Emus (Dromaius novaehollandiae) are large, flightless birds native to Australia, increasingly farmed for their lean meat, oil, leather, and feathers. Proper nutrition is critical for ensuring optimal growth, health, and cost efficiency in emu farming. Unlike traditional poultry, emus have unique dietary requirements that must be met to maximize productivity while minimizing feed costs.
This guide explores the nutritional needs of emus at different life stages, cost-effective feeding strategies, and best practices for optimizing growth and profitability in emu farming.
Table of Contents
1. Understanding Emu Nutritional Requirements
Emus require a balanced diet rich in proteins, vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Their dietary needs change as they grow, requiring adjustments in feed composition.
A. Key Nutritional Components
- Protein – Essential for muscle development, especially in chicks and juveniles.
- Chicks (0-3 months): 20-24% protein
- Juveniles (3-12 months): 18-20% protein
- Adults (>12 months): 14-16% protein
- Breeding adults: 17-19% protein
- Energy (Carbohydrates & Fats) – Needed for growth and maintenance.
- Fats should be limited to 5-8% of the diet to prevent obesity.
- Carbohydrates (grains, forage) provide energy but should not exceed 60% of the diet.
- Fiber – Emus digest fibrous plants well; 8-12% fiber is ideal for gut health.
- Vitamins & Minerals
- Calcium & Phosphorus (2:1 ratio) for bone development (especially in chicks).
- Vitamin E & Selenium for immune function.
- B-complex vitamins for metabolism.
B. Water Requirements
Emus need constant access to clean water, consuming 3-10 liters per day depending on size and temperature. Dehydration can severely impact growth and egg production.
2. Feeding Strategies for Different Life Stages
A. Chicks (0-3 Months)
- Feed Type: High-protein starter crumbles (20-24% protein).
- Feeding Frequency: 4-5 times daily (small, frequent meals).
- Key Considerations:
- Avoid overfeeding to prevent leg deformities.
- Provide grit for digestion if feeding whole grains.
- Ensure feed is fresh and free from mold.
B. Juveniles (3-12 Months)
- Feed Type: Grower pellets (18-20% protein).
- Feeding Frequency: 2-3 times daily.
- Key Considerations:
- Introduce forage (lucerne, clover) to reduce feed costs.
- Monitor weight to avoid obesity.
C. Adults (12+ Months)
- Feed Type: Maintenance pellets (14-16% protein).
- Feeding Frequency: 1-2 times daily.
- Key Considerations:
- Breeding emus need extra protein (17-19%).
- Supplement with greens (kale, spinach) for vitamins.
D. Breeding Emus
- Feed Adjustments:
- Increase protein and calcium before laying season.
- Provide oyster shell or limestone for eggshell formation.
- Feeding Frequency: 2-3 times daily during breeding.
3. Cost-Effective Feeding Methods
Feed constitutes 60-70% of emu farming costs, making efficiency crucial.
A. Using Locally Available Feed Ingredients
- Grains: Wheat, barley, sorghum, and corn (cost-effective energy sources).
- Protein Sources: Soybean meal, lupins, peas, and fishmeal.
- Forage: Lucerne, clover, and grasses reduce reliance on commercial feed.
B. Formulating Homemade Feed
A sample cost-effective feed mix:
- 50% grains (wheat, corn, barley)
- 25% protein meal (soybean, canola)
- 15% forage (lucerne, alfalfa)
- 10% supplements (vitamins, minerals, limestone)
Benefits:
- Reduces feed costs by 20-30%.
- Allows customization based on local ingredient prices.
C. Pasture-Raised Emus
- Emus are natural foragers; rotational grazing can cut feed costs by 30-50%.
- Suitable pasture plants: clover, rye, millet, and chicory.
D. Reducing Feed Waste
- Use trough feeders instead of scattering feed.
- Avoid overfilling feeders to prevent spoilage.
- Store feed in cool, dry conditions to prevent mold.
4. Common Feeding Mistakes to Avoid
- Overfeeding Protein – Excess protein strains kidneys and increases costs.
- Inadequate Calcium – Leads to weak bones and poor eggshell quality.
- Sudden Diet Changes – Causes digestive stress; transition gradually.
- Low-Quality Feed – Moldy or nutrient-deficient feed stunts growth.
- Ignoring Forage – Increases reliance on expensive commercial feed.
5. Monitoring Growth & Adjusting Feed
- Weigh emus monthly to track growth rates.
- Adjust feed quantities based on weight gain:
- Slow growth → Increase protein/energy.
- Obesity → Reduce grains, increase forage.
- Fecal checks – Healthy droppings are firm; loose stools may indicate diet issues.
6. Economic Benefits of Optimal Feeding
- Faster growth → Earlier market readiness (12-14 months vs. 18+ months).
- Lower feed costs → Higher profit margins.
- Better meat quality → Higher market value.
- Improved breeding success → More chicks per season.
Here are ten frequently asked questions on feeding emus for optimal growth and cost efficiency, with detailed answers to guide your practices.
1. What is the most cost-effective way to feed emus without compromising their growth?
The most cost-effective strategy is to use a high-quality, commercially prepared ratite (or poultry) starter/grower feed as the dietary base. This ensures they receive a balanced mix of protein, vitamins, and minerals. To supplement cost-effectively:
- Forage is Key: Provide access to large, safe pastures with grasses, clover, and weeds. Emus are excellent foragers and can satisfy a significant portion of their dietary needs, especially greens, through grazing.
- Strategic Supplementation: Offer home-grown or locally sourced vegetables (like squash, pumpkins, and leafy greens) and occasional fruits as treats to reduce the overall volume of purchased feed.
- Bulk Buying: Purchase feed in the largest quantities you can store properly to reduce the cost per pound.
2. What is the ideal protein level in emu feed at different growth stages?
Protein is critical for rapid muscle and tissue development. The requirements change as the bird matures:
- Starter Chicks (0-3 months): 18-22% protein. This high level supports their incredibly fast initial growth.
- Grower Period (3-12 months): 14-17% protein. This supports steady growth as their foraging increases.
- Maintenance (12+ months, non-breeding): 10-12% protein. This is sufficient for maintaining adult body weight.
- Breeding Season: 15-18% protein. Increased protein is vital for egg production and fertility.
3. Can emus survive on grass and pasture alone?
No. While emus are excellent foragers and pasture should be a major component of a cost-effective diet, it cannot be their sole food source. Pasture provides fiber, some vitamins, and enrichment but is deficient in the concentrated protein and specific amino acids (like lysine and methionine) required for optimal growth. Relying solely on grass will lead to severe malnutrition, stunted growth, and poor health.
4. How much does it cost to feed one emu to slaughter weight?
The cost varies significantly by region, feed prices, and the efficiency of your management. However, a general estimate is:
- It takes approximately 12-14 months for an emu to reach a good slaughter weight of around 90-110 lbs.
- Over that period, a single emu will consume roughly 600-800 pounds of feed.
- If feed costs $0.20 per pound, the feed cost alone would be $120 – $160 per bird. This does not include initial chick cost, infrastructure, processing, or other supplements.
5. How often should I feed my emus?
For optimal growth and digestion, it’s best to provide free-choice (ad libitum) access to their primary balanced feed, especially during the rapid growth phase (up to 12 months). This allows the birds to eat small amounts frequently, which is their natural feeding behavior and supports efficient nutrient absorption. Restricting feed can lead to competition, stress, and uneven growth.
6. What are the most common nutritional deficiencies in emus?
The two most common are:
- Protein/Calcium Imbalance: Feeding a diet too high in protein without the correct balance of calcium and phosphorus can lead to leg and skeletal deformities, a critical issue in fast-growing chicks.
- Vitamin and Mineral Deficiencies: Using an inappropriate feed (e.g., plain chicken scratch) can lead to deficiencies in key vitamins (like A, D, and E) and minerals (like selenium), causing poor growth, weakened immune systems, and reproductive failure.
7. Are there any “kitchen scraps” or common foods I should avoid?
Yes, some foods are toxic or harmful:
- Avocado: The pit and skin are toxic to many birds.
- Chocolate or Caffeine:
- Raw, Dried, or Moldy Beans: Some contain harmful lectins.
- High-Salt or High-Sugar Foods: Can disrupt their digestive system.
- Onions and Garlic: In large quantities, they can cause anemia.
- Anything Moldy: Can cause fungal infections or mycotoxicosis.
8. How important is grit in an emu’s diet?
Very important. Emus swallow food whole and do not have teeth. They require grit (small stones or commercial granite grit) to be stored in their gizzard to mechanically grind down their food. Without grit, they cannot properly digest their feed, leading to poor nutrient absorption and wasted feed. Provide a constant, free-choice supply of appropriately sized grit.
9. Does the type of housing or pasture affect feeding costs?
Absolutely. A well-designed system saves money:
- Pasture Rotation: Rotating emus through different paddocks prevents overgrazing, ensures a consistent supply of fresh forage, and reduces parasite load, all of which contribute to better health and lower feed bills.
- Shelter from Elements: Stress from extreme heat or cold can increase metabolic demands and feed consumption. Proper shelter mitigates this.
- Efficient Feeders: Using feeders that minimize waste (e.g., troughs that prevent them from stepping in them) directly saves money.
10. When is the most critical period for feeding to ensure optimal growth?
The first 3-4 months are the most critical. During this “starter” phase, emu chicks experience their most rapid growth rate and are developing their skeletal and immune systems. Any nutritional deficiencies, imbalances, or feed restrictions during this window can lead to permanent stunting, skeletal problems, and increased susceptibility to disease, which cannot be corrected later. Investing in a high-quality starter feed during this period is non-negotiable for optimal results.