RIRDC - Research Compendium 1993

Rural Industries
Research & Development Corporation

Research Compendium 1993 - 1994

Research Project

INVESTIGATION OF THE VIABILITY OF COMMERCIAL EMU FARMING IN TASMANIA

Objectives

To monitor the performance of emus reared under Tasmanian conditions, using basic technical and commercial criteria and compare performance where possible with Western Australian experience, including comparative product evaluation.
To identify the most suitable birds for commercial production from the three segregated genetic strains existing in the subject flock (from WA, NSW and Vic).
To identify the critical issues requiring further detailed research, to achieve viable, commercial-scale emu production in Tasmania.
To consider some integrated farming activities with fallow deer, to enhance the commercial performance of both species.
To prepare financial models to examine enterprise returns.

Background

The lack of critical performance data for emu farming under Tasmanian conditions has been an impediment to further consideration, or expansion, of commercial farming. Additionally, investment and expansion was not likely to proceed without some initial investigation to identify commercial potential for Tasmania relative to the Western Australian industry, which relies on the use of cheap feed grain.

Research

A commercially orientated and pasture based research trial over three years was developed with a participating producer who provided the emus, land and labour. The emus were sexed, weighed and identified with hock straps and electronic chip implants. Western Australian producers were visited to obtain information on their emu industry.

Outcomes

Nutrition was found to have a crucial impact on production and reproduction. The importance of reaching target breeding weights before the start of egg-lay, and optimal growth rates of chicks to fifty weeks of age, not only impinged on the performance of the birds per se but had a potential bearing on the economics of the enterprise.

Based on the trial results, it was concluded that the traditional clover and perennial grass pastures will not effectively support commercial stock. Birds, however, were seen to thrive and gain substantial weights when given access to Aran rape without any supplementary concentrates-feeding. It was felt that other leafy and nutritious feed like chicory and lucerne may have a similar potential and were worth investigating.

Implications

Until lower cost nutritional regimes suitable for Tasmania and the key national issues of product development and marketing are clarified, significant commercial development is not anticipated. However, should this occur Tasmania will be well positioned to invest in efficiently managed production units.

RIRDC Project No: DAT-19A

RESEARCHER: Dr M Manuel

ORGANISATION: TAS Department of Primary Industry and Fisheries

GPO Box 192B

HOBART TAS 7001

PHONE: 002 33 2589

FAX: 002 34 9412

PUBLICATIONS:

TAS Dept of Primary Industries and Fisheries. New Animal Industry Assessment: Emu Farming, 1993, DPIF, Tasmania.