Competitiveness, Training and Trade
Emu
About the Industry | Products | Emu By-products | Breeding Stock | Info
An emu farm in Manitoba?
Yes, of course - and why not? The emu, which is native to Australia, is a hardy bird that adapts well to many climates, including that of Manitoba.
The breeding of the gentle, non-aggressive and ever-curious emu is somewhat less labour and land intensive than other livestock breeds.
As well, the abundance of locally grown, high quality feed coupled with a group of producers who were ready and willing to raise a more exotic breed of livestock have helped create a successful and growing emu industry in Manitoba.
About the Industry
The emu industry is a small, but growing part of Manitoba's agri-food industry. While it is still in the early stages of development (emu was only introduced to Manitoba in the late 1980s), the industry has already begun its transformation away from a breeder's market by offering a steady supply of emu products to Manitobans.
In fact, emus yield many products including meat, oil, hide, breeding stock, as well as eggs, feather and toenails for decorative applications. Manitoba is home to approximately 658 emus, including 100 breeding pairs, which are raised by approximately 31 producers across the province.
Each breeding pair will produce between 20-50 eggs during the laying season, which starts around November and could last until April.
The incubation of the eggs lasts 52 days and a female emu may produce eggs for more than 16 years.
Meat Products
Emus produce a high quality red meat similar to lean beef in texture and flavor, however emu meat has higher levels of protein, and fewer calories, fat and cholesterol.
Approximately 25-35 pounds of meat can be obtained from a mature bird. This includes various cuts of steak, roasts, ground emu, sausage and jerky products.
Since Manitoba has several select restaurants with emu on the menu, there are several processing facilities in the province.
These facilities must meet the rigid inspection and sanitary standards as set out by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency' (CFIA) food safety enforcement program (FSEP).
At this time, Manitoba producers are only providing meat products to the local market.
However, they are currently exploring international markets, including those in Europe.
Emu By-products
There are several by-products from the production of emu. Approximately eight square feet of hide may be obtained from a mature emu.
The tanned body hide produces a supple and durable leather that can be used for garments, wallets, footwear and other accessory items. Another emu by-product is a highly penetrating, hypoallergenic oil.
Five to six litres of oil can be obtained from a single mature emu.
Ongoing research in laboratories across North America is identifying further uses for this versatile product and the oil has attracted the interest of several international cosmetic and pharmaceutical companies.
Finally, the eggs, feathers and toenails are being used in decorative applications.
Artists can paint or carve the eggs, create jewelry items, and make music boxes or other little treasures.
Breeding Stock
The sale of breeding stock is another part of the industry.
Emu breeding stock is generally marketed as breeding pairs or fertile eggs. However, single birds or chicks are also offered as breeding stock.
Manitoba producers have a growing reputation for supplying both quality breeding stock and sound management expertise.
