ostrich farming in pakistan

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International Journal of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science

Volume 3, Issue 1, ISSN (Online): 2455-8567

Ostrich Industry: A Beautiful U Turn in Poultry

Industry of Pakistan

Ghulam Abbas1*, Colonel Maqsood Ur Rehman Qureshi1, Muhammad Asif3, Muhammad Sajid2,

Syed Wasim Abbas3 Osama Zahid4 and Hira Saeed4 1* Department of Animal Production, Riphah College of Veterinary Sciences, Lahore

2 Department of Anatomy, Riphah College of Veterinary Sciences, Lahore

3 Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore-Pakistan

4 Riphah College of Veterinary Sciences, Lahore

*Corresponding Author: [email protected]

Abstract – Ostrich is a large ratite (flightless running bird)

hardy desert bird of African origin. Being a wild (desert) bird;

warm and extreme environment may be favorable for ostrich

production. Luckily, Pakistan’s environment is very hot in

summers and cool in winters which make it an ideal country

for ostrich farming. After the success of poultry industry

during last two decades ostrich farming can open new vistas

for development. Over the last decade, ostrich farming is

gaining popularity in Pakistan because of their tasty

nutritional meat, valuable skins as well as feathers, eggs and

multipurpose oil. Presently the number of slaughter ostriches

is increasing in the country and ostrich is now being

considered as part of poultry. Ostrich oils are used widely in

the cosmetics and pharmaceutical industry. They are

apparent to have exceptional moisturizing, penetrating and

therapeutic qualities for humans and animals. Increased

demand of ostrich meat has resulted in use of controlled

systems with scientifically proven management practices

(good bio-security measures, genetic selection, nutritional

innovations, health regimes, and extensive disease

surveillance) for higher sustainable production. Therefore, it

is practical to welcome such new efforts which are

advantageous to our farmers and the national prosperity.

Ostrich farming is convenient option for efficient organic

farming of excellent FCR (up to 200 times its birth weight

within a year) and high profitability due to negligible cost of

medicines, labor, housing and inexpensive fodder

consumption when compared with control sheds for livestock

and poultry. However, awareness and efforts/support are

needed to inspire/motivate the farmers to switch this

profitable business on scientific basis.

Keywords – Ostrich, Farming, Industry, Meat, Livestock,

FCR, Pakistan.

I. INTRODUCTION

Ostrich (Struthio camelua) is a large flightless bird of

African origin existed as a species for over 40 million

years]. DNA based molecular evidence showed the Late

Pleistocene presence of ostriches in the subcontinent [3].

The Ostrich family (running bird family) is represented by

five species, the Ostrich (Africa), the Rhea (South

America), the Emu (Australia), the Kiwi (New-Zealand)

and the Cassowary (New-Guinea). The Apteryx, living in

New Zealand also considered in this family; but this is

controversial. Ostriches are twice the size of the others

ratites.

Ostrich (Struthio camelua) has long neck and small head,

with large eyes (cornea is large enough to be trimmed down

to fit the human eye) and short broad beak [16]. The ostrich

has a large breast plate that covers the thoracic area and

protects the heart and liver, having the breast rounded like

a barrel. They lack keel bone therefore, have no location for

the attachment of flight muscles, however spreads small

wings while running [5]. The long powerful legs are used

for defense. The tendons (can be used to replace torn

tendons in humans) of the ostrich leg are very strong. The

Ostrich walks on its toes, feet have only two toes (Emu and

Rhea have 3) and can run at a speed of 70 kilometer per

hour [1; 17].

Ostriches have three stomach, lack gall bladder and crop

but has a glandular stomach called a proventriculus which

empties into a muscular structure (ventriculus). The

ventriculus/gizzard contains grit, pebbles etc. which helps

in grinding the food and allows it to pass into the small

intestine. The small lobed thymus of ostriches located

posteriorly along both sides of the neck and the cloacal

bursa of the ostrich chicks is not truly an independent

capsular space [9; 10; 11; 12), and convex papillae are

distributed along the surface of the plicae. The undeveloped

spleen of ostrich is elliptical, while those of chickens are

globular, and those of ducks are triangular. Intestine of the

ostrich is unusually long, therefore it takes at least 36 hours

for food to pass through it. The nostrils of ostrich are sited

ahead on the beak, rather than at the base of the beak. Unlike

other birds, the trachea or wind pipe is large and located in

the lower part of the mouth. The normal respiratory rate of

an ostrich is lower (between 7 and 12 breaths/minute). Like

other birds, ostrich posses a cloacae (common opening for

excretory, urinary and digestive tract) and lack the urethra

however it secretes urine and feces separately.

Ostriches can gain 80 kg body weight within 9 months

and 100 kg in one year. An ostrich will reach adult height

6-10 feet tall in between 18 and 20 months of age (Cramp

and Simmons 1980) with a growth rate 25cm per month and

300-400 pounds in mass [4]. Phallus (copulatory organ) of

an adult male is about 8 inches located in the ventral cloacae

and can curled up in the bladder. Regardless to egg weight

(1.5 kg, about 1.4 liters in volume, creamy white in color

and about 2 mm shell thickness), they lay smallest eggs of

any species [4; 6].


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Fig. 1. Some male (having black feathers) and female

(having brown feathers) ostriches

Males are mostly black [Fig 1], with white wings tips and

tail whereas females and young males are dull grayish

brown [1] the female reproductive system comprised of a

single ovary and reproductive tract with a small clitoris

located on the ventral cloacae. Females tend to mature

slightly faster (24 months of age) than males (30 months of

age); different species may mature at different ages.

Breeding season is heralded by courtship behavior, as

complicated series of displays, dancing, vocalization and

synchronous behavior [7; 2; 4]. An example of receptive

behavior by the female includes bowing and ruffling her

wings at her sides. They breed successfully for high fertility

about 40-45 years.

II. FUTURE OF OSTRICHES IN PAKISTAN

The current and future scenario point out probable

shortages of live stock in the country exasperated by the

recent reduction in agriculture land which is abruptly

converting in to residential area due to unwise resource

utilization and negligence of rules and regulations in this

regard. The ostrich production may provide a u turn to

motivate virgin ostrich market for Pakistan. Ostriches are

strong desert birds that can survive in temperatures ranging

from -2 °C degrees to 50 °C [1]. To dissipate body heat

ostrich use the air sacs. It can be reared on barren land and

mainly consumes lucerne and water. Therefore these can

easily propagate in climatic conditions of Pakistan [1]

Ostrich farming has been known from previous few years

in Pakistan. However ostrich industry is now growing

throughout the globe (Singapore, Hong Kong, Indonesia,

Saudi Arabia, UAE, Israel, USA, England, France and in

about 100 other countries) from the last few years for its

delicious meat, feathers and the hide [1; 14]. The first

organized ostrich farm was established for feathers in 1863

in Karoo and Eastern Cape region of South Africa.

Fig. 2. An ostrich ranch at Raiwind road, Lahore, Pakistan

The unique tastes of ostrich meat have been increasing

the demand in Pakistan among taste conscious people. It is

similar to deer meat in taste and also offered as an appetizer

in well known restaurants. In addition to meat, high

premium beautiful plumage/feathers, oil, luxury leather,

and other by-products also captivating people toward this

enterprise [1]. Ostriches produce 14 Sq. ft fine hard leather

per ostrich which is used in premium leather products. The

bleached dyed feathers are used as the raw material for

fashion accessories, show business, brush industry (feather-

duster) and automobile accessories. Other ratites do not

produce feathers of any marketable value. Ostriches egg

shells by painting and carving converted into valuable

ornamental/decorated items. Ostrich Oil is High in Omega

3, 6 and 9 fatty acids, which are necessary for growth,

helpful in maintaining health of skin, helps in healing of

wounds and is a muscle relaxant [15]. The oil helps in

regulating metabolism, promoting carrying of fatty acids

from liver to the tissues and maintaining reproductive

performance. The oil is also beneficial remedy for sunburn,

blisters, dry Skin, skin cuts, skin burns and chapped lips and

is also used in beauty soaps [13].

III. OSTRICH FARMING: A BENEFICIAL U TURN

IN POULTRY INDUSTRY

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. There exists a strong correlation (89.0%) between

the human population and poultry growth in Pakistan and

Poultry industry is playing an important role in bridging the

gap between the supply and demand for protein. However

during the last few years ostrich farming has opened new

horizons and a u turn of development of this industry [1].

The temperate climate of Pakistan with 0 °C of sub

Himalayan to up to 50°C of Sindh and Baluchistan deserts

are equally amiable for setting up ostrich farms in the


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country. Most of the people of Pakistan are suffered in

cardiovascular or diabetes (metabolic disorder). Ostrich

meat has been verified to be pretty healthier (lower in

cholesterol, calories and fat, higher in iron) than

conventional red meat (mutton and beef) and lots of taste

conscious and health conscious consumers (patients of

cardiovascular and diabetes) throughout the globe are

interested in eating ostrich meat. Therefore rapid increase

in demand of ostrich meat is expected in future years which

may contribute further additional growth of poultry industry

in the country.

Table 1. Growth rates of ostrich chicks

Age in weeks Average weight in pounds

2-3 weeks 0.56

3-4 weeks 0.82

4-5 week 1.08

5-6week 1.5

6-7 week 1.8

7-8 week 2

Table 2. Superiority of ostrich meat over others white/red

meat

Meat 85 Grams Calories Fat Grams Cholesterol mg

Beef ( Steak) 240 15 77

Chicken 140 3 73

Turkey 135 3 59

Ostrich 97 1.7 58

When an ostrich is slaughtered, very little is wasted in the

slaughtering process, the meat is sold to distributors and

restaurants, the hide is sold for the production of high

quality leather products, the nails are ground into a fine dust

and sold to the far east for use in some medicines. The

feathers of the ostrich are sold to automobile manufacturers

and are used in the final stage of painting new automobiles,

and lastly, the eyes are sold to research facilities to perform

studies to gain more knowledge on human cataracts.

Ostriches have high resistance against diseases as compared

to other animals therefore required no vaccine, antibiotic,

steroid etc.

IV. PROPOSED UNITS OF OSTRICH INDUSTRY

Currently, commercialization of the ostrich farming is

seeming mainly in the breeding phase worldwide. Some

birds are sold to other farmers and ranchers entering the

ostrich business. Prices continue to be artificially high. As

soon as the number of ostriches reaches a level high enough

to support a slaughter market, however, prices are bound to

drop. At present, there is no concrete indication as to when

the ostrich population will be large enough to meet current,

let alone future, consumer demand. However in the coming

few years, ostrich farming will progress dramatically and

the world ostrich industry will achieve some economic

stability. Despite its great potential, the ostrich received

little attention on commercial scale, although there is

considerable scope for areas of genetics and breeding,

nutrition, hatchery, farm management, abattoir, meat

processing, feather processing, leather processing and oil

refining to be working sectors of ostrich industry in

Pakistan. If ostrich farming is to provide the part of future

poultry industry, a proposed approach may likely to be as

follow:

1. Feed Manufacturer a) Forages b) Grains c) Legumes d) Additives

2. Ostrich Farms a) Breeder replacement genetics

b) Grower Farms Slaughter birds

3. Hatchery Egg shells (Crafts and calcium products), chicks

4. Abattoir i) Carcass Meat processing plants

Fresh meat, frozen meat, offal, bones, value added

products.

ii) Tannery

Finished leather

Manufacturing (bags, shoes and accessories)

iii) Feather processing

Fashion, utility

iv) Oil refining

Food, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals.

V. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT

The general practice is one male for two females (trio) for

an average output of 60 eggs per female and 120 eggs for

breeding season, and with good rearing techniques one can

get 75 slaughter birds (10 months period).

Table 3. Floor Space requirements for a trio Age Indoor Outdoor

1-2 Days Building 2 sq

Feet/Bird

10-15 sq Feet/Bird

22-90 Days 30 sq Feet/Bird 150 sq Feet/Bird

90-300 Days 300 sq Feet/Bird Min 2000 sq

Feet/Bird

Breeding/Selection Only open space 1500-2000 sq

Feet/Bird

12 months & Older 500 sq Feet/Bird Mini Space 2000

sq Feet/Bird

Fig. 3. Outside floor space for ostriches


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Fig. 4. Inside floor space for ostriches

Production System: Production system 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 4. Production Cycle (4 Steps): Age Housing

Starters (Chicks) 1 day to 3

month

Poultry Building and

Adjoining Free Space

Fattening

Ostriches

4-12

months

Cow or Sheep Building and

Adjoining Free Space

Selection For

Breeding

12-24

months

Free Space, Building is

Optional

Breeders + 24

months

2-3 Kanals Land for one trio

(Building is Optional)

Project Economics All the figures in this financial model have been

calculated for 25 Ostriches for total area of around 21776

sq.ft (4 kanal), that would be used for different functions of

the farm. The following table shows inter nal rates of return

and payback period.

Table 5. Project Economic

Description Goat

Internal Rate of Return (IRR) 18.5%

Payback Period (yrs) 5.5

Net Present Value (NPV) 34,85,000 Rs

Note: 1 US$ equivalent to 105.18 Pak Rupees Project cost

Following requirements have been identified for

operations of the proposed business.

Table 6. Project Cost

Project Investment Total

Ostriches 1,25,000 Rs

Building 24,75,000 Rs

Machinery & Equipment 60,000Rs

Outer wall / Fencing 8,25,000Rs

Total Capital Cost 34,85,000 Rs

Table 7. Ostriches & Feeding Cost

Desctiption No. of birds Price/Bird (Rs) Total Cost (Rs)

Birds 25 5,000 1,25,000 Rs

Feeding 25 10,000 2,50,000 Rs

Total Cost 3,75,000 Rs

Now a day, Government is giving subsidy on ostrich

farming, Bird of 15,000 rupees in just 5,000 rupees.

Space Requirement Details of the area required are given below:

Table 8. Space Requirement

Description Space

/bird/ft2

Total

space ft2

Cost

per ft2

Total cost

(Rs)

Sheltered for 25

birds (covered)

220 5500 350 19,25,000Rs

Open paddock for

25 birds

440 11000 50 55,000Rs

Total 24,75,000Rs

Machinery and Equipment Following table provides list of machinery and

equipment required for Goat Farm working for Livestock

sector.

Table 9. List of Machinery and Equipment

Farm supplies Unit Cost (Rs) Total Cost

Feeding mangers 5 5,000 25,000Rs

Chaff cutter/(Tokka) 15,000 15,000Rs

Water pump 10,000 10,000Rs

Other farm equipment 10,000 10,000Rs

Total cost 60,000Rs

Table 10. Human Resource Requirement

Description No. of

worker

Salary/

month (Rs)

Total cost

per month

(Rs)

Salary / yr

(Rs)

Worker 2 10,000 20,000 2,40,000Rs

Total cost 2,40,000 Rs

Table 11. Store house, Workers room & Office room

Description Total

space ft2

Cost per

ft2

Total cost

Store house 25 20 500 350 1,75,000Rs

Workers room 20 20 400 350 140,000Rs

Office room 15 15 225 400 90,000Rs

Total Cost 4,05,000 Rs

Table 12. Drugs & Vaccination cost

Description Cost per

animal

Total no. of

animals

Total cost

Drugs 150 25 3750 Rs

Vaccines ______ ______ ______ Rs

Table 13. Revenue Generation

Product Average

Weight/Bird

(Kg)

Total

Weight

(Kg)

Price

per kg

Total

Revenue

(kg)

25 Ostriches 70 1750 700 12,25,000Rs

Total 12,25,000Rs

Table 14. Profit loss statement

Cost & sales Cost

Feed & vaccination 3,750 Rs

Cost of ostriches 1,25,000Rs

Direct labor 2,40,000Rs

Transportation 1,00,000Rs


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Cost & sales Cost

Repair & maintenance 1,74,500Rs

Electricity 60,000 Rs

Outer wall &Building cost 33,00,000Rs

Total cost 40,03250Rs

Table 15. Temporary expenditure

Description Cost

Feed & vaccination 3,750Rs

Direct labor 2,40,000Rs

Transportation 1,00,000Rs

Repair & maintenance 1,75,500Rs

Electricity 60,000Rs

Total cost 5,79,250Rs

Table 16. Permanent ependiture, Profit & Loss analysis

Description Cost

Outer wall, Equipment &Building 33,60,000 Rs

Ostriches 1,25,000Rs

Total 34,85,000 Rs

Finance Per year

Cost 5,79,250Rs

Revenue 12,25,000Rs

Gross profit 6,45,750Rs

VI. CHALLENGES IN OSTRICH FARMING IN

PAKISTAN

Although ostrich farming is considered highly profitable

however it encounters some problems in Pakistan which are

follows:

Farmers Related Problems Ostrich farming is a new enterprise in the country and

farmers do not how to take proper care of the birds. Most of

the ostrich farmers in Pakistan are new comer in animal

field and they do not know the basic essentials about farm

management therefore the management of the birds is still

relatively primitive. Very low hatchability and very high

mortality (10-50%) Mal (poor) nutrition (incorrect feeding,

feeding cheap feed and [8] the wrong feeds.), under

nutrition, poor and improper feeding may yield eggs having

very low hatchability. Ostrich producers experience

problems with selling their products, as proper ostrich meat

market is not developed yet. Involvement of local ostrich

players in the market who have small investment (new

comer in the animal business) and lack the business

experience. Unavailability of day old chicks at country level

and hatching facilities (Hatchery) is the limiting factor for

its growth as industry. No tannery for skin processing and

market for skin in country. Ban on export at federal level is

the most limiting factor.

Bird Oriented Problems Sever Leg deformities during early age which may be

either improper brooding facilities or improper nutrition.

Gastric impaction due to eating the non-food items is

another problem during brooding. Predator attack/crow

attacks has been observed in many flocks.

VII. ROLE OF GOVERNMENT AND ACADEMIA IN

DEVELOPMENT OF OSTRICH FARMING IN

PAKISTAN

Since last few years efforts are being done to establish

ostrich farming as profitable enterprise in country.

However, in the recent years serious steps are taken by

Government (particularly credit goes to Secretary Live

stock (Nassem Sadiq) and academia (UVAS, Arid

Agriculture University Rawalpindi and RCVetS, Lahore)

for the development of ostrich farming in country.

Government is giving services and incentives to the ostrich

farmers. The academia is promoting this enterprise by

providing services, skills and research etc. The labour

available, local climate and agri based economy are most

appropriate for the supply side of this business in Pakistan.

Whereas the demand is ensured by the high end customer

not being catered to at all.

VIII. THE DOCTORS OSTRICH COMPANY

Any amount of product made available is most likely to

be absorbed, provided we can ensure a perpetual,

sustainable, quantity and quality. Initially we propose to

target the high end of the market for meat.

Providing technical know-how and relevant expertise to

farmers.

Introducing high quality genetic stock in Pakistan

through breeding and selection.

Selection of appropriate farm tools and equipment for

high scale commercial ostrich farming.

Conducting researches on different nutritional and

husbandry aspects of ostrich farming.

Creating market of ostrich products by generating the

demand and providing supply of ostrich products.

IX. RECOMMENDATIONS

There is considerable scope for improvement in the areas

of artificial incubation, chick nutrition, environmental

requirements and selective breeding. Unfortunately, despite

its great potential, the ostrich has received and-continues to

receive little attention from scientists. Big investors should

involv in this enterprize, Otherwise shirkat farming must be

encouraged Training of vets in the country, Establishment

of ostrich breeding research stations to probe/exploit the

maximum genetic potential of ostrich. Establishment of

ostrich hatchery, processing plants and tanneries throughout

the country. Awareness to the public regarding nutritional

value of ostrich meat. Role of human health institutes

should not be overlook in this regard. Extension services

Seminars, conferences/ symposia.

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