(Chicks) 1 day to 3 months Poultry Building-Adjoining Free Space
Fattening Ostriches 4-12 months Cow or Sheep Building and Adjoining Free Space
Selection For Breeding 12-24months Free Space, Building is Optional
Breeders + 24 Months 2-3 Kanals Land for one trio (Building is Optional)

Table 6. Recommended Vaccination schedule for ostriches
Necrotic Enteritis
6D
7D
4W
7w
Enterotoxaemia (oil) 0.5cc S/C
Lamb dysentery 0.5cc S/C
Enterotoxaemia (alum) 1cc S/C
Lamb dysentery 1cc S/C
Anthrax In areas where it occur A single dose of cattle anthrax vaccine is effective
Avian pox 2W commercial fowl pox vaccines by wing-web puncture
ND
3W
6W
3M
6M
Inactivated (La Sota) (oil) 0.25cc wing tip
Inactivated (La Sota) (oil) 0.25cc wing tip
Inactivated (La Sota) (oil) 1cc wing tip
Inactivated (La Sota) (oil) 1cc wing tip
After 6 month interval Inactivated (La Sota) (oil) 1cc wing tip
Bio-security Measures at Ostrich Farm
Like other poultry birds ostriches are vulnerable to a
wide range of bacterial and viral diseases, the best way for
prevention of disease is application of bio- security
measures.
Following bio-security measures should carefully be
considered at Ostrich farm
 Avoid anything being brought onto your farm
 For vehicles, construct a vehicle dip, where the
wheels of the incoming vehicle have to pass
through an authorized disinfectant. Try to prevent
further movement of the incoming vehicle, by
designing parking near the opening gate.
 In any case, the person with appropriate footwear
should pass through a foot dip, containing a
disinfectant.
Problems/Disease during Rearing Phase
Omphalitis, or infected yolk sac, is a common disease of
hatchlings. It has been treated by surgical removal of the
yolk sac followed by antibiotic therapy. Infected yolk sacs
are a result of bacteria penetrating the egg shell. It should
become a less common problem as egg gathering and
sanitation practices improve. The "fading chick syndrome",
or mal absorption syndrome, is a usually fatal disease of
young ostriches that strikes most often between 1 and 3
months of age but may affect chicks as old as 6 months.
Chicks become listless, stop eating and drinking and die.
The cause is unknown. Aggressive intravenous fluid and/or
oral fluid therapy has been successful in some cases.
Impactions occur in birds of all ages. Treatment can be
surgical or non-surgical. Preventive measure include
acclimation of chicks to a variety of substrates very early in
life and avoiding sudden feed changes or sudden additions
of high roughage feedstuffs.
Often wet chicks have difficulty placing their legs under
them at this stage and a condition called "spraddle leg"
develops. Most birds can be treated by hobbling the legs
together in a normal position with tape, tubing, stunt or
Vetrap until the chick is able to stand on its own (Figure 4)
Figure 4. Treating spraddle/splayed legs at Outdoor clinic of RCVetS,
Lahore, Pakistan
Parasitic Infestation
Both internal and external parasites affect ostriches.
Eimeria spp. (protozoa), Houttuynia struthionis (cestoda)
and Libyostrongylus douglassii (nematoda) cause serious
production losses in ostriches [36]. Abbas et al. [1] use
Ivermectin and Piprazine citrate in poultry and
recommended that Piperazine citrate is more effective.
These anthelmentics and other drugs given a 1-month
intervals beginning at 1 month of age will prevent
nematode infestations. Ivermectin also may be affective
against quill mites and sucking lice with repeated dosing.
Histomoniasis infection can be controlled with
furazolidone and treated with metronidazole. Carbaryl (5
percent) dust is being used by the USDA at 14-day
intervals to treat tick infestations in chicks and adult
ostriches. Levamisol for wire worms, Struthiolipeurus
nandu (Arthropod) infestation in ostrich causing feather
loss. Unidentified feather mite belonging to family
Pterolichidae infesting ostrich successfully treated with
ivermectin.
Viral Diseases
Newcastle disease virus is highly virulent causing high
mortality in ostriches. Virus isolated from brain reported
highly pathogenic. Vaccination of ostriches against ND is
quite different to those associated with vaccinating other
poultry. Little is known of the immune response of vaccine

in ostriches; yet, some researchers have reported the
successful use of vaccines under controlled experiments.
Allwright [37] reported the efficacy of vaccines (at 4 and
14 months of age) but also observed some reactions with
adjuvant vaccines, especially oil-based vaccines. Verwoerd
et al. [39] reported no clinical signs or deaths in ostriches of
up to ten months of age that had been vaccinated with live
La Sota vaccine at 6 and 10 weeks of age, whereas
unvaccinated ostriches showed 100% morbidity and 25%
mortality in the same conditions. Bolte et al. [38]
recommended a schedule of live La Sota given by eye-drop
and two doses of oil emulsion inactivated vaccine of
Talovac 105 ND, Lohmann Animal Health, for high
antibody levels in susceptible ostriches (8- to up to 12
months old)
Pox virus recovered from skin lesion and Spongy form
encephalopathy is also reported. Crimean-Congo
Haemmorrhagic Fever Virus is also reported worldwide.
Report of virus isolation from human thought to have
acquired infection from handling slaughter ostrich.
However, Avian Influenza and Newcastles Disease are two
main ostrich diseases in globe whereas up till now there is
not a single report of these diseases in Pakistan.
Bacterial Diseases
Staphylococcus hyicus in an ostrich may cause
conjunctivitis. Colobacillosis was reported for mortality
(more than 20%) in young ostrich in flock imported from
Belgium at RCVetS Lahore. Tuberculosis in ostrich and
other ratites is also reported. Pasteurella
multocidainfections may cause generalized and pulmonary
infections in ostriches.
Treatment for Bacterial Diseases
Gentamicin 2 mg/lb, Amoxicillin 5mg/lb, Tetracycline
7.5 mg/lb, Tribrissen 2ml/kg, Sulfadiazine 48% 20 mg/lb
Fungal Diseases
Aspergillus (Fungal) infections caused by A. flavus and
A. niger are also reported in ostriches however there are no
evidence of aspergillosis as a flock. Birds show signs of
depression, anorexia and stunting. Some of the birds
walked with their heads close to the ground and moved
lethargically compared to the healthy chicks
Treatment
 Fumigate the hatchery with formalin and
potassium permanganate
 Change of litter (hay or sand) frequently.
Nutritional Deficiency Disorders
 Vitamin E and selenium deficiencies
 Parsley-induced photosensitivity in captive ostrich.
 Anasarca and myopathy in ostrich chicks.
 Nutritional muscular dystrophy in ostrich chicks.
Treatment
Provide mineral and vitamin supplements
7. Suggested Diets
Struthio camelus are grazing bird of the open woodland
habitat, hence can be reared in paddock along with sheep,
goat and cattle [36]. These are omnivores and can eat
shoots, shrubs, leaves, seeds and fruit as well as insects and
lizards [22]. The Ostrich are reared worldwide for their
feathers, skin, eggs and meat. The diet of the Ostrich
mainly consists of seeds and other plant matter, though
occasionally it also eats insects such as locusts. They are
known to eat almost anything and can carry about 1 kg of
stones in its stomach [2].
Table 7. Nutritional specifications
Calculated Analysis
Starter
0-8 wks
Grower
9 wks-17 months
Layer
18 months+
% Protein 28.0 18.0 24.5
% Crude Fat 3.0 3.5 3.5
% Calcium 1.35 1.35 2.40
% Available Phosphate 0.72 0.64 0.70
% Crude Fiber 6.0 11.0 11.0
Salt (NaCl) 0.90 0.50 0.60

Profitability Analysis
What profit do ostrich gives on return is the first
question usually asked when anyone going to farming. It
depends upon level of planning and scientific management,
however roughly a return of up to 50% of capital
investment is good return.
Table 8. Gross sales after one year of production
Cattle Ostrich
Hide Value $38 $14
Meat (live body weight) $450 $680
Plumage Value Nil $20
Table 9. Cost – Chick to Breeder:
Cost of One Trio Chick (1 month age) $428
Feed Cost First Year @15000/chick $450
2nd Year feed cost $760
Labor + miscellaneous
Total Cost
$1500
$3138
Table 10. Ostriches products
Products Characteristics Outlets
Leather
Pearl or grain
suppleness Rusticity
Luxury -Leather Goods
Baggage, Brief Cases, High
Fashion Shoes
Meat
Red, Tender, Tasty,
Dietic
Roasted, grilled, like young
beef
Feather
Suppleness,
Anti-Static
Decoration, Brushes, Festivals
Show-Farm,
Infertile
Eggs
Light Yellow
Natural, carved, painted or
natural egg shells.
Points to Ponder before Starting an Ostrich Enterprise
 Start an ostrich chick farm of 300 birds.
 Select breeders, 100 hens and 60 males after one
year age.
 Design a small level hatchery
 Have chicks and sell chicks for rearing at low rates
to different farms at 2 months age.
 Have a medium size feed mill to make feed for own
farm and selling to private farmers.
 Buy back ostrich when they are 12 months old.
 Slaughtering and selling 12 months old in the
market at cost to cost basis.
 Welcome visits of the private farmers and extend
necessary training to farm ostrich farming.
8. Why Ostrich Farming in Pakistan
Punjab is the most suitable place for ostrich farming due
to cheap labor, suitable climatic conditions, inexpensive
fodder, and low business cost, critical number of
businessmen, farmers and investors that can be involved in
this business. The shifting trends in poultry production
regions and resultant closing of small sheds replaced by
controlled sheds have provided the unavailable labor
jobless. This idle capacity can best be utilized for the
purpose. The comparative economics of ostrich v/s beef
cattle indicates that ostrich farming has an edge over cattle
farming in terms of high returns on investments. Ostrich
farming is a u turn in poultry industry due to its superiority
over other farming. The birds need no dipping, drenching,
milking and shearing. The adaptability of the bird is
equally high on annual and perennial pastures.
Table 11. Comparison
Particulars Beef Cattle Ostrich
Land
30,000sq feet per
pair
4800 feet per pair
Gestation 280 days 42 days
Offspring per year 1 30
Meat Production Time 10 months 10 months
Meat Production Per
Annum
120Kg 1350 Kg
No of Hides 1 30
Cost of Feed Per Day $ 0.7- 1.00 $ 0.40
Breeding years 10-11 40-45
Meat Price Per Kg $ 5.5 $ 14
9. Future of Ostrich Farming in
Pakistan
In Pakistan, poultry production is one of the most
dynamic and well organized sectors which has emerged as
a source of employment for more than 1.7 million people.
Poultry industry is playing a significant role in poverty
alleviation in the country. It contributes 1.7% of GDP of
Pakistan. Eggs and poultry meat are considered to be one of
the best sources of animal protein of high biological value.
Poultry Production on commercial scale was established in
Pakistan in early 1960 and since then this sector has shown
spectacular progress and development. The growth rate in
this sector has been about 10% to 12% per annum for about
last one decade. Poultry production has assumed the status
of one of the leading sectors in the country. Like Pakistan,
the province of Punjab has been showing a tremendous
contribution in the poultry production sector which can be
appreciated from the fact that the major share in poultry
production at national level has been from this province
which comes to about 70 percent.
Poultry production is presently in the active phase of
transformation from its conventional housing and
management in to modern high-tech housing. There exists
a strong correlation (89.0%) between the human population
and poultry growth in Pakistan and Poultry industry is
playing a pivotal role in bridging the gap between the
supply and demand for protein. Besides of its high poultry
production potential country is facing a vast gap between

meat supply and demand however this gap can be filled by
exploiting high production potential ostriches.
Ostriches are now not considered as wild birds and in
Pakistan. They have been declared a part of
livestock/poultry and gaining fastest popularity toward
commercial ostrich farming. This is a fruitful effort to
country demands for meat, hide, eggs, feathers and other
products in local and foreign market in future. Demand for
Ostrich meat is increasing in the country day by day
because of healthy meat (zero percent fat, low cholesterol,
richness of iron and protein) and good taste. Ostrich is
gaining popularity over other leathers because of its
luxurious purses, high fashion shoes, brief cases, handbags
etc. Similarly cosmetic industry is also seemed to be
interested to exploit ostrich products (ostrich oil, fat and
feather) to boost their recognition in fashion. However,
ostrich producers are only meeting 10% of the customers
demand. Therefore, it is high time to capture our share in
the local and international market.
Ostrich dishes are now regularly offered in some of the
restaurants and hotels of well-known reputation because of
the huge demand for the new taste from their regular
customers.
Therefore, major target markets for the proposed project
are local buyers, who generally trade for these products.
Sale of ostrich bird is mostly made through personal
contracts on farm gate basis or supplies to bulk / retailers in
urban areas. The key consumer of the ostrich meat is the
diabetics and cardiovascular patients. Major clients for
meat are Super Stores, Meat Markets, Restaurants and)
across the country. Commercial Ostrich farm can be started
with a flock of minimum of 25 birds and a single bird can
yield 50 kg of meat. The government of Pakistan provide a
Rs10,000 subsidy per ostrich and had registered over
10,000 ostriches in the Punjab as a result the number of
ostrich farms (fig 5)are increasing rapidly in Pakistan [30].
Figure 5. An ostrich Ranch, 15Km Raiwind Road Lahore, Pakistan
Presently, there are many farmers who are rearing
ostrich at small scale in various parts of the country.
Ostriches can be raised very easily in climatic conditions of
Pakistan. They required some care (proper temperature, a
balanced diet and good care etc.) only during the early
period of their life. Quality of ostrich products (meat,
leather, oil and fats, feathers) are potentially excellent and
present the opportunity to develop value-adding activities
which could contribute to part of the economic activity of
existing farming businesses and in other parts of the rural
areas of Pakistan. With the beginning of this enterprise it is
suggested that the farming should be started in border of
highly populated cities like Multan, Faisalabad, Lahore,
Islamabad, Karachi, Peshawar etc., to be established as
future target market of the ostrich products.
Due to its high production potential, the ostrich are
gaining high attention from poultry scientists in Pakistan.
The climatic conditions of Pakistan, good FCR
(comparable with poultry) and the breeding output of
ostriches make them excel giant birds for future
commercial meat production in the country. Ostrich
farming can open new horizon for development in the
country. By the grace of Almighty, Pakistan will lead the
world in ostrich farming. Academia (RCVetS, UVAS,
PMAS-AAUR) and L&DD are playing their significant
efforts to promote ostrich farming in the country.
Academia contributes its pivotal role in research and to
train farmers. Riphah College of Veterinary Sciences helps
farmers in Punjab and provides them Ostrich feed
(prepared by Department of Animal production, RCVetS,
Lahore), consultancy services and technical assistance.
Presently Pakistan depends upon the import during its
initial phase of ostrich production. However many breeder
farm are being to be established in the country and during
coming few years, considerable number of ostrich chicks
will be produced in the country. For this RCVetS, UVAS,
PMAS-AAUR institutes are playing their considerable role
in improving the incubation process, chick nutrition,
environmental requirements and breeding plans to enhance
the production per unit of cost.
10. Future Works
The ostrich farming offers an opportunity to develop a
value added products market and is suitable for integrated
rural development in Pakistan. The ostrich could be an
important domesticated animal, but information about
ostrich scientific farming structure is scanty. Therefore,
deep scientific research is required for ostrich farming in
the areas of nutrition; management, welfare, immunology
and health, breeding and genetics etc. Selection for genes
of economic concern can cause a sudden u turn in ostrich
industry as quoted by Abbas et al. [2] and others [ Doosti et
al. [17]; Komano et al. [24] which may cause production of
plenty (low fat and low cholesterol) of favorite meat for the

people without fear of cardiovascular and other health
problems. Subsidies for breeding stock and research grants
for genetic improvement may have high contribution for
the development of new poultry industry (Ostrich industry)
to lead the world.
11. Conclusions
Parallel to the well-developed poultry industry, ostrich
farming can open new vistas for development of healthy
meat industry in Pakistan. Environment of Pakistan is very
suitable for ostrich farming: suitable weather, cheap labor
and cheap feed availability are favorable. However certain
constraints like high early mortality in chicks and difficult
marketing etc. are weaknesses of this enterprise. Growth of
ostrich industry needs support to increase knowledge of the
ostrich farming. The ostrich industry needs support in
rising/expanding markets for ostrich products through a
reliable framework supervised by GOP to generate the
concept of eating ostrich meat. Similarly research for
different welfare considerations of ostriches in climatic
conditions of Pakistan should be promoted at universities
level and the results be implemented.
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