Feb 11
10
Management Factors that influence the Success of Ostrich Farming
There are four management components that are required to be correctly in place in livestock farming and ostrich farming is no exception to this rule. These components are Nutrition, Feed Management, Farm Management and Genetics.
A farm can have the best management but if the nutrition is failing to provide the correct nutrients, then the production potential of the birds will not be achieved. This not only includes egg laying, hatchability, good feed conversion and achieving slaughter age as quickly as possible, it also determines the length number of seasons the breeder birds can maintain optimum levels of production. Breeder replacement carries a cost, so the longer the breeders can remain productive, the better. Although one reason for culling may be the breeder genetics have improved in newer stock as improving the genetic performance of the livestock is a critical component to profitable ostrich farming.
The important role of nutrition is to provide nutrients, not simply stuff that an animal can eat as cheaply as possible. The food must provide a large number of nutrients at the correct levels and in the right proportions for the production required of the particular age group or production group.
Even the best nutrition can only provide the performance required if the farm is managed to the highest level. Management is best split into two sections.
Feed Management covers the management aspects connected to ensuring the feed is manufactured correctly, stored correctly and fed correctly. Ensuring adequate water supply falls under feed management as water in the right quantities and temperature is a critical component of all nutrients supplied to the birds. Malnutrition in ostrich is currently the number one challenge for producers to overcome. Malnutrition can come from incorrect rations; it can also come from errors in the management of that feed such as incorrect weighing, irregular feeding times or lack of sufficient water.
General Farm management includes such things as providing the correct housing, pens, fences, handling, and veterinary health plan. Development and operating the biosecurity plan is an important part of the general farm management. Maintaining good records and ensuring the farm meets all the standards of market you are serving. The phrase “Good Agricultural Practice” (GAP) is now important in the marketplace. Meeting the GAP demands requires high standards of management throughout the farming processes.
With adequate nutrition in place supported by the highest standards of feed management and farm management, then the full genetic potential of the birds at all stages of production can show through. Genetic development as we have witnessed with the main stream livestock specie has not yet started with Ostrich. This offers the greatest opportunities for achieving the earlier slaughter ages and increased yields discussed earlier.
The opportunities ahead for ostrich farming profit potential are significant.
