Weekly Online Lesson Online Lesson Archive Grade Level: 4-7 Subject: Zoology/Agriculture

Help for Ostrich Farmers

Ostrich and emu growers in the U.S. are asking for a little help from the federal government. A bill before the House of Representatives would require the U.S. Agriculture Department to start paying the cost of inspecting meat from the emus and ostriches they raise.

The department now covers the cost of inspections for beef, pork, lamb, chicken, turkey and processed meats such as hot dogs and cold cuts. Most other industries must pay for inspection services at a rate of $38 an hour.

The market for ratites—ostriches, emus, and a few other large flightless birds—crashed in the early 1990s after thousands of growers had invested a lot of money. Now the industry is struggling. If the USDA pays to inspect the meat, like it does for common meat, growers say this would cut the per-pound price of the meat by $1 to $2 and boost sales.

In this week's online lesson you will learn more about the U.S. and worldwide market for ratites. And you will learn more about these large, unusual birds.

The Eclectic Ostrich

Begin your studies this week by paying a visit to The Eclectic Ostrich, a Web site all about ostriches. First the Facts link and read the introduction. How tall are ostriches? How are they able to survive so well in dry conditions?

Read the sections on Breeding and Care of the Young. Who takes care of ostrich chicks, the male or the female? What will the chicks do if their father runs off after losing a fight with another male?

There are a lot of myths about ostriches. Maybe you've heard a few? Click The Myths to learn about the ostrich's role in history, and learn about some of the funny but untrue myths about these birds. Do they really hide their head in the sand when in danger? And is it true they eat metal?

If you like trivia, click the Trivia link and read some short but strange facts about ostriches. Did you know that the movements of some of the dinosaurs in the film Jurassic Park were based on the movements of ostriches and other ratites?

Emu Facts

The ostrich is the largest bird in the world, but the emu is a close second. They are native to the deserts and woodlands of Australia. Learn more about emus at the British Columbia Emu Association Web site. How fast can emus run? What sounds do they make? How many eggs can a breeding pair produce during each laying season?

Ostrich Farming

What would it be like to raise ostriches or emus? Find out by visiting the Web site of the Ostrich Meat and Marketing Company in Australia. Click the link on the left that says Making Money from Ostriches. Why is the ostrich "an ideal farm animal"?

Commercially raised ostriches (and other ratites) have many uses. Learn about ostrich products—meat, leather, feathers, eggs, and oil—by clicking the Ostrich Products link. What do you think ostrich meat would taste like? What do you think ostrich leather feels like?

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