<p>Australian desert bird popularly known as Emu has now become the favourite bird for commercial rearing in view of its high export.<br /><br /></p>.<p>The growing demand for Emu meat has propelled Shathakumar and Santhosh to turn to raising Emu on large sclae in Kadur. With the support of their parents and financial assistance from Corporation Bank, the duo started rearing Emu and have become self-reliant in their chosen area. <br /><br />Shanthakumar who read on Emu rearing in a newspaper and developed interest in it. “I visited farmers who have been rearing it in Mumbai, Chennai and Hubli and collected information on the same. I was scared of the success before venturing into the business as no farmer in the region had ventured into Emu rearing.” <br /><br />“I purchased 50 pairs of Emu from Chennai and brought to Kadur for rearing. I had paid Rs 35,000 for one pair,” says Shanthakumar. <br /><br />“By fencing an area, I have left the Emu freely. They do not require any roof over their head. The sunshine helps them to grow faster,” he said. <br /><br />Emu is given 900 gram food— a mixture of jowar, rice, soya per day. It requires two to four litres of water. One will have to spend Rs 1,000 per month for rearing a pair of Emu. They are not infected with deadly diseases. The high investment cost and long gestation are two major factors in emu rearing as a bird takes about 24 months before it starts laying eggs. A bird lays 25 to 40 eggs from December to March.</p>.<p> One egg fetches Rs 1,500. It lays one egg for once in three days. The Emu weighs between 40 to 45 kg. The meat fetches Rs 350 per kg in the market. As the meat is known for its low fat, the meat is softer than chicken , he says. </p>
<p>Australian desert bird popularly known as Emu has now become the favourite bird for commercial rearing in view of its high export.<br /><br /></p>.<p>The growing demand for Emu meat has propelled Shathakumar and Santhosh to turn to raising Emu on large sclae in Kadur. With the support of their parents and financial assistance from Corporation Bank, the duo started rearing Emu and have become self-reliant in their chosen area. <br /><br />Shanthakumar who read on Emu rearing in a newspaper and developed interest in it. “I visited farmers who have been rearing it in Mumbai, Chennai and Hubli and collected information on the same. I was scared of the success before venturing into the business as no farmer in the region had ventured into Emu rearing.” <br /><br />“I purchased 50 pairs of Emu from Chennai and brought to Kadur for rearing. I had paid Rs 35,000 for one pair,” says Shanthakumar. <br /><br />“By fencing an area, I have left the Emu freely. They do not require any roof over their head. The sunshine helps them to grow faster,” he said. <br /><br />Emu is given 900 gram food— a mixture of jowar, rice, soya per day. It requires two to four litres of water. One will have to spend Rs 1,000 per month for rearing a pair of Emu. They are not infected with deadly diseases. The high investment cost and long gestation are two major factors in emu rearing as a bird takes about 24 months before it starts laying eggs. A bird lays 25 to 40 eggs from December to March.</p>.<p> One egg fetches Rs 1,500. It lays one egg for once in three days. The Emu weighs between 40 to 45 kg. The meat fetches Rs 350 per kg in the market. As the meat is known for its low fat, the meat is softer than chicken , he says. </p>
