Wild ostriches have roamed the African continent for centuries. These animals featured in Egyptian hieroglyphs and rock art, their feathers adorned the helmets of Roman warriors and North African tribes used their leather as shields. Initially, only ostrich feathers were valued and used for fashion items from 1860s to the 1940s, but later the leather and meat of ostriches were utilised in the trade industry.
The ostrich is native to Africa and the largest bird on the planet. It cannot fly, but can run op to 70 km/h when threatened. Males (rooster) have black and white feathers, grow up between 2.4 m and 2.7 m tall and weigh up to 150 kg. However, the females (hens) adorned with grey and white plumage, are slightly smaller.
There are various ostrich's species in the world. These include the Somali ostrich, Masai ostrich or red-neck and the North African/ Barbary ostrich who is the largest of all African species. The southern ostrich is the original wild ostrich found in South Africa.
In the early years of ostrich farming in South Africa, farmers imported the North African/Barbary ostrich to improve the local South African ostrich and cross-breed it with the Southern ostrich. This produced the South African black neck ostrich. This species is considered a composite breed and is, therefore, not regulated by the Convention of International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
Thus, the South African black neck ostrich is often recommended for new ostrich farmers and is widely farmed in South Africa as they produce superior long feathers, good leather and dense rich meat. Compared to the other ostrich breeds.
Uses of an ostrich :
Ostriches are used for many different purposes. They are actually a multipurpose bird. Previously, they were used mainly for feathers, but now they are used for their meat, eggs and also skin. Main uses of ostriches are:
- Feathers: The feathers of ostriches are extremely durable and valuable. You can start harvesting the feathers when the birds reach around 60 kg body weight or more. Ostrich features are used for making dusters for cleaning, hat and home decorations.
- Meat: Ostrich meat is very nutritious and generally sold at high price. The meat is lower in fat, calories and cholesterol. It is a good source of protein and iron.
- Eggs: Just like the size of ostriches, the eggs are also large. The eggs are about 6 inches long, 5 inches wide and weight around 2 kg. A female bird can lay about 15–45 eggs per season. The eggs are rich in protein. One ostrich egg is equivalent to 25 chicken eggs. The eggshells can be used as water vessel, cups and vase. In addition, the eggshells are also used in making necklace beads
- Skin: The ostrich skin/leather is thick, soft and durable. It is of very good quality, and used to make clothing, boots, carpets, handbags etc.