| Originally from Africa, the ostrich is the largest bird in the world. It can run at a speed of up to 40 miles an hour. It reaches 2,15 to 2,45 m (6 to 8 feet) in height and weighs anywhere from 112 to 160 kg (250 to 350 pounds). The ostrich reaches sexual maturity at 2½ to 3 years of age; the female reaches maturity before the male. It can live up to age 70 and can be bred for a period of 40 years. In the northern hemisphere, eggs are laid from March or April to September or October. One egg is laid every day or every second day; an average of 35 to 55 eggs are laid during the course of a season. The incubation period is 42 to 43 days. The ostrich nest is merely a whole in the ground where the female broods the eggs during the day while the male takes over during the night. The newborn measures approximately 25 cm (10inches) and weighs approximately 1 kg (2 pounds). Young ostriches grow an average of 30 cm (1foot) per month during the first six months! The slaughtering age is from 10 to 14 months of age. An ostrich produces approximately 32 kg (70pounds) of meat, 1,3 m² (14 feet²) of leather and 1 kg (2pounds) of feathers. We estimate at approximately 1500 the number of ostriches slaughtered every month in the United States. The ostrich egg is of a cream color. An egg weighs approximately 2,75 pounds and is the equivalent of 2 dozen hen eggs. Ostrich meat Ostrich meat is red and its texture is somewhat similar to beef but its fat content is 2/3 lower. Because of its low cholesterol content, it makes it a very "healthy" meat just like the emu. Because of its low fat content, cooking time for ostrich meat is shorter than for other meats. In order to maintain all its flavor, it is recommended not to overcook it. Comparing ostrich meat
Source: AOA et USDA
Few statistics. The ostrich belongs to the Ratitae family of birds that have underdeveloped wings; it has no muscle attached to the breast-bone which prevents it from flying. It can run long distances at more than 60 km/h. At 2,50 m tall and weighing anywhere from 112 to 160 kg, it makes it the biggest bird in the world. The species dates as far back as 50 millions years ago; it can live up to 80 years of age and can be bred for a period of 40 years. You can find ostriches mainly in Namibia and South Africa; its diet consists of grains and small plants. We can tell the male from the female because of its darker colored feathers. Reproduction Ostriches select their mates during a very elaborate prenuptial dance which is somewhat similar to Walt Disney's Fantasia. The ostrich is sexually mature at 2½ to 3 years of age and can be bred over a period of 40 years. Eggs are laid from the end of January to the end of September; the female usually lays an egg every second day which leads to an average of 55 eggs per season.. Ostrich eggs are known for their size: they can weigh up to 1.4 kg, the equivalent 24 hen eggs! The incubation period is 42 days during which the parents share the brooding time, the male during the night and the female during the day. When hatched, young ostriches measure 25 cm and weigh 1 kg. After then, they grow 30 cm/month during the first 6 months. Legend "It sinks its head down to its shoulders while in a whole in the ground; but consciousness makes this ostrich trick disappear…" (Les Chants de Maldoror - Chant II - Free translation) For a long time, cartoons made the ostrich look like a stupid glutton, with its bottom up and its head in the sand. Yet, the ostrich is classified among "dangerous wild animals"; British breeders need a license before owning them. How the ostrich is used Every part of the ostrich can be used! An ostrich produces 1kg of feathers, 1.33 m2 of leather (= 3 pairs of boots), 32 kg of red meat, 55 eggs/year and some oil. Its feathers were used in the fashion industry for a long time but today the automobile and the electronic industry use it for its anti-static qualities. Ostrich leather is much appreciated in the leather industry because of the pearl like aspect of the leather. The softness of the leather makes it very durable. The remarkable qualities of ostrich meat has led to the multiplication of breeders. Its eggs are real works of art. Its oil is used in cosmetic products. Furthermore, even its eyes are used for research purposes for cataracts. A red diet meat While comparing ostrich meat with other meats, a nutritionist could almost say that it is perfect! First of all, its fat content is minimal compared to other meats (less than 2%); the fat content for chicken and turkey represents 3% and for red meat, it ranges from 10 to 30% according to meat cuts. Calorie wise, ostrich meat is very low - half the calories found in beef. Its cholesterol level is below average because of the type of fat which is not conducive to the accumulation of cholesterol in the blood. Our arteries will be thankful ! The quality and the amount of protein found in the meat is quite satisfactory. The iron content in ostrich meat is much higher that in poultry in general. The only drawback in terms of nutrients lies in its calcium content. It is lower compared to chicken, turkey, veal or pork. Its taste is somewhat in between poultry and beef. Because it is very lean, we may run into the possibility of finding a meat that is rather dry and tasteless once it is cooked. Here is some advice: make sure you eat ostrich meat that is rare so that it remains tender. Go ahead and taste an ostrich dish! And what about the mad cow? Ostrich meat is not a threat for encephalopathy; but it can be contaminated by salmonella, chlamydia, pasteurella, mycobacteria and erysipelothrix although no cases were reported.. We don't know of any parasites that can be transmitted by ostrich meat to the consumer. Only hormone residues, antibiotics and mites represent a potential risk. |