About Ostrich

o What is an ostrich?
An ostrich is a "ratite" - a large flightless bird. The ratite group also includes emu
and kiwi. The mature ostrich is six to nine feet tall, weighing between 90 and
160 kilogram. The curious birds are born with black and white striped feathers
but are tan, brown, and black as adults.
o Is there any thing that makes Ostriches unique from all other birds, besides not being
able to fly?
This great bird only has two toes, all other birds have three or four toes
o How fast can Ostriches run?
The Ostrich can run at speeds of up to 40 MPH for sustained times. However, it
does not have stamina for a long race.
o How long does an Ostrich live?
An Ostrich will live to 50 - 75 years. An ostrich hen lays eggs for 42 years.
o Ostriches kick forward or back like horses?
Ostriches DO kick forward - it's the direction their legs bend
o What is size of an Ostrich Brain?
Ostrich have very small brains. Typically, Size of Ostrich Brain is equal to an eye
ball only.
o Are Ostriches related to dinosaurs
Ostrich tissues are very similar to that found in a T-Rex (Dinosaur specie) now
here's a chick story - featuring a fearsome female not even a certain California
governor would dare mess with. Three months ago, paleontologist Mary Higby
Schweitzer of North Carolina State University stunned the world by announcing
she'd found soft tissue inside the thigh bone of "T. rex," a 68-million-year-old
tyrannosaurus skeleton unearthed in eastern Montana in 2003.
Didn't anyone tell her that was impossible? Marrow, veins, cells - all that squishy
stuff - is supposed to be mineralized away after 100,000 years or so. Dinosaur
fossils are supposed to be nothing but rocks, right?
So much for that theory. Under a microscope, the vessels inside the thigh
looked identical to those of an ostrich, which puts both ostriches and T. rex in a
whole new light.
o Is ostrich aggressive and dangerous?
Ostrich is not at all dangerous or aggressive. It develops friendship with owners
in a few days. However, at times, it can be dangerous for strangers. Thats why,
it is hard to steal. During the breeding season, close contact with ostrich must
be avoided
o Ostrich Farming in Pakistan

o Do people really raise Ostriches like other food animals?
Ostrich is reared, raised and farmed like all other domestic animals because
Ostrich meat is heart healthy
Ostriches are very feed efficient and take minimal land
Ostrich farming is a viable alternative for agricultural industry, with fine
quality leather, feathers and gourmet meat as the principal products.
o What other countries are practicing Ostrich farming?
Ostrich farming is now being done in countries all over the world including (but
not limited to) China, Taiwan, India, Japan, Vietnam, Iran, Iraq, Israel, United
Kingdom, France, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Costa Rica, and others
o Is Environment of Pakistan suitable for Ostrich Farming?
Primarily, Ostrich is a desert bird and thats why, warm and extreme
environment is highly recommended for Ostrich Farming. Fortunately, Pakistan
Environment is very hot in summers and cool in winters. Due to this weather
pattern, Pakistan is an ideal country for Ostrich farming.
o What are Requirements for starting an Ostrich Farm?
Ostrich Farm needs following
A rough but cemented floor of 250 sq. ft. is sufficient for 50 Ostrich
Chicks age between 2 to 4 months. Afterwards, these 50 birds are
transferred to muddy land of 1500 sq. ft. where it can pass it entire life
Supply of drinkable water
Labor: one person is capable of managing a 50 birds farm.
o What and how much an ostrich eats?
An ostrich lives on any cattle fodder. But during early six months of life it needs
special feeds for better growth. This feed can be prepared or bought from
Pakistan Ostrich Company. Strangely enough its feed intake is the lowest in the
world as compared to its weight. It gains more weight with lesser amount of
fodder. With only 3 Kg food, it gains 1 Kg weight, unlike cow which gains 1 Kg
after intake of 20 Kg food. An ostrich, age between 2-4 months, eats half Kg
special feed per day. A grown up Ostrich, with 9 feet height and 100 Kg weight,
only eats 2-3 Kg Alfalfa per day. Ostrich needs water double than its food
intake.
o What are major Risks while operating an Ostrich Farm?
After two months, there is almost no risk of natural mortality in Ostrich. Ostrich
is almost immune to diseases and epidemics including bid flu 2 months after its
birth. However, eating any harmful ingredient like glass, or nail etc. can cause
Ostrich mortality. However, at the age of four months, Ostrich is sensible
enough to decide what is suitable to eat and does not take any dangerous item
releasing farmer from mortality risk.
o What are the diseases of an ostrich?
Ostrich is made to live in the tough environment so a mature ostrich has the
best resistance to all diseases. But up to six months of age it may capture
stomach and physical diseases that can be prevented by good nutrition and
veterinary care. To cover this risk, Pakistan Ostrich Company provides eight
weeks old chicks to farmers.
o From Where Ostrich Farmers can receive technical Assistance?
Pakistan Ostrich Company is responsible to provide every technical assistance
and consultancy to farmers on Farm construction, Ostrich food and medication
and precautions. POC also trains farmer and its staff to ensure success of Ostrich
farm.
o Are there some Ostrich farms currently operating in Pakistan?
Numerous Ostrich farms with 25-200 Birds have started their operations in
Pakistan under guidance of Pakistan Ostrich Company. Main farms are in
Karachi, Suhawa, Attock, Chakwal, Lahore, and Bahawalpur. New farms are
opening in Thatha, Hyderabad, Ranipur, Lasbella, Hub and Gharo.
o Ostrich Breeding

o When do ostriches start reproduction?
Ostriches begin laying eggs as early as 16-18 months of age. Ostriches lay large
white eggs between March and September. Ostriches can be productive for
more than 30 years and can lay 70-100 eggs in a season.
o What is Trio? Why Ostrich are kept in Trios?
In mating season, Breeding Ostrich are kept in groups of one male and two
females called trio. These Trios are kept separately to avoid mating of one trio
bird with bird of another Trio. Trio ensures 95% fertility in Ostrich eggs.

o How many fertile eggs are laid by one trio per year?
One trio lays about 140-200 eggs per year out of them, 95% are fertile.
o For how many years, an Ostrich trio can lay eggs?
An Ostrich lays eggs for about 42 years continuously.
o Does Ostrich sit on its eggs?
Yes, both male and female ostriches sit on eggs, however, Hatch rate from eggs
incubated by Ostriches is only 60%. On the other hand, Eggs kept in incubator
give 95% Hatch rate.
o Is it recommended to use an Incubator for Hatching?
Yes, Incubator Hatch rate is 95% as compare to 60% Hatch rate of eggs
incubated by Ostriches.
o Profitability of Ostrich Farms

o What are per year revenues earned from an Ostrich farm?
An Ostrich farm of 50 Birds can earn minimum 10 million rupees per year by
selling chicks for only PKR3000/Chick, or it can earn minimum 30 million rupees
by selling Ostrich Meat for only PKR200/Kg. For details, Economics of Farm,
Given in Download section, can be referred.
o In how many years, a farm covers investment and start earning profits?
An ostrich farmer invests for 2 years in a farm. However, Earning of third year
not only covers entire cost of three years, but also provide profits almost double
than accumulative investment of three Years.
o What is return on Investment for Ostrich Farmers after covering investment?
ROI for an Ostrich Breeder farm ranges between 200% and 400% depending
upon No. of Birds in a particular farm. ROI increases with No. of breeding trios at
a farm.
With Ostrich rearing, farmers can double their investment in one year with
proper management of farm.
o Who will buy Live Ostrich, Ostrich Meat, Leather and other products?
There is a well established Export Market for Ostrich Meat and leather in Iran,
Saudi Arab and UAE. There are a significant number of leather industries and
households in Pakistan interested in Ostrich Meat and leather. Farmers can opt
to sell their Ostriches, meat, and leather themselves at any rate; alternatively,
to secure farmer investment, Pakistan Ostrich Company can also sign a Buy back
agreement with farmers on suitable prices.
o Benefits of Ostrich

o Why the ostrich is called the "most usable bird"?
Ostriches are most widely known for their iron-packed red meat, but their fine
leather, (hide), unusual feathers, toenails and exquisite large white eggs are also
marketable. Farming of no other animal can offer such great range of products
and high growth rate with negligible investment.
o What are main products from an Ostrich?
Ostrich farming would produce following products
Meat: Ostrich meat is very delicious, free of cholesterol and fats. Its
taste resembles with Deer meat. About 70 Kg meats can be obtained
from an Ostrich age between 8-12 months.
Leather: Ostrich leather is finest leather of the world. It is used in
manufacturing of all leather items including boots, brief cases, purses,
book covers, etc. It is four times stronger than Cow leather.
Feather: Ostrich feathers are used in cleaning electronics items,
sensitive instruments, and even Holy Kaba and Nabavi Mosque due to
their capability of attracting even smallest dust particle. They are also
used in manufacturing ladies hats and dresses.
Oil: Ostrich Oil is used in pharmaceutical Industry
Eggs: Ostrich Egg weighs between 1-3 Kg and it is equivalent to 24
Chicken eggs. Ostrich eggs are tastier than chicken eggs and free of
smell. One Ostrich Egg can prepare 24 omelets. Shells of eggs are too
hard to break and they are sold in market as showpieces.
o What are the approximate prices of ostrich products?
In international market, Ostrich meat is sold for PKR 800 to PKR 1200.
One egg costs between 1000- 2000 Pakistani Rupees. While Ostrich skin
is sold to leather industries at price between PKR 10,000 to PKR 16000.
o How do you compare Ostrich with other Cattle animals currently farmed in Pakistan?
No other animal multiplies itself as fast as Ostrich. Cow procreates only one calf
per year while Ostrich produces at least 50 chicks every year. Unlike Chicken
meat, Ostrich meat is free of any unnatural harmful treatment. Ostrich is
immune to diseases and epidemics. Ostrich meat is similar to mutton or Deer
Meat. Its leather is four time stronger that Cow leather. A 50 Birds Ostrich
Breeder farm produces minimum 1, 50,000 Kg meat every year, while a 50
breeder chicken farm can produce maximum 30,000 Kg meat and a 50 Breeding
Cow farm can produce maximum 10,000 meat per year. Also, ostrich eats lesser
that any other animal including goats, sheep and cows.
o Why Ostrich Meat is preferable to other available meat in Pakistani markets?
Ostrich Meat is very tasty and it is free of any side effect or harmful medications
and unnatural hormones. It is almost free of cholesterol and fats.
o Is Ostrich meat halal?
Ostrich meat is Halal and it was eaten by companion of Holy Prophet after
accepting Islam. Many Muslim countries including Saudi Arab, Iran and UAE are
consuming Ostrich Meat.
o What does ostrich meat taste like?
With more protein and less calories and sodium than most other red meat,
ostrich meat is similar in taste and texture to deer, mutton and lean beef.
o What is the best way to cook ostrich meat?
Since ostrich meat is low fat and cholesterol and loses moisture quickly, it is best
when cooked to rare or medium rare doneness (145 to 160 F internal
temperatures as measured by a meat thermometer). For those who prefer meat
that is well done, a moist heat cooking method is recommended. However,
Ostrich meat, when cooked with normal methods used in Pakistan, is equally
delicious and healthy.
o What cuts of ostrich meat are the tenderest?
The tenderest cuts are the select cuts that include the fan, top loin, and inside
strip. Select cuts of ostrich meat adapt well to nearly any recipe. Because of its
mild flavor, ostrich meat accepts most seasonings. It responds especially well to
sweet marinades made with honey, soy sauce, ginger, lemon juice and garlic.
Grilling on a barbecue after marinating is the best way to bring out the
succulent taste of ostrich meat.
o Is there any use of its bones?
Ostrich has large manageable flexible bones that allows for any artwork
manipulation. The handicrafts that are made of camel bones can also be made
of ostrich bones with much more ease and beauty.
o How long does it take to boil Ostrich eggs?
To soft boil a fresh egg would take one hour. To hard boil would take 1 1/2
hours.
o Where does ostrich oil come from?
Ostrich oil comes from a thick pad of fat on the back of the bird that was initially
provided by nature to protect the animal from the extreme temperatures of its
African homeland.
o What are some uses for the oil?
Ostrich oil has been shown to display anti-inflammatory properties and helps
combat the effects of the aging process. Ostrich oil has also been proven to
thicken the skin of the elderly by as much as 14 percent. Medical specialists are
discovering the benefits of ostrich oil and are adapting it into their treatment
techniques for relieving the symptoms of joints aching, preventing scars, and
treating extra dry skin conditions. In addition to reducing swelling and stiffness
in joints, it reduces bruising and muscle pain.
o Marketing and Sales of Ostrich and its products

o Who will buy Live Ostrich and Ostrich Chicks from farmers?
There are four Major markets for Ostrich and its products
Fancy Bird Market: There is an attractive market for fancy ostrich
Birds. Many people like to have a pair of Ostrich at their farmhouse or
at home. Due to friendly nature and beautiful looks, Ostrich is very
popular as a pet bird in Pakistan.
Pakistan Ostrich Company: POC secures investment of Ostrich farers by
offering Buy Back Guarantees to its farmers at pre determined prices.
Using its extensive marketing and sales network, POC can help farmers
in selling their Ostrich chicks, meat and leather on attractive prices
Pakistani Market: Farmers can opt to independently sell Ostrich and its
products in market. Ostrich meat was highly appreciated by Pakistani
Consumers in all surveys carried out by POC. Many restaurants, modern
retail and hyper markets are willing to pay premium prices for regular
supply of Ostrich meat. Numerous leather and pharmaceutical
industries in Pakistan are interested in buying Ostrich Oil, leather and
feathers. Overall, any farmer can easily sell Ostrich related products in
open market at their own.
Export Market: There is a great demand of ostrich meat and leather in
Iran, UAE, Central Asia, Far East and Korea. To meet this demand, these
countries are looking for exporters from neighborhood countries that
could provide a sustainable supply.
Live Ostrich Market: In Pakistan, Many farmers have started buying
Ostriches from other farmers. Many new farmers will buy chicks and
eggs from senior players of industry.
o Is Ostrich meat Halal?
During the time of Holy Prophet Ostrich was found in abundance in the Arabian
deserts and it was a favorite hunting bird for the Arabs and the companions of
the prophet. It was one of the favorite dishes of the early Muslims.
o Will Ostrich meat acceptable for consumers in Pakistan?
Ostrich Meat is highly delicious and healthy. Most importantly, It can be sold at
a price of PKR 200/Kg with great profit. With such premium quality taste and
low price, there is no reason that Ostrich meat could not get popularity among
masses. POC conducted surveys by sampling Ostrich meat to general
consumers. People at Pakistan cooked Ostrich meat with normal cooking
methods and all of them appreciated the taste and most of them ordered it at a
high Price. Many professionals including Top chefs of Pakistan tested Ostrich
meat and appreciated its taste.
o Is there any market for ostrich leather?
Ostrich Leather is third strongest and most precious leather of the world after
leather of Crocodile and snake. It is widely used in entire world to manufacture
best quality leather products including shoes, brief cases, book covers, valets,
belts, and purses. In international market, Price of one unprocessed Ostrich skin
is as high as PKR16000. In Pakistani market, numerous leather factories are
interested in buying Ostrich leather on regular bases. In Karachi, Ostrich Leather
products are available on premium prices at various spots including Forum,
Chen One, Hush puppies, and Park Tower.
o What is usage of Ostrich feathers?
Ostrich feathers are used in boutique industry and they are used in
manufacturing beautiful dresses and hats for super models and well to do
ladies. Ostrich feathers have capability to attract even smallest particles of dust
and thats why, they are used in Holy Kaba and Nabavi Mosque Madina for
cleaning purposes. Ostrich feathers are used in production of dusters which are
used in electronics industry for cleaning electric equipments and sensitive
instruments.