A Detailed Explanation of Emu Farming Techniques and Rearing Management Methods
The emu is a bird genus of the family Dromaiidae, native to Australia, though it is now farmed to a certain extent as well. Emus are very well suited to being raised by farmers, because emus have extremely strong adaptability, and practically every part of the emu is valuable: the meat is delicious, low in high-calorie substances such as fat, and the skin has good breathability and a supple, beautiful quality. The eggs can also be carved into handicrafts for collection. So how exactly are emus raised? Below, the editor brings you emu farming techniques. Let's take a look!
1. Site Construction
Emus have very strong locomotion ability and, like ostriches, are a relatively active species of bird. Therefore, when building a farm, make sure there is ample space for the emus to move around, and there must be good drainage and irrigation measures to ensure no water accumulates. Around the farm, plant some larger trees along with flowers and grass for appropriate shade and to improve air quality. Ventilation of the farm must also be ensured; emus are relatively large in size, so the stocking density must not be too high. Each emu needs enough space to grow, avoiding overcrowding and mutual interference with growth.
2. Feeding Management
The feed requirements of emus change with the growth stage. For example, for young emus at 7-10 months, the feed is mainly green fodder such as corn. Feeding should be done at fixed times and in fixed amounts, at least three times a day, and the green fodder should be chopped fairly small to prevent indigestion in the emus. Drinking water should be well controlled; do not feed spoiled or contaminated drinking water, and do not feed water that has been directly exposed to sunlight. Otherwise the emus are prone to indigestion and some gastrointestinal diseases. In summer, with high temperatures and drought, the water needs of emus increase greatly, so at this time you must ensure sufficient and clean drinking water.
3. Incubation Management
Mating of emus is relatively important. First, one male emu can be bred with multiple female emus. During the breeding season, fighting over courtship will occur, so we must pay special attention and it is best to separate them into pens in time. Artificially raised emus only reach sexual maturity at around 2 years. After the female emu lays eggs, they hatch immediately, and the incubation period is about 50 days. During incubation, the temperature should be controlled at 35 degrees and the humidity at around 45%, ensuring the breeding house is well ventilated to improve air quality. Newly hatched emus need artificial warmth, and at around two months they can be taken off heat.
4. Epidemic Prevention and Sterilization
Although emus have relatively strong disease resistance, epidemic prevention and sterilization work still must not be relaxed. First, before feeding green fodder and chopping it up, disinfect it for 8-10 minutes, then rinse off the disinfectant with clean water. Before each feeding, also clean the indoor area and the feeding utensils, then regularly carry out comprehensive and thorough disinfection of the emu house, about once every half a month. Try to avoid visits by outsiders, and the keepers must also disinfect before entering the house. Cut off all pathogen carriers, cut off the sources of pathogen infection, and control the incidence of disease.
The above is a brief introduction to emu farming techniques. The economic value of emus is extremely high, and not only in the ways mentioned above. For example, emus have a fat band in their bodies, and the fat band has a relatively high oil content. Moreover, emu oil has very strong permeability and is now widely used in the cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries. That is all for today's introduction. This article is for reference only. Thank you all for reading and your support.