Ostrich producers are dedicated to the responsible production of safe and wholesome food, as well as high quality leather. Their livelihood depends on the health and productivity of their animals, so they have a vested interest in practicing sound animal husbandry. Ostrich is not an endangered species, and has been raised commercially for more than a century. The birds are customarily fed a commercially prepared, balanced ration along with forage, similar to the diets of cattle, sheep and other grazing livestock.
Markets for Ostrich Products
Ostrich breeding, raising and marketing has been an active industry in other parts of the world, particularly South Africa (since the mid-1880s), United States of America, Australia, Canada. For more than a century the international market demand for ostrich products has continuously grown. With the intensifying ostrich research, promotion and marketing efforts of the different breeders, the demand for ostrich products is increasing in the world market. Industry observers foresee the development of a vigorous domestic market, in conjunction with the long-lived foreign market, for Philippine bred ostrich meat and leather.
Ostrich Production
Ostrich production operations have attracted conventional farmers and ranchers who seek to diversify their sources of income and to protect themselves against sagging traditional markets. While the average cow can produce only one calf per year, an ostrich hen can produce an average of 10-20 chicks per year conservatively. Many have stated higher offspring rates. Ostriches generally begin breeding when 2-1/2 to 3 years old. Most ostriches go to slaughter at 10-14 months. Approximately 100,000 U.S. ostriches were processed in 1997. Large quantities of the meat are shipped to Europe, while the domestic market continues to grow.
Cycle of Production
During the breeding season (approximately feb-oct. in the Philippines) a good ostrich hen lays an egg every other day if the eggs are removed for artificial incubation. If the eggs are left with the birds to incubate, the eggs are set after a clutch of a dozen or so eggs are laid. Most producers begin the incubation process one day a week to ease the workload. After approximately 42 days of incubation with controlled temperature and humidity, an ostrich egg hatches. A newly hatched ostrich chick is approximately 10 inches tall and weighs about two pounds. For the first three months, an ostrich chick needs diligent care and shelter. The grow-out phase is considered to be age 3 months to slaughter. Growth is approximately 10-12 inches a month for the first six months. Ostriches generally reach slaughter size between ages 10-14 months.
Ostrich Meat
Europeans and others have long appreciated both the taste and nutritional value of ostrich meat. It is described as being a delectable red meat similar in consistency, appearance and taste to beef with less fat. It has comparable protein with fewer calories as well. Recipes and cooking methods used for veal work well with ostrich. With its inherent taste appeal, plus the increased health consciousness of Americans and the public promotion of ostrich meat by the American Ostrich Associations, this healthy red meat is gaining acceptance in homes and restaurants nationwide. In 1992, in the United States, two fine restaurants offered ostrich meat on the menu; now ostrich meat is served in several hundred restaurants nationwide. In the mid-1990s the price of an ostrich entree was $20-$30; now it's possible to find an ostrich burger for $3.50. The most likely places to find ostrich meat on the menu is still in the finest gourmet establishments in a city or in "burger joints" that specialize in something unusual. Ostrich is also found in some mid-level restaurants and chains. The novelty of ostrich meat has been the subject of a number of newspaper and magazine articles as well as being featured on broadcast shows.
Ostrich Leather and Feathers
Ostrich leather ranks, domestically and internationally, as one of the most attractive, most durable and distinctive of leathers in the fashion, boot and shoe industries. Manufacturers of upscale western boots, purses, belts, shoes, coats, jackets, briefcases, wallets and other items place a heavy demand on ostrich leather. South Africa is still the world's largest ostrich leather supplier. The United States, however, is rapidly becoming a primary player in leather markets. A major United States bootmaker bought the first large shipment of domestically produced ostrich leather in December 1995. Formerly a major fashion item, ostrich feathers now have a variety of contemporary applications, ranging from household feather dusters to automobile manufacturers. The ostrich feathers natural ability to attract dust make it the feather of choice for computer dusters. Las Vegas showgirls frequently sport elaborate ostrich plumed headpieces. Virtually all ostrich feathers used commercially are imported from South Africa due to the fact that separating feathers into more than 200 classes and grades is an extremely labor intensive effort. Thus, ostrich feathers are not a viable part of the American ostrich industry at this time.
Service to Newcomers and Experienced Producers
The Philippine Ostrich Association (POA) is the only organization in the Philippine Ostrich industry. The POA headquarters staff in Manila, Philippines, will provide information and assistance to its members throughout the Philippines and neighboring countries. It serves a membership of ostrich producers, processors, researchers and marketers located in every province of the Union plus many foreign countries. POA has among its membership a wide range of ostrich producers—from those just entering the field as "two- bird producers" to veterans operating sprawling ostrich ranches, and to processors, tanners, meat purveyors and marketing companies.
The POA holds an annual meeting and convention at which the latest information on ostrich production and marketing is disseminated and exchanged. Members also receive a number of other benefits such as a subscription to the highly informative monthly magazine, Philippine Ostrich. For an additional fee, members can be listed on the AOA Producers List—designed to help producers market their ostriches and help information seekers find help. Research on the cutting edge of ostrich breeding is available through the Philippine Ostrich Research Foundation. Members also benefit from the aggressive media promotion efforts directed by the POA.
To whatever degree you wish to participate in the ostrich industry, the POA welcomes you as a member. The association is dedicated to serving its members' needs in every way possible.
Benefits of POA Membership
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