Emu farming: a profit making enterprise

Emu is considered one of the latest emerging species in the Indian poultry industry. Emu is the second largest flightless bird and scientifically known as Dromaius noveahollandiae. Emu also can be called as " million dollar birds " and its farming is getting great economic importance. Emus belong to ratite group and have high economic value for their meat, eggs, oil, skin and feathers. Although emu and ostrich were introduced in India, emu farming has gained much importance. Emu and ostrich are reared commercially in many parts of the world for their meat, oil, skin and feathers, which are of high economic value. In India, Emu farming will be a booming agri-business due to their valuable products. Emu is becoming popular for having 98% fat free red meat. Emu oil act as wound healing agent. The anatomical and physiological features of these birds appear to be suitable for temperate and tropical climatic conditions. These birds are adaptable to varied climatic conditions. Emu birds are well adapted to Indian climatic conditions. Major constraints of emu farming are the (1)getting low price for egg and other products (2) lower productivity of the bird (3) Lack of support from developmental agencies (4) lack of scientific information about emu farming (5) lack of good breeding stock (6) emu chick mortality (7) slow growth rate (8) lack of knowledge in management practices. Emu rearing is not as labour intensive as other traditional livestock. Emu farming in India is still in a primitive stage and the available literature is scanty. Day by day if it is possible to remove the problems of emu farming as usual and as reported by emu farmers, in coming future emu farming will be a profitable enterprise in Indian arena.