Forage crops, their place in reducing the costs of raising emu

Authors

  • I.L. Gray
  • A.W. Godding
  • C.A. Godding
  • L.F. Gray
  • L. Hancox
  • J.R. Savill
  • F.M. Savill
  • D.L. Hurndell
  • D.E. Hume

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.33584/jnzg.2001.63.2445

Abstract

Over the past 5 years, the emu industry has had forced upon it the need to adjust its practices to conditions determined by the meat, oil and hide markets, rather than the inflated prices enjoyed in the honeymoon years when emu breeders were exploiting a highly inflated bird market. The cost of economically raising birds to the slaughter stage is now the major challenge. The use of a forage crop to reduce feeding costs, the single largest cost to raising emu, was trialled in the Franklin County through funding from AGMARDT. Chicory, plantain, white and red clover were sown and rotationally grazed by emu. Emu on this forage crop also received a half ration of grain-based meal pellets (Forage-birds). This was compared with grazing emu on existing pasture and a full ration of meal pellets (Control-birds). The estimated savings per bird averaged $35.50 (excl. GST), or 24%, for the Forage-birds. For two of the three farms, the average saving per bird exceeded $44.00 or 30%, owing to lower costs of establishment for the forage crop and less extra meal feeding during summer/autumn drought and winter cold. Costs were recalculated to allow for economies of scale, and average savings then increased to 34%. It is expected that greater savings, 40% or more, may be achieved through better preparation of the seedbed giving a better establishment of the sown forage species, if more favourable weather conditions prevail when the species are establishing, and through greater experience. However, it requires more land per bird and more watchful management in terms of seasonal change affecting the crop. Meat quality ratings were all within acceptable levels, while fat from Forage-birds was yellow and Control-birds white. There were indications that fat from Forage-birds was healthier for humans through a better linoleic:linolenic fatty acid ratio and a better polyunsaturated:saturated fatty acid ratio than fat from Control-birds. At slaughter, differences in liveweight and meat quality between farms, and between birds, indicated the importance of correct slaughter and transport procedures to minimise stress. Birds from the forage group were more placid. Keywords: chicory, Cichorum intybus, clover, cost:benefit, Dromaius novaehollandiae, emu, fat, Plantago lanceolota, plantain, Trifolium pratense, Trifolium repens

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Published

2001-01-01

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