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| Adult Emu |
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| photo courtesy of American Emu Association |
The members of the Michigan Emu Growers Association welcome you to our web site!
On this
home page we'd like to share with you some information regarding our association as well as the up and coming emu industry.
What is am emu? That is what we have been asked many times. An emu is a flightless bird of the ratite family, a species
originally found in Australia. It can grow to heights of 5 to 6 feet at maturity and weigh up to 150 pounds. Sexual maturity
of the emu is achieved at age 2 to 3 years. The emu breeds as a pair, bonding to a mate. The breeding season is usually late
fall to spring and a hen may lay 20 to 30 eggs, on average.
Emus have a great adaptability to differing climates. They can be found from Florida to North Dakota as well as
in Canada.
To raise emu it takes relatively little land compared to other livestock. The maintenance is minimal and the profits
will be in the end products from the bird or in the breeders market.
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| Emu Chick |
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| photo courtesy of American Emu Association |
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Products From the Emu
Meat:
Red in color, low in calories, low cholesterol, low fat and tastes similar to beef, while remaining high in protein
and iron.
Oil:
Hypoallergenic an adult emu can yield up to 5 liters of oil. It is in great demand for use in
the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industry.
Leather:
A mature emu can yield up to six square feet. Leather from the body is soft, supple, and very
durable. Uses of the leather are similar to other leathers.
Feathers:
The emu feather is of single-quill, double plume structure. They accept dyes easily producing
an attractive accent for crafts and other decorative ideas.
Egg Shells:
Dark blue-green in color. They are sought by artisans who create beautiful faberge eggs and carved
jewelry pieces.
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The Michigan Emu Association (MEGA) was formed by a group of enthusiastic Emu breeders and friends. Goals
sought by the Michigan Emu Growers Association are:
- To develop, maintain, and promote the research and development of the commercial market for the many Emu products.
- To continue to research in Ratite veterinary sciences.
- To share knowledge and ideas of Emu farm management techniques with its members.
- To gather for meetings and seminars at which featured speakers discuss their areas if specialty, i.e. sexing birds,
incubation, and health related issues.
- To expand friendship and build goodwill,
- To keep our members informed.
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