Ostrich

Ostrich is largest living bird found on earth and is a member of ratite family which includes Emu, Rhea, Cassowary, and Kiwi. Fossil evidence suggest that ostrich like birds were once well distributed over Africa and Eurasia extending from the Mediterranean across to India and china (Swinton 1975), although their exact origins are not clear. The ostrich also known as the ‘camel bird’ because of its similarities with dromoderies, was named in 1758 by Linneaus as Struthio camelus based on the greek and latin name Struthocamelus (Bertram 1992). The preferred habitat of ostrich is short grass plains and semi desert areas. Some evidences in ancient time suggest that there was close relationship between humans and ostriches. Images of ostriches are seen in paintings and carvings in Sahara dating between 5000-10000 years BC (Bertram 1992, Kreibich and Sommer 1995). Birds have been hunted for centuries by Bushmen. Empty whole eggshells have long been used as storage and drinking vessel in Africa and Arabia. Eggshell fragments have been fashioned into jewellery used by Bushmen. Ostrich is referred to in bible on several occasions (Laufer 1926, Smit 1963, Bertram 1992, Kreibich and Sommer 1995)

Ostrich rearing is gaining popularity worldwide in recent times. Ostriches were fundamentally attracted for farming and production of leather, meat, oil and feather in the earlier times. For the past 10-15 years ostrich meat has become an increasingly important product and ostrich farming has increased in popularity in South Africa with at least 150000 birds being slaughtered each year (Smith et al 1995). It is also considered as a replacement for the red meat in the absence of Beef and also provides alternate avian meat for the consumers.