Blue Mountain International Ostrich Alliance : The "New Ostrich Industry" Production Standards

Blue Mountain International Ostrich Alliance
The "New Ostrich Industry" Production Standards

The New Ostrich Industry

Tables 1 and 2 provide some comparisons on production statistics. The levels of production in the "current" column show lots of variables and levels of production that can never be commercially viable for a strong livestock production industry.

The levels of production in the "New Ostrich Industry" column are being, or have been achieved, by a few farmers. However, it is not known, at this time, of any farmer achieving ALL of these production figures ALL of the time. The fact that they can be achieved is an indication that they are all very achievable targets. These targets are required for the industry to be commercially viable and cost effective.

Table 1 - Comparison of Production Statistics

ITEM CURRENT NEW OSTRICH INDUSTRY

Start Breeder Egg Laying 3-4 years of age 2 - 3 years of age

Eggs Per Annum 0-100+ Inconsistent year to year 100+ Consistently

Fertility 10% - 95% >95%

Hatchability >50% >90%

Survival 0 - 100% typically 50% >90%

Liveweight +/- 95 kgs >120 kgs

Feed/Live Weight Conversion - 12 months of age 12:1 <4:1

Feed/Liveweight Conversion - 7 months of age >4:1 <2.5:1

Carcass Weight - 12 mnths of age 36 - 50 kgs >65 kgs

Meat Yield - 7 mnths of age 20 - 25 kgs >25 kgs

Meat Yield - 9 mnths of age 20 - 30 kgs >35 kgs

Meat Yield - 12 mnths of age 20 - 32 kgs >45 kgs

**Table 1 - Comparison of Production Statistics**
ITEM	CURRENT	NEW OSTRICH INDUSTRY
Start Breeder Egg Laying	3-4 years of age	2 - 3 years of age
Eggs Per Annum	0-100+ Inconsistent year to year	100+ Consistently
Fertility	10% - 95%	>95%
Hatchability	>50%	>90%
Survival	0 - 100% typically 50%	>90%
Liveweight	+/- 95 kgs	>120 kgs
Feed/Live Weight Conversion - 12 months of age	12:1	<4:1
Feed/Liveweight Conversion - 7 months of age	>4:1	<2.5:1
Carcass Weight - 12 mnths of age	36 - 50 kgs	>65 kgs
Meat Yield - 7 mnths of age	20 - 25 kgs	>25 kgs
Meat Yield - 9 mnths of age	20 - 30 kgs	>35 kgs
Meat Yield - 12 mnths of age	20 - 32 kgs	>45 kgs

Table 2 - Comparison of Carcass

TRAITS CURRENT PRODUCTION NEW OSTRICH INDUSTRY

Fat - Type Yellow White

Fat - Quantity Nil - 20% + Liveweight +/- 6%

Liver Many different colors - extreme variability Mid Red/Brown, even coloration

Muscles Variable from Very Dark to Pale Pink and White. Blackening with Oxidation Even Red color throughout, color improving with Oxidation

Meat Yield 25 - 30 kgs, 9-14 mnths of age 40 - 55 kgs, 9-14 mnths of age

Organs Small Well formed and good growth

Hides 20% - 30% First Grade +70% First Grade

**Table 2 - Comparison of Carcass**
TRAITS	CURRENT PRODUCTION	NEW OSTRICH INDUSTRY
Fat - Type	Yellow	White
Fat - Quantity	Nil - 20% + Liveweight	+/- 6%
Liver	Many different colors - extreme variability	Mid Red/Brown, even coloration
Muscles	Variable from Very Dark to Pale Pink and White. Blackening with Oxidation	Even Red color throughout, color improving with Oxidation
Meat Yield	25 - 30 kgs, 9-14 mnths of age	40 - 55 kgs, 9-14 mnths of age
Organs	Small	Well formed and good growth
Hides	20% - 30% First Grade	+70% First Grade

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Last modified on Thursday, October 05, 2006