Revised November, 2021.
Overview
The ostrich, a flightless bird that belongs to the ratite (RAT tight) family and originates from Africa, is the world’s largest living bird. When fully grown, the ostrich (Struthio camelus) weighs approximately 450 pounds and stands eight feet tall. Emus are also ratites but native to Australia. They weight 125 to 140 pounds and stand about six feet tall.
The ostrich and emu industries are attempting to recover from a significant economic shakedown. Having ... protein. Ground ostrich sells for $10.35 per pound, and ostrich filet steaks sell for $24.90 per pound.
Ratite oils are used extensively in the cosmetics and pharmaceutical industry. They are reputed to have exceptional moisturizing, penetrating and therapeutic qualities for humans and animals. Some clinical testing indicates that emu oil may have anti-inflammatory properties and possibly skin de-sensitizing properties. Oil and cosmetics using ratite oils are sold in health food stores and on the Internet ... . Fully refined emu oil currently sells for roughly $160 per gallon.
Ostrich skin has a distinctive quill pattern that is highly valued for boots, handbags and billfolds. The market for ostrich feathers is limited, but they can be used to clean fine machinery and equipment. Egg shells are carved into ornaments, used as containers or made into decorative jewelry. Ostrich farmers may also sell eggs for hatching. Priced at $40-$75, each fresh egg weighs 4 pounds and is the equivalent of 24 chicken eggs. Egg