This document introduces Ostrich Nepal Pvt. Ltd., Nepal's first ostrich breeding farm. It states that the company has invested 300 million Nepali rupees to farm over 1,000 ostriches across 13.54 hectares of land. The company aims to increase ostrich numbers to 1,500, produce one ton of ostrich meat in the first year and 15 tons in the second year. It also plans to export ostrich skin and feathers. The document provides details on the nutritional benefits of ostrich meat and products derived from ostriches such as leather, eggs, feathers and oil.

1. WELCOMEWELCOME
To visit Nepal’s firstTo visit Nepal’s first
Ostrich Breeding FarmOstrich Breeding Farm
and see the world’s largest bird
By:Ramesh K Raut
Ostrich Nepal Pvt.Ltd.Ostrich Nepal Pvt.Ltd.
Gangolia-1, Rupandehi, NepalGangolia-1, Rupandehi, Nepal

2. About Ostrich Nepal Pvt. LtdAbout Ostrich Nepal Pvt. Ltd..
 The commercial farming of Ostrich, the biggestThe commercial farming of Ostrich, the biggest
flightless bird in the world, has started in Nepal asflightless bird in the world, has started in Nepal as
well with the motive of introducing Ostrich productswell with the motive of introducing Ostrich products
in the market.in the market.
 Ostrich Nepal, the Ostrich Farm situated inOstrich Nepal, the Ostrich Farm situated in
Gangoliya VDC-1, Rupandehi has started theGangoliya VDC-1, Rupandehi has started the
farming with an initial investment of Rs 300 millionfarming with an initial investment of Rs 300 million
in around 20 bighas (around 13.54 hectares) areain around 20 bighas (around 13.54 hectares) area
of land.of land.

3.  At present, the company has four types ofAt present, the company has four types of
Ostriches numbering 1,000, but they areOstriches numbering 1,000, but they are
mostly chicks.mostly chicks.
 The company has also aimed to increase theThe company has also aimed to increase the
number of Ostrich to 1,500 including 1,000number of Ostrich to 1,500 including 1,000
male and 500 female within the next twomale and 500 female within the next two
years, CP Sharma, operator of the Farm asyears, CP Sharma, operator of the Farm as
saying.saying.

4.  Sharma also said that the company also aims to produceSharma also said that the company also aims to produce
one ton of Ostrich meat this year while 15 tons next year.one ton of Ostrich meat this year while 15 tons next year.
Similarly, the company has targeted to produce 100,000Similarly, the company has targeted to produce 100,000
Ostrich eggs within the next two years.Ostrich eggs within the next two years.
 According to the company, the price of Ostrich meat willAccording to the company, the price of Ostrich meat will
be fixed at Rs. 2,000 per kg inbe fixed at Rs. 2,000 per kg in thethe Nepali market targetingNepali market targeting
the hotels and restaurants that have been importingthe hotels and restaurants that have been importing
Ostrich meat from other countries.Ostrich meat from other countries.

5.  The company also plans to exports Ostrich's skinThe company also plans to exports Ostrich's skin
and feathers among other products to otherand feathers among other products to other
countries as it has great value in the internationalcountries as it has great value in the international
market.market.

6. About OstrichAbout Ostrich
 The Ostrich is the largest living bird in the world.The Ostrich is the largest living bird in the world.
 It is of the Ratite family, which meansIt is of the Ratite family, which meansflightless bird.flightless bird.
The Ostrich is native to Africa, yet thrives inThe Ostrich is native to Africa, yet thrives in
countries all over the world.countries all over the world.
 Adult males are eight to ten feet in height andAdult males are eight to ten feet in height and
weigh 350-400 pounds.weigh 350-400 pounds.
 A male Ostrich is called a rooster and a femaleA male Ostrich is called a rooster and a female
Ostrich is called a hen.Ostrich is called a hen.

7.  The male is black with white wing tips and tailThe male is black with white wing tips and tail
plumes.plumes.
 The female has light brown and grey plumageThe female has light brown and grey plumage
and is slightly smaller than the male.and is slightly smaller than the male.
 This great bird has two toes, all other birdsThis great bird has two toes, all other birds
have three or four toes.have three or four toes.
 The Ostrich can run at speeds of up to 40The Ostrich can run at speeds of up to 40
MPH for sustained times.MPH for sustained times.
 An Ostrich will live to be 50 – 75 years old.An Ostrich will live to be 50 – 75 years old.

8.  Although an ostrich egg is the largest of allAlthough an ostrich egg is the largest of all
eggs, it is the smallest egg in relation to theeggs, it is the smallest egg in relation to the
size of the bird.size of the bird.
 The Ostrich egg will weigh 1600 gm and isThe Ostrich egg will weigh 1600 gm and is
equivalent to 2 dozen chicken eggs.equivalent to 2 dozen chicken eggs.
 An Ostrich Hen can lay 40 -100 eggs perAn Ostrich Hen can lay 40 -100 eggs per
year, averaging about 60 eggs per year.year, averaging about 60 eggs per year.
 Ostrich eggs hatch in 42 days.Ostrich eggs hatch in 42 days.

12. For many different reasons ostrich farming is spread all overFor many different reasons ostrich farming is spread all over
the world.the world.
 The first commercial ostrich farm was established in SouthThe first commercial ostrich farm was established in South
Africa in about 1860Africa in about 1860
 The most prominent, is that ostriches have very healthy meat.The most prominent, is that ostriches have very healthy meat.
Ostrich meat is low fat, low cholesterol and even low calorie.Ostrich meat is low fat, low cholesterol and even low calorie.
 Ostrich beautiful feathers and leather is even more desirable.Ostrich beautiful feathers and leather is even more desirable.
Ostrich's leather is soft but strong and it very famous with itsOstrich's leather is soft but strong and it very famous with its
distinctive quill patterns.distinctive quill patterns.
 Ostrich farming is very lucrative because ostrich feathers andOstrich farming is very lucrative because ostrich feathers and
ostrich oil are much-desired products too.ostrich oil are much-desired products too.
Benefits of Ostrich farmingBenefits of Ostrich farming

13.  Ostrich farming is probably moreOstrich farming is probably more
moneymaking business than farming cattle.moneymaking business than farming cattle.
Ostriches are very fertile. They can produceOstriches are very fertile. They can produce
more than 40 young ones per year, gestationmore than 40 young ones per year, gestation
period is about 42 days and can be bred forperiod is about 42 days and can be bred for
over 30 years.over 30 years.
 Environmentally friendly ostrich farming meansEnvironmentally friendly ostrich farming means
that using natural method of breeding. Ostrichesthat using natural method of breeding. Ostriches
are given no steroids, antibiotics, or hormones.are given no steroids, antibiotics, or hormones.

14. Comparison of some parameters ofComparison of some parameters of
cattle and ostrichescattle and ostriches
Ostriches Cattle
Gestation/incubation
period (days)
42 280
Offspring per year 40 1
Period from
conception to
slaughter (days)
407 645
Meat (kg) 1 800 250
Leather (m2
) 50.4 2.7
Feathers (kg) 36 -

15. The nutritive value of ostrich meat comparedThe nutritive value of ostrich meat compared
with traditional meatswith traditional meats
Per 100 g rawPer 100 g raw
meatmeat
OstrichOstrich BeefBeef ChickenChicken
Protein (g) 21.9 20.0 21.4
Fat (g) 1.0 15.6 2.6
Cholesterol
(mg)
63 86 74
Energy (cal) 114 276 163
Calcium (mg) 5.2 9.0 13.0

16. Limitations:Limitations:
i. High capital investments for setting up of the farms.i. High capital investments for setting up of the farms.
ii. The markets for meat and its byproducts are notii. The markets for meat and its byproducts are not
easily accessible.easily accessible.
iii. The high penalties for slaughtering older birds (20iii. The high penalties for slaughtering older birds (20
months and above) in the European countries.months and above) in the European countries.
iv. The birds are potential and vulnerable for avianiv. The birds are potential and vulnerable for avian
disorders particularly for Newcastle diseasedisorders particularly for Newcastle disease

17. Products of OstrichProducts of Ostrich
 MEATMEAT
 EggEgg
 LeatherLeather
 FeathersFeathers
 oiloil

18. About Ostrich meatAbout Ostrich meat
Species Description Protien % Fat Grams Calories Iron (mg)
Cholesterol
(mg)
Ostrich
Cut
Composite
26.9 3.0 142 3.2 83
Chicken
Whole (no
skin)
28.9 7.4 190 1.2 89
Turkey
Whole (no
skin)
29.3 5.0 170 1.8 76
Beef
Retail
Composite
29.9 9.3 211 3.0 86
Pork
Retail
Composite
29.3 9.7 212 1.1 86
Veal
Retail
Composite
31.9 6.6 196 1.1 118
Duck Meat Only 23.5 11.2 201 2.7 89
Deer Meat Only 30.2 3.2 158 4.5 112

19. Uses of ostrich LeatherUses of ostrich Leather
 Ostrich leather is considered among the finest andOstrich leather is considered among the finest and
most durable leathers in the world, and is soughtmost durable leathers in the world, and is sought
after by many major fashion houses.after by many major fashion houses.
 Popular products for whichPopular products for which ostrich leatherostrich leather is usedis used
includeinclude designer hand bags,designer hand bags, men's wallets, andmen's wallets, and
upholstery. This leather is best used in areas where itsupholstery. This leather is best used in areas where its
distinctive appearance is desirable, given the expense.distinctive appearance is desirable, given the expense.
 Golf bags and jackets are also commonly made fromGolf bags and jackets are also commonly made from
this leather. Modern dyes allow it to be made in anythis leather. Modern dyes allow it to be made in any
color of the rainbow, including white and blackcolor of the rainbow, including white and black

20. Uses of ostrich eggsUses of ostrich eggs
 Ostrich eggs are the largest off all the worlds birdOstrich eggs are the largest off all the worlds bird
eggs.eggs.
 ostrich eggs taste very goodostrich eggs taste very good
 they are expensive and very filling.they are expensive and very filling.
 Ostrich eggs are very often used for decorativeOstrich eggs are very often used for decorative
purposes. Many people use ostrich eggs forpurposes. Many people use ostrich eggs for
painting intricate scenes, especially of thepainting intricate scenes, especially of the
Serengeti, or for carving into a decorative mosaicSerengeti, or for carving into a decorative mosaic

21.  Ostrich eggs can also be used for dioramas. ByOstrich eggs can also be used for dioramas. By
carving out a hole in the egg and cleaning the eggcarving out a hole in the egg and cleaning the egg
thoroughly, the inside of the ostrich egg can bethoroughly, the inside of the ostrich egg can be
filled with the scenes for a beautiful diorama.filled with the scenes for a beautiful diorama.

22. FeatherFeather
 Types:Types:
 DrabDrab
 An ostrich drab feather can range from under 10 to over 22 inchesAn ostrich drab feather can range from under 10 to over 22 inches
in length. This type of feather comes from an ostrich's shoulderin length. This type of feather comes from an ostrich's shoulder
 PlumePlume
 Plumes are elegant feathers that come from an ostrich's wing.Plumes are elegant feathers that come from an ostrich's wing.
Plume feathers are fuller when compared to drab feathers, and theyPlume feathers are fuller when compared to drab feathers, and they
are longer, from 20 to 30 inches in length.are longer, from 20 to 30 inches in length.
 SpadSpad
 The ostrich spad is a type of ostrich feather from the tail part of theThe ostrich spad is a type of ostrich feather from the tail part of the
bird. The spad can be 18 to 28 inches long.bird. The spad can be 18 to 28 inches long.
 NanduNandu
 The ostrich nandu (or nondu) is a type of spad feather. The nanduThe ostrich nandu (or nondu) is a type of spad feather. The nandu
feather is trimmed and reworked into a spear shape.feather is trimmed and reworked into a spear shape.

23.  Uses:Uses:
 Natural or bleached. Ostrich feathers are very popular as aNatural or bleached. Ostrich feathers are very popular as a
result of the diversity of the product. The white plumeresult of the diversity of the product. The white plume
feathers are in great demand in the world of fashion andfeathers are in great demand in the world of fashion and
entertainment. Stylish and elegant, ostrich feathers haveentertainment. Stylish and elegant, ostrich feathers have
become very popular as table decorations at weddings andbecome very popular as table decorations at weddings and
dinners. Small colored feathers are also often used asdinners. Small colored feathers are also often used as
confetti at weddings.confetti at weddings.
 Ostrich feathers are the only product perfectly suited forOstrich feathers are the only product perfectly suited for
making feather dusters. The feathers are soft and flexiblemaking feather dusters. The feathers are soft and flexible
which makes them suitable for use on delicate or fragilewhich makes them suitable for use on delicate or fragile
objects. The feathers are non-static, easily picking up dustobjects. The feathers are non-static, easily picking up dust
which can then just be shaken out or rinsed.which can then just be shaken out or rinsed.

24. oiloil
 Ostrich oil is high in Omega 3, 6 and 9, the skin lovingOstrich oil is high in Omega 3, 6 and 9, the skin loving
Essential Fatty Acids. We know that the fatty acids areEssential Fatty Acids. We know that the fatty acids are
very important for cell growth, division andvery important for cell growth, division and
recovery. Some research shows that when the essentialrecovery. Some research shows that when the essential
fatty acids, omega 3 and omega 6, are applied tofatty acids, omega 3 and omega 6, are applied to
wounds, they will show improvement. It is thought that itwounds, they will show improvement. It is thought that it
is the content of the Essential Fatty Acids in ostrich oil isis the content of the Essential Fatty Acids in ostrich oil is
why many find relief to skin problems. Ostrich oil is non-why many find relief to skin problems. Ostrich oil is non-
comedogenic, in other words, does not clog pores.comedogenic, in other words, does not clog pores.

25. Ostrich Oil ApplicationsOstrich Oil Applications
ArthritisArthritis ItchingItching ScarsScars
Athlete's FootAthlete's Foot Scrapes & ScratchesScrapes & Scratches BruisesBruises
BurnsBurns Moisturizes SkinMoisturizes Skin Skin HydrationSkin Hydration
Muscle PainMuscle Pain Skin RashesSkin Rashes CallusesCalluses
PsoriasisPsoriasis Sore MusclesSore Muscles Chapped LipsChapped Lips
Radiation BurnRadiation Burn SprainsSprains Contact DermatitisContact Dermatitis
RashesRashes StiffnessStiffness Cracked SkinCracked Skin
RheumatismRheumatism Stretch MarksStretch Marks Dry CuticlesDry Cuticles
CutsCuts Sun BurnSun Burn Dry SkinDry Skin
Hair ConditioningHair Conditioning TendonitisTendonitis EczemaEczema
Joint PainJoint Pain WindburnWindburn HemorrhoidsHemorrhoids
KeloidsKeloids WoundsWounds Insect BitesInsect Bites
Scar PreventionScar Prevention Wrinkles & Fine LinesWrinkles & Fine Lines MassageMassage

26. Future of the ostrich industryFuture of the ostrich industry
 Currently, the ostrich industry in Europe and America is stillCurrently, the ostrich industry in Europe and America is still
mainly in the breeding phase, with little commercialmainly in the breeding phase, with little commercial
processing taking place. Some birds are sold to other farmersprocessing taking place. Some birds are sold to other farmers
and ranchers entering the ostrich business. Prices continue toand ranchers entering the ostrich business. Prices continue to
be artificially high.be artificially high.
 As soon as the number of ostriches reaches a level highAs soon as the number of ostriches reaches a level high
enough to support a slaughter market, however, prices areenough to support a slaughter market, however, prices are
bound to drop.bound to drop.
 In 1992, over 150 000 ostriches were slaughtered worldwide;In 1992, over 150 000 ostriches were slaughtered worldwide;
95 percent of these were processed in South Africa.95 percent of these were processed in South Africa.
 At present, there is no concrete indication as to when theAt present, there is no concrete indication as to when the
ostrich population will be large enough to meet current, letostrich population will be large enough to meet current, let
alone future, consumer demand.alone future, consumer demand.

27. Cont…Cont…
 In the last few years, ostrich farming has progressedIn the last few years, ostrich farming has progressed
dramatically and the world ostrich industry hasdramatically and the world ostrich industry has
achieved some economic stability.achieved some economic stability.
 On many farms, however, the management of theOn many farms, however, the management of the
birds, particularly the young chicks, is still relativelybirds, particularly the young chicks, is still relatively
primitive. There is considerable scope forprimitive. There is considerable scope for
improvement in the areas of artificial incubation,improvement in the areas of artificial incubation,
chick nutrition, environmental requirements andchick nutrition, environmental requirements and
selective breeding.selective breeding.

28.  Unfortunately, despite its great potential, the ostrich hasUnfortunately, despite its great potential, the ostrich has
received and-continues to receive little attention fromreceived and-continues to receive little attention from
scientists.scientists.
 One possible way of attracting scientific interest andOne possible way of attracting scientific interest and
securing the proper recognition of the ostrich as an animalsecuring the proper recognition of the ostrich as an animal
useful to people is to hold international symposiums anduseful to people is to hold international symposiums and
conferences.conferences.
 If ostrich production is to provide the meat of the future, aIf ostrich production is to provide the meat of the future, a
scientific approach is the only way forward.scientific approach is the only way forward.

29. Some Glimples of our field visitSome Glimples of our field visit

33. Video on Ostrich
 F:Ostrich Nepal…..flvF:Ostrich Nepal…..flv