Ostrich farming in North America

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Feather Factory, Cawston Ostrich Farm, South Pasadena, California. Feather Factory, Cawston Ostrich Farm, South Pasadena, California.jpg
Feather Factory, Cawston Ostrich Farm, South Pasadena, California.

Ostrich farming in North America refers to the practice of breeding, raising, and managing ostriches for their meat, feathers, leather, oil, and other byproducts. [1] While ostriches are native to Africa, their farming has become increasingly popular in North America due to the demand for alternative and sustainable meat sources, as well as the unique characteristics of ostrich products.

Contents

Ostriches require less water and feed than cattle, and their farming results in lower greenhouse gas emissions. [2]

History

Ostrich farming in North America began in the late 19th century, initially focusing on the production of feathers, which were highly prized for fashion accessories. [3] The first ostrich farm was established by Charles Sketchley in California where the climate was similar to the ostriches' native habitat in Africa. [4] However, the industry saw a decline in the early 20th century due to changes in fashion trends and the economic impacts of the Great Depression. The industry experienced a resurgence in the late 20th century, particularly in the 1980s due to the rise in consumer demand for ostrich products and the rising prices from the U.S. trade ban with South Africa. [5]

Products

Ostrich farming in North America produces a variety of products:

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Common ostrich</span> Species of flightless bird

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References

  1. Shanawany, M. M. (1995). Recent developments in ostrich farming. World Animal Review, 83(1995), 2.
  2. Barends-Jones, Vanessa (2020). "The South African ostrich industry carbon footprint". Elsenburg. 17 (3): 50–54 via journals.co.za.
  3. Bouma, A., & Bonin, M. (2016). The elegant plume: ostrich feathers, African commercial networks, and European capitalism. In The Southern Shores of the Mediterranean and its Networks (1st ed.). Routledge.
  4. Doughty, R. (1973). Ostrich Farming American Style. Agricultural History, 47(2), 133–145. http://www.jstor.org/stable/3742029
  5. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, National Agricultural Library. (1997). Raising emus and ostriches.
  6. Medina, F. X., & Aguilar Moreno, E. (2014). Ostrich meat: nutritional, breeding, and consumption aspects. The Case of Spain.
  7. Cooper, R. G. (2001). Ostrich (Struthio camelus var. domesticus) skin and leather: A review focused on southern Africa. World's Poultry Science Journal, 57(2), 157-178.