The Ostrich and Crocodile blog: leather, meat and by-products

The heat is on for ostriches in South Africa

2011-03-03T18:52:00.000-08:00

In the Klein Karoo extreme heat has plagued the ostrich farmers again. About 250 ostriches have died from heat exposure in temperatures of more than 50 degrees Celsius, Beeld newspaper reported on Thursday (10 February 2011).

Birds of between four and five months old that were vulnerable to heat exposure. Ostriches of this age cost about R2 500 per bird (250 x R2500 is estimated @ about ZAR625,000 / $100,000 losses). Climate change and extended summers may result in ostrich growing areas like the Karroo susceptible to increased ostrich fatalities in the future.

"Dr Adriaan Olivier, head veterinarian and manager of research and development at the Klein Karoo International Farms, said that the ostriches were not able to cool down as the temperature of the air was warmer than their body temperature of 38 degrees Celsius. "The only way that these semi-desert birds can cool down is to gasp but this doesn't work when it is so hot and ostriches die of organ failure,"
http://www.news24.com/SouthAfrica/News/Heatwave-kills-250-ostriches-20100211

Exotic leather sector in South Africa is undergoing rapid change

2010-12-26T19:10:00.001-08:00

The exotic leather sector in South Africa is undergoing rapid change because of globalisation, improving global delivery times, a global speed-up of the rate of change in the business environment, improved market responses, highly competitive cheaper leathers and substitute pleather market (more market responsive production cycle)

Pink ostrich leather bicycle seat

2010-10-02T05:59:00.000-07:00

Mountain bikers have now an opportunity to pimp up the mountain bikes with pink ostrich leather bicycle seats or saddles. SELLE AN-ATOMICA has introduced this very neat and interesting looking Ostrich Leather Saddles for all biking enthusiasts. Introduced as limited edition Ostrich Leather Saddle, it is available in many different colours from Neon Green to Indian Pink.

Cyclists planning to use it in the mountains and mud, might have to add some waterproofing application to the seat. According to Selle An-Atomica it is a “slot for comfortable and healthy riding and also are very sexy...?”

With a Indian pink bicycle saddle, cyclists sure will easily be spotted and tracked in event like the 24 hrs night races such as Transbaviaans in South Africa ;)

Ostrich leather artist from Mossel Bay, South Africa (art and craft manufacturing)

2010-04-13T02:10:00.000-07:00

Situated in Mossel Bay, South Africa, Leather Artist, an art and craft manufacturing came to life in September 2009, by Jaco Steyl

Designing and artwork have always been a passion of mine. From the young age of 5 years my parents noticed my talent and have supported my efforts since then. Art brings inner peace and happiness, which I believe are the building blocks for a healthy relationship with yourself and others.

Not surprisingly, art became my eventual tertiary field of study. I completed my national diploma in textile design at Port
Elizabeth University of Technology and have been doing part-time creative work
since then.

I realised that most suppliers of ostrich leather offer product ranges consisting of
mainly clothing, shoes and fashion accessories. Decorative household items and
genuine artwork are hard to find. Leather Artist was created to offer that something
special and unique.

Ostrich leather is known as exotic leather with a beautiful texture. It is this unique
texture that brings the artwork to life. I have tried to capture the spirit of Africa with
themes such as African Children, Mother and Child and African Sunsets, painted on
ostrich leg skin leather. I am currently working on a range of African wildlife but am
not restricted to African themes. Floral paintings, for example the Strelitzia, also
work well on the leg skin.

I also manufacture products such as coasters and pot stands from ostrich leg skin and
serviette rings made from either leg or body skins. All raw materials are sourced
locally and all work is done by me, Jaco Steyl, to ensure the highest possible quality.
It is my mission to build a business that will enable me to employ people from local,
previously disadvantaged communities to help them develop and refine their skills. I
will continue to dream and design as it is a special talent I have been blessed with and
am grateful for.

Pimping Land Rover with an ostrich leather gaiter

2010-02-24T14:27:00.000-08:00

Ostrich leather gaiter for Land Rover. Developed together with Ostrich Emporium South Africa

Giving Land Rover that stylish exotic leather finish. Ostrich leather is suited for the interior of vehicles and can with stand much wear due to the quill protection.

Ostrich leather finished in waxy coating for water proofing and UV protection.

South Africa heat wave killing ostriches

2010-02-13T05:53:00.000-08:00

According to news24.com. " In Oudtshoorn - At least 250 ostriches have died from heat exposure in temperatures of more than 50 degrees Celsius in Oudtshoorn in the Klein Karoo, Beeld reported on Thursday. Dr Adriaan Olivier, head veterinarian and manager of research and development at the Klein Karoo International Farms, said 100 birds had died on one farm and other farms had suffered losses of between 30 and 70 birds. Anton Kruger, CEO of the SA Ostrich Chamber of Commerce, said it was usually birds of between four and five months old that were vulnerable to heat exposure. Ostriches of this age cost about R2 300 per bird."

Does this mean more skins available on the market ???

"Because of the heat, the meat started to rot immediately. The fat under the skin started to cook, which damaged the skin," said Kruger.

The Eastern Cape Herald reported that the number of ostriches that died from this heat wave was over 1000 (http://www.theherald.co.za/article.aspx?id=530164).

The Garden Route in South Africa which produces 80% of the worlds ostrich products is under tremendous water shortage stress and this may have implications to the market over the next 12 months.

Eat or be eaten

2010-02-05T00:44:00.001-08:00

Kampala – An angry Ugandan minister has stirred up murky waters by urging villagers on the shores of Lake Victoria to hunt and eat crocodiles that have been munching up locals.

Villagers in the Bugiri and Mayuge districts in eastern Uganda have for years complained that crocodiles attack fishermen and people fetching water or firewood around the shores of Africa’s largest lake.

Although no official statistics are available, it is believed the cold-blooded predators devour dozens of Ugandans each year. Press reports said that in the past two weeks alone, crocodiles have eaten six people in the Mayuge district.

Deputy agriculture minister Aggrey Bagiire, who represents one of the constituencies in the area, has been urging people to strike back.

Bagiire said: I’ve seen the remains of someone who had been killed by these crocodiles. They are on the rampage. It is incredible.

“We’ve brought this to the attention of the government… people should be allowed to hunt and kill these crocodiles.”

Ugandans do not traditionally eat crocodile meat, Bagiire said, but called on the government to allow hunting because “people’s lives are in danger.”

Attacks

Crocodile meat is considered an exotic delicacy in neighbouring Kenya, where farms rear thousands of the reptiles and send the meat to upmarket restaurants. The meat is said to be delicious, although rather tough.

However, the calls to allow the hunting of crocodiles in Uganda provoked angry reactions from conservation officials and wildlife staff in the area, who have threatened to arrest anyone found to have killed a crocodile.

A senior official with the government-run Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) said that people were bringing the attacks upon themselves.

“The people in those areas move in shallow waters and they also fish in shallow waters. They also bathe there and because of that, they are eaten by the crocodiles,” UWA’s Director of Operations Sam Mwandha said.

“They encroach on the territory of the crocodiles.”

Mwandha said that urging people to go crocodile hunting would endanger the lives of villagers as they have no professional skills for killing the crocodiles.

“Crocodile meat is very delicious, but when you tell people to go and hunt the crocodiles, they will be exposed to more danger … the animals will end up killing them instead,” Mwandha said.

Conservation authorities are encouraging people to take precautions and fish in deep waters where the crocodiles do not venture, he added.

Increased human settlements in areas which were formerly natural crocodile habitats have led to sporadic collisions between humans and the reptiles. 04 February, www.24.com

PIRMA AFRICA launches 2010 world cup socccer limited range.

2009-06-29T13:32:00.000-07:00

1 July 2009, marks the launch of PIRMA AFRICA 2010 exotic leather soccer range. This is a limited range and will run till 2010 Soccer World Cup (or until stocks last).

The Gladiator II, ostrich leather turf boot will be the flagship for the launch. The concept was to use ostrich leather which is indigenous to South Africa, the hosts of the 2010 Soccer World Cup.

Available to purchase on Bid or Buy for ZAR400.00,

http://www.bidorbuy.co.za/jsp/item/Item.jsp?Trade_TradeId=14085231

Crocodile soup

2009-05-15T00:31:00.000-07:00

Crocodile soup is a centuries old Chinese cure for asthma and respiratory problems.

Producing avian flu antigens in ostrich eggs

2009-05-06T01:35:00.001-07:00

"A Japanese ostrich flock is the source for flu mask ingredients.

TOKYO -- Prevention of swine flu may soon come from a surprising source: ostriches.

Yasuhiro Tsukamoto, a professor of veterinary science at Kyoto Prefectural University, keeps a herd of 500 ostriches on a farm in Western Japan.

He isn't breeding the birds for their meat, skins or feathers, but for their melon-sized eggs -- which he doesn't eat.

He instead injects the ostriches with avian flu antigens (weakened viruses), then harvests the antibodies they produce in their eggs."

http://www.forbes.com/2009/05/06/ostrich-japan-flu-healthcare-business-swine.html

Is swine flu good for crocodile meat ?

2009-05-04T02:22:00.001-07:00

"The Australian crocodile industry is hoping swine flu may result in a boom in crocodile meat sales.
Keith Cook, from Australian Crocodile Traders, says the crocodile meat industry received a sales boost from mad cow disease, and if swine flu gathers momentum, the industry should benefit again.
He says crocodile meat is the prefect white meat alternative for consumers who have been turned off eating pork.
"It wouldn't be too far from the truth to be able to say it is the closest simile to pork that you're likely to get," he says.
"Taste-wise, texture-wise, the colour, the fat content, it's very, very similar."

http://www.abc.net.au/rural/news/content/200904/s2555817.htm

Cocodrilo del Nilo

2009-03-30T13:53:00.000-07:00

Cada artículo de este cuero es único, ninguna creación se parece a otra y esa es una de las razones por las que siempre ha fascinado a diseñadores y los ha inspirado. El producto cocodrilo del Nilo es salvaje e igualmente elegante. La piel incomparable cocodrilo del Nilo refleja su propio brillo y esa belleza natural es reforzada mas allá por nuestra curtiembre resultando colores profundos y reflexivos. Cocodrilo del Nilo siempre ha sido considerado el diamante del cuero, su versatilidad para hacer maletines, cinturones, las famosas botas no es igualada por otro tipo de cuero. Cocodrilo del Nilo es uno de los más valiosos cueros exóticos del mundo y su historia de éxito de conservación es un ejemplo clásico de dirección de la fauna moderna. Estas pieles estan disponibles en hornback y belly.

Ostrich leather versus Crocodile Leather

2009-03-09T12:28:00.000-07:00

There are over 22 exotic leathers that compete with each other in the footwear and clothing industry. Their changing pricing relationships and demand make interesting economics.

The seasonal fashion, the chosen design of shoe, changing textures and new tanning finishes have strong influence on the choice of exotic leather to be used. This cycle may be as short lived as 4-6 months at a time.

Presently the alligator and nile crocodile are top crocodile leathers on the market, but how can these exotic leathers effect and influence ostrich leather ?

Certain exotic leathers are preferred on certain products i.e. crocodile leather belly on smaller items (watch straps, purses and shoes) and ostrich leather on a larger items (handbags, boots and garments). This has also partly to do with the size of the skins and available cutting area of the skin.

It is not uncommon that the crocodile leather may be the “flavour” of the season for handbags and results in direct competition with ostrich leather. This is provided that costing and pricing is attractive for manufacturer, retailer and buyer.

Ostrich leather price in present global economy.

2009-02-19T02:24:00.000-08:00

The global leather industry has been influenced in the last four months by payment and credit issues. The textiles, leather machinery and leather industry is ambling on with hope of an improving U.S. and UK economies. The ostrich leather outlook is characterised by conservative and calculated purchasing from ostrich leather buyers.

The leather prices are under strain since Christmas sales have been lower. Ostrich leather sellers are now moving to new economies like Russia, Far East and China to assist with present market conditions.

Ostrich Leather goes funky

2008-12-04T13:07:00.000-08:00

Pirma Africa the unique ostrich leather soccer and rugby boot

2008-11-09T11:47:00.001-08:00

What is the history of the brand PIRMA?

PIRMA Brazil started production in Mexico in 1990 with one idea in mind: “to be the best”. With over 100 retail stores in Mexico and exporting their world class products to Canada, USA and Costa Rico, makes PIRMA products a sought after soccer and rugby boot for any professional sportsman.
There are 50 soccer playing countries and 34 rugby playing countries in Africa. The potential for PIRMA is huge.

What is the international logo of PIRMA?

“THE BRAND OF CHAMPIONS”

Could you identify one distinguishing factor of PIRMA Brazil?

Yes, their ability for product innovation. It is this major factor that we are sharing with the African continent. A South African ostrich leather sport shoe. In addition to this, they have a quick response time and are setting the global standard for the next generation soccer and rugby boot.

What is so unique about the PIRMA products?

The flagship product is made of South African ostrich leather. It is the first time in the history of the game that an ostrich leather soccer and rugby boot is being launched. And what is more exciting about this, is that it will be ahead of the 2010 World Cup which will take place in South Africa. This will be the boot for this Nation from this Nation. We are so proud that the material for this international acclaimed soccer and rugby boot comes from South Africa.

Tell us more about the PIRMA ostrich leather soccer boot?

These flagship products will consist of three bold, yet dynamic colours. These are 1) Green with yellow (gold) ostrich; 2) Yellow with green ostrich and 3) red with yellow ostrich. The boots will be available with studs or the modern blade technology soles.

How would you describe the product mix of the PIRMA Africa?

As far as our knowledge is concerned, it is the first time in the history of the game, that the spectator can buy a look-a-like sneaker (flat sole comfort shoe) as the soccer boot of his hero playing the game on the field. We believe that it will create a new excitement in the sport shoe industry in South Africa.

Our product mix will consist of: 1) the flagship ostrich leather soccer / rugby boot, followed by various high quality synthetic styles and 2) the total sneaker range for the South African Soccer and Rugby public.

How did PIRMA Africa get involved with this innovative soccer and rugby boot concept?
The three South African Directors of PIRMA Africa (Pty) Ltd are working in the ostrich industry and combined have a total of more that 30 years experience in ostrich leather and leather related products. We have been working very closely with our Mexican counterparts and know their superior product quality. PIRMA is a well known brand amongst the South American countries such as Brazil, Mexico, Chilli, Argentine, Peru etc. and we will see the PIRMA brand in South Africa when these countries play in the 2010 World Cup.

What are your future plans for PIRMA Africa?

The short term plans are to become the sport shoe of choice amongst the South African professional sportsmen. We will focus much of our time to introduce the brand into South Africa and the rest of Africa.

PIRMA AFRICA launches website with ostrich leather football boots

2008-10-19T11:54:00.000-07:00

PIRMA AFRICA, an exotic leather sportwear company has launched their website to Africa. The website introduces for the first time PIRMA AFRICA’s initial catalogue to the market since the companies entry into Africa. The website depicts a fresh new product range for the growing African football market (consisting of exotic leather mixed with synthetic material).

Some of the boots advertised are fully ostrich leather and/or partially decorated in ostrich leather. The ostrich leather is a typical African leather but a first for the world of football. The next range to be announced is in January 2009 and said to consist of other exotic leathers. This development is going to be interesting to watch on and off the soccer field. The timing for PIRMA AFRICA is ideal for the run up to the 2010 FIFA Worldcup in South Africa.

South African ostrich farmers receiving more - August 2008

2008-09-17T01:15:00.000-07:00

Main ostrich processors in South Africa have pushed up the price paid to farmers by up to 20% during August 2008. Other ostrich leather and meat producers accept they will have to do the same to maintain supply. Pricing given for a bird, depending on meat, skin and feather grading has topped +/- ZAR 2800.00 per bird.

One of the main reasons for the price increase was to assist the increasing feed and fuel costs on the farm.

Many South African ostrich farmers have stopped ostrich farming due to challenging periods where meat exports were halted twice during the past three years and increasing input farming costs.

Concerns in the market are that the costing will need to be passed onto leather and meat prices at some time. The weakening South Africa Rand has alleviated immediate price increases, but may not be sufficient to hold the increases for much longer.

Source S&V African Leather.

World first ostrich leather soccer boots for 2010 worldcup

2008-08-25T13:47:00.000-07:00

A world first, ostrich leather soccer boots. Ostrich Emporium SA together with a Mexican company PIRMA are working on a new style of soccer boots to be launched before and in conjunction with the 2010 Soccer World Cup in South Africa. The thinking behind the idea was to provide a textured boot (using ostrich quill) to assist spinning the the soccer ball into the goals (to "bend it like beckham"). Unlike the Ostrich Skin Nike Dunk High (http://www.nicekicks.com/ostrich-skin-nike-dunk-high/) these boots are genuine ostrich leather.

Feel free to read more at the following links:

"THANKS to opportunities flowing from the 2010 soccer showpiece, two Nelson Mandela Bay entrepreneurs have teamed up with a Mexican company to produce soccer boots made out of ostrich leather." http://www.theherald.co.za/herald/biz/03_25082008.htm

For more photo's and information visit:
http://www.ostrichemporium.com/ostrichboot.htm

Distributed in South Africa by PIRMA AFRICA

July 2008. EU may again ban South Africa ostrich meat.

2008-07-16T05:31:00.000-07:00

"THE European Union (EU), the main export market for SA’s ostrich meat, is considering banning ostrich exports as the agriculture department continues to falter on the monitoring of health standards.
However, most of SA’s ostrich meat is exported with the EU its most significant market. Ostrich meat worth more than R1bn, or about 90% of total exports, goes to Europe.
A ban on those exports could damage the industry severely. An agricultural trade specialist, who declined to be named, said SA’s market was not big enough to absorb exports diverted."
http://www.businessday.co.za/articles/topstories.aspx?ID=BD4A802746
"Red meat, poultry, honey, milk and game meat had already been banned from the EU countries. Commission spokesperson Marie Antonie Kerwien told the newspaper there were concerns over quality controls at laboratories testing the safety of the ostrich meat." http://www.fin24.com/articles/default/display_article.aspx?Nav=ns&ArticleID=1518-25_2358263

Questions:
1) Was this poor media interpretation or hype ?
2) Is this just not another way for the EU to keep the European economy afloat by excluding further imports through unrealistic technicalities ? (especially during the economic downturn of 2008).
3) Is South African meat exports standards slipping ?

It will be important for the outcome to be announced with detail and transparency.

bird flu report April 2008

2008-05-29T05:25:00.001-07:00

Bird flu kills boy in Indonesia
04/29/08 10:24 PM, EDT
A 3-year-old boy in Indonesia died from bird flu, boosting the death toll in the country hardest hit by the disease to 108, the health ministry announced Wednesday.
Read the full story at http://www.cnn.com/2008/HEALTH/conditions/04/29/indonesia.birdflu.ap/index.html

New case of Bird flu 23/04/07

2007-04-23T06:54:00.001-07:00

KUWAIT: Kuwait said yesterday it has found a new case of the deadly H5N1 strain of bird flu in the south of the state near the Saudi border. "We now have 46 infected focal points after the latest finding in an ostrich in Wafra," said health ministry spokesman Ahmed Al-Shatti.

http://www.kuwaittimes.net/read_news.php?newsid=ODYzMjM2Mzc1

EU resumes S.Africa ostrich meat imports

2006-11-07T02:33:00.000-08:00

"JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) - The European Union has resumed imports of ostrich meat from South Africa after the country eradicated a bird flu outbreak in its Western Cape province, officials said on Wednesday." Reuters.com

http://za.today.reuters.com/news/newsArticle.aspx?type=topNews&storyID=2006-11-02T064349Z_01_BAN224232_RTRIDST_0_OZATP-POULTRY-SAFRICA-OSTRICH-20061102.XML

Zimbabwe ostriches hit by suspected Avian bird flu

2006-10-26T03:00:00.000-07:00

BULAWAYO Two ostriches at a farm in Hwange, Matabeleland North, have reportedly contracted a suspected strain of the dangerous bird flu virus in the country's second such case in recent weeks.

GoZimbabwe.com
Zimbabwe ostriches hit by suspected Avian bird flu

Zimbabwe: Partnerships - Essential Vehicle for Development

2006-10-06T00:16:00.000-07:00

"Already, there has been a significant inflow of new foreign investors such as Royal Ostrindo, an Indonesian firm involved in the breeding of ostriches and the export of leather and ostrich meat."

llAfrica.com: Zimbabwe: Partnerships - Essential Vehicle for Development

Iran, worlds third largest ostrich breeder ?

2006-09-14T01:26:00.000-07:00

"Iran is third only to South Africa and China in the world for ostrich breeding. Keyvan Niamanesh, the managing director of the largest ostrich farm told MNA on Wednesday that some 120,000 to 150,000 ostriches are annually raised in Iran. He also explained that 4,000 tons of ostrich white meat is annually produced in Iran that can increase the protein per capita of Iranians."

Iran, worlds third largest ostrich breeder

Botswana ostrich farming

2006-09-12T08:12:00.000-07:00

"Botswna has also stepped up efforts to improve poultry production mainly chicken and ostrich farming where it is rated as one of the bigest ostrich farming nations in the world.
A visiting expert from Kenya's Eastern and Southern Leather Industries Association, Dr Samuel Kiruthu, has said that lack of skills in Botswana to utilise abundant hides and skins - which if commercialised - can bring more income to farmers.
Dr Kiruthu said to prosper in the industry, Batswana should establish their own tanneries to produce quality products for domestic use, production of finished products rather than exporting them as raw materials."

Botswana moves to diversify economy, brought to you by African News Dimension

ZIMBABWE: Rethinking fast-track land reform

2006-09-11T04:15:00.000-07:00

"Since the 2000 land invasions began, Zimbabwe's economy has gone into freefall. Foreign companies will get their farms back, but the country's white farmers will be left in the cold. The first beneficiary of the initiative will be an Indonesian company breeding ostriches in Matabeleland North Province, according to the head of an Indonesian delegation touring the country, but Indonesia's minister for the empowerment of women, Prof Meuria Swasono, said the company would have certain obligations. The ostrich and leather exporting concern will meet the costs of moving the settlers to their new homes, and be responsible for building new accommodation and sinking boreholes."

IRIN Africa Southern Africa ZIMBABWE ZIMBABWE: Rethinking fast-track land reform Peace Security Breaking News

News from Azerbaijan and South Caucasus

2006-09-01T01:02:00.000-07:00

The founder of “Ostrich” Ali Bayramov stressed that their organization is the first one in South Caucasus that is involved in breeding ostriches. It should be mentioned that the first time, this organization that has been functioning for two years started to breeding 180 ostriches brought from South African Republic in Azerbaijan. Providing available and safe products is the main activity principle of the farmer economy “Ostrich” that is engaged in breeding ostriches and producing various types of meat products from them in Azerbaijan.
�Trend� news agency: News from Azerbaijan and South Caucasus:

Bird flu: Culling 'can continue'

2006-08-30T02:43:00.000-07:00

PRETORIA Bird flu: Culling 'can continue'
"Sat, 26 Aug 2006 The Pretoria High Court has granted the Gauteng Department of Agriculture an interdict to continue culling illegally imported waterfowl, an official said on Friday.
The culling follows investigations into the illegal importation of eggs from the Netherlands.
A probe was being carried out on a farm in Gauteng and one in North West. Both farms had been placed under quarantine.
Prior to the interdict, 573 birds had already been culled.
"South Africa is determined to maintain its avian influenza-free status and does not allow the importation of any live birds, poultry or poultry products from any country that has not been free for at least the past three months," said Galane.
Galane said people should be assured that chicken and ostrich products on supermarket shelves in South Africa remained safe for human consumption."

iafrica.com news sa news Bird flu: Culling 'can continue'

Flu Outbreak Under Control

2006-07-28T06:42:00.000-07:00

The Department of Agriculture says it has culled 8 000 ostriches in the Riversdale district, Western Cape, in an attempt to bring the outbreak of avian flu under control.
According to the department, follow-up investigations have shown no further signs of the disease.

allAfrica.com: South Africa: Mossel Bay Avian Flu Outbreak Under Control

The Herald Online News

2006-07-24T04:49:00.000-07:00

MORE than 3 000 ostriches are being culled on the Garden Route – and more could follow – after a strain of bird flu which was earlier detected in the area was found to have infected birds on another farm near Mossel Bay.
The Herald Online **News**

Daily News - EU bans SA ostrich imports

2006-07-21T06:18:00.000-07:00

The H5N2 strain of the disease was recently detected in these areas. South Africa's Agriculture department said on Monday an ostrich farm near Mossel Bay was placed under quarantine after the precautionary culling of 60 ostriches suspected of having avian flu.

Daily News - EU bans SA ostrich imports

To what extent has the Ostrich Industries export product focus changed ?

2006-05-23T02:18:00.000-07:00

Introduction

The Ostrich:
The ostrich is the largest species of bird. It is flightless but can run in
excess of 65 km/hr. They can grow to be a height of 2.4 metres and weigh up
to 130 kg. Male ostriches are black, with white wings and tails. The female
is a dull greyish-brown. The females lay their yellowish-white eggs together
in a single large hole in the sand. The eggs weigh about 1.4 kg each and
have a volume of about 1.4 liters. They spread their small wings when
running and have long, powerful legs that are used for defence. The feet of
the ostrich have only two toes. The ostrich originated in the middle east
but is all but extinct in this region. The majority of the worlds population
can be found in Southern Africa with other populations springing up in
places like Australia, Namibia, Zambia and America for farming practices.

Start of The Ostrich industry in S.A
Commercial ostrich farming started in SA in 1864. The main area were the
farming began was in the Klein Karoo area, centred around Outshoorn. The
climatic conditions of this area are well suited for large scale commercial
ostrich farming. The dry and warm summers and sunny winter days made it the
ideal breeding ground and habitat for ostriches. The dry climate also helps
prevent the transmission of diseases. An increasing demand through out the
world for ostrich plumes reached its peak in 1913. This was a result of the
ostrich feather being prized as a status and fashion symbol. The feathers
were used mainly in women's fashion and was very in 'vogue' at the time. The
demand was so great that the number of ostriches skyrocketed from roughly
50000 birds at the turn of the century to roughly 700000 birds at the height
of the feather craze. By 1913 ostrich feathers were the fourth largest
export earner from after gold, diamonds and wool. An example of the huge
trade in feathers was the enormous feather market hall in Port Elizabeth
were furious trading of the feathers took place. The export demand for
ostrich leather or meat was almost non-existent at the time. The feather
export was by far the dominant product focus of the industry at the time.
The Decline in demand for feathers
The economic instability running up to WWI started a decline in the demand
for ostrich feathers. A fashion change also took place from the extravagance
of the early part of the century to the more practical fashion senses of the
war time and post war times. This decline turned into a major crash as the
war broke out all across Europe, the main importer along with the U.S.A of
ostrich feathers. The war resulted in many of the markets being cut off from
trade and subsequently the industry back in S.A took a huge hit. The advent
of the war coupled with a sever drought that struck S.A at the time all but
put an end to the industry. Most of the feathers now were being used for
industrial use, feather dusters and alike. The great depression that
followed the war further hit the industry. The whole industry was on the
back-burner for the next 50 or so years, eg. in 1970 only 27000 birds were
slaughtered.
The take-off of Leather products
At the beginning of the 70's the industry was dead. production was on a
small scale and there was no substantial demand for any ostrich products. A
fashion change in America, ostrich leather boots, belts etc sparked off a
expansion of the industry again, this time focusing on leather. This
stimulated the industry and all around ostrich farms started springing up to
deal with the demand. An example of the massive surge in production is was
the Klein Karoo Ostrich company that by 1982 was keeping 120000 ostriches
and was exporting 50000 hides a year to the U.S. At the time, when S.A had a
legal monopoly on the industry, a hide was worth around $500 so it was a
very lucrative business to be involved in. The upward trend continued and
the leather industry continued to expand. By 1993 Klein Karoo was keeping
150000 birds and obtaining most of its export profits from raw hides.

The take-off of Meat products
The take of f of meat products started around the mid 1980's. This was a
result of the industry marketing the meat as a healthier alternative to
beef. It is high in protein and low in fat. The Mad Cow Disease epidemic
also turned many people away from beef and opened up the market to
alternatives such as ostrich meat. The industry has expanded from one
abattoir in 1964 to ten export approved abattoirs today. These abattoirs are
internationally certified and the meat produced there is safe for export.
The meat is then exported to Europe and the East. The whole modern shift
towards healthy eating and a healthy life style have all aided the meat
industry. The Heart foundation has approved ostrich meat as a much healthier
alternative to beef products and actively encourages the consumption of
ostrich instead of beef. As world tastes change and the continuous search
for new and exciting foods continues the future of ostrich meat looks good
as the meat reaches a wider and wider market.

The shift from Feathers to Leather and Meat
After the feather industries collapse after the advent of WWI, the ostrich
industry was in a steady decline. An example of this was the drastic drop
from 770000 birds at the height of the feather craze to just 23000 in 1930.
The industry started changing its focus. In 1964 the first abattoir was
opened and in 1970 the first tannery was established. Since this time the
respective industries have grown considerably and far outweighed the
contribution of feathers to the total export value of the whole industry. As
a result of the emergence of the meat and leather industries the total
number of birds in South Africa has risen to roughly 300000. Currently South
Africa exports roughly R1.2 Billion of ostrich products, 90% of this is from
meat and leather products. It is clear from this evidence that the leather
and meat side of the ostrich industry is in the dominance. The shift from
feather products to meat and leather products is very evident.

Conclusion
The ostrich industry has been through many ups and down over the last 100
years. From the dramatic feather boom of the early 1900's which saw a
massive increase in production in S.A to the devastating effects of the
subsequent crash. The industry went through a very quite patch between 1930
and 1970. From the 70's onward a new trend emerged. This trend was a an
increase in demand for ostrich leather products. This demand sparked off the
second ostrich boom, this boom has continued into the present day and is set
to grow steadily. The meat industry also started to pick up from the 70's
onward and started to have an impact on the export earnings of the industry.
It grew and is now on a par with the leather industry in its export
earnings.
From the evidence presented in the previous pages it is clear that the
industry has drastically shifted its focus from solely feather in the early
1900's to predominantly meat and leather products in the present day. From
earning nearly 100% of its export revenue from feathers to now only earning
around 10% is a obvious indication of the shift that has taken place. The
shift of focus from feather to leather and meat products is clear.
With the process of globalization taking place and the opening up of new
markets such as China and the Middle-East for meat and leather exports the
future of the ostrich industry looks bright.

Written by Luke Mann

(Gr12 student at Kingswood College)

allAfrica.com: Namibia [analysis]: What Went Wrong in Ostrich Land?

2006-03-21T10:39:00.000-08:00

"Contacted for comment, Mr Pieter de Lange, a director of Hardap Ostriches indicated that the company expects to slaughter 7500 ostriches by the end of March. He noted that some of the problems in the industry are due to the re-appearance of South African ostriches in the market, and the higher exchange rate.
The number of ostriches slaughtered at Karas Abattoir and Tannery Processor (KAT), which previously went under the name Ostrich Production Namibia (OPN), is about 800 birds per week, according to the MD, Mr Frikkie Mouton. But KAT's business focus has since changed to concentrate on small stock slaughtering and the tannery."allAfrica.com: Namibia [analysis]: What Went Wrong in Ostrich Land?:

Ostrich breeding in Iran

2006-03-18T10:07:00.000-08:00

This two-toed flightless bird is going to be the basis of a new industry at Qeshm Island soon.
?By developing this ostrich industrial complex, all the products will be distributed in the country and abroad,? executive director of the complex told the Persian service of IRNA on Thursday.
Ozra Abbasszadeh also stated that food and packaging industry in this sector will be offered in accordance with international standards and related meat products such as sausage and kielbasa would be the mainstay. Moreover, fabrication of all kinds of leather bags, shoes and clothing as well as using the obtained fat for cosmetic cremes and various kinds of burn ointments may comprise another sector of this business.
?Research phases in scientific breeding have also been given a unique consideration in this endeavor and based on the recent findings ostrich is among the birds that all its parts have applications in medical sciences and industry,? she added.
The swift-footed bird meat contains Omega-3 ?factor? which holds anti-cancer elements, and it also has low cholesterol due to its electrostatic properties. Furthermore, the skin is considered as valuable as those of snake and crocodile and the leather made out of that is stronger and more flexible than cattle type. Each animal could produce 30-50 kilograms of meat per year which has a good market in Persian Gulf littoral states."Iran News - Ostrich breeding, promising industry at Qeshm: "Ostrich breeding, promising industry at Qeshm

Saturday, March 18, 2006 - ©2005 IranMania.com

Ostrich feathers / ostrich meat influences

2006-03-10T05:32:00.000-08:00

The ostrich has been known for thousands of years, from the time of the civilizations of Asia and Egypt. First reference to ostriches in South Africa were recorder around 1770. According to the same reference the farm were situated in the Cape Province. Archeological research has shown that ostriches existed million years ago as far as the Far East. The ostrich feather trade dates back only to thousands of years. Commercial ostrich farming started in South Africa around 1800. Since then, it has become firmly established in the in the Klein Karoo region.

In the beginning of the 20th century, the ostrich feathers symbolized great wealth and prestige. The Jewish community in Oudthoorn were the masterminds in the ostrich feather industry in the early 1900s, they developed it into a very important economic commodity for South Africa. The feathers were exported to Europe for mainly fashion and decoration purposes (wide brim hats, fans). Fashion then changed and the feather demand dropped drastically with the onset of WW1, the war effected export and demand in Europe and SA farmers also were going through a drought period, which effected production.

Ostrich farming continued but in a much smaller scale. The feather demand changed to industrial and home use e.g. feather dusters and cleaning instruments. At the beginning of the 20th century, the ostrich skins became a sought-after commodity. Ostrich leather remains one of the few exotic leather types available. Leather processing of ostrich skins was first processed in South Africa in 1970. The skin prices grew as the market grew and by early 1990 ostrich skin prices reached up to US$500.00 each. In 1993 when the South African ostrich monopoly was abolished the leather prices began to decline until to today.

The meat industry also is a growing industry and can compete with the leather in value. The outbreak of avian flu resulted in meat export bans and resulted in meat being sold in South African local market. The meat is now been declared free of avian flu and exports have resumed into Europe.

From this account of history, we could learn that the ostrich meat idustry has been effected by disease and the ostrich feathers by fashion/market demand.

Birdflu: Finland must keep ostriches indoors!

2006-03-06T03:01:00.000-08:00

"From next Wednesday, new regulations stipulate that poultry should be kept indoors to prevent the spread of the disease from migratory birds to domesticated fowl.
Sune Mattson, an ostrich farmer in Saltvik in the Finland Islands, feels that ostriches simply cannot be kept indoors. "Helsingin Sanomat - International Edition - Home:

Thumbs up from Norway for ostrich meat in Namibia

2006-03-06T02:56:00.000-08:00

"Besides lamb and springbok, B&M Food also imports into Norway ostrich meat from OPN in Keetmanshoop. The company has imported beef from Namibia and Botswana since April/May 1995, and is the largest importer by volume of both of frozen and chilled products from the two countries."allAfrica.com: Namibia: Norway Inspects Mariental Meat Packaging Factory:

Zimbabwe get the all clear for avian flu for ostriches

2006-03-06T02:04:00.000-08:00

"Zimbabwe's The Herald is pleased the country's authorities have given the OK for a number of major poultry arms to resume exports after they were declared free of the H5N1 virus.

A leading veterinary official said 'a regional approach in combating the virus was the best effective preventive mechanism that would see the southern African region free of the virus'.

'He said his department had during the assessment at two ostrich farms in Bulawayo, detected harmless anti-bodies of the H5N2 type of the avian virus in the ostriches.'"JTW News - African press eyes bird flu dangers:

South African TV news on Ostrich flu outbreak

2006-03-05T12:56:00.000-08:00

South African TV news on Ostrich flu outbreak
Click on the following link to read media release for the ostrich flu outbreak:
SABCnews.com - economy/business

SABCnews.com - economy/business

2006-03-05T12:51:00.000-08:00

SABCnews.com - economy/business

30 000 dead ostriches economic ripple

2006-03-01T10:47:00.000-08:00

On the 9 August 2004 around 30 000 ostriches were culled due evidense of Avian flu H5N2 in the Eastern Cape, South Africa.

Some questions still remain hanging:
1) Did the ostriches have the antibodies from a prevoius outbreak?
2) Why the extreme measure in the Eastern Cape and not in the rest of South Africa ?
3) Why were there no imediate roadblocks instituted by the SA government?
4) Did anybody preserve the antibodies for further research?

Many farm birds were relaesed to wild/mountains to prevent infection. The infected birds were burried in mass graves. Today in the Eastern Cape due to teh mass cull ostrich breeders are rare. The Western Cape is now main source of chicks and chick prices have droped ealy in 2006 due to over supply. Ostrich suppliers in Graaf Reinet and Port Elizabeth were crippled and still working hard to enter market. Strategic buy outs of Eastern Cape tanneries have occured by larger players and is causing interesting ripples in markets.

Is my color my color?

2006-02-28T04:05:00.000-08:00

Heard a story of a company that spent a season developing a range of colors for Europe market at a tannery in SA. The tannery secretly developed there own range of similar colors to sell into Europe.

Recomendation: From season to season colors change and can give you edge in the fashion industry. Beware when developing colors, the tanneries can take advantage. Use recognised tanneries or agents to develop colors in order to protect your market edge.

2006-02-21T23:02:00.000-08:00

"Where there is smoke there is fire.
Where there is ostrich feathers there is ostrich meat."
Ostrich Cowboy, 2006.

If you are looking for ostrich meat, I always say see where other products are advertised. It is a good chance that the buyer of ostrich feathers knows where to get ostrich meat, after all they come from the same bird.

Ostrich feather crash, can we learn form it?

2006-02-19T00:11:00.000-08:00

The main contributors for the ostrich feather crash was a change in market, South Africa supports Allies in World War I and the hardships experienced by the farmers during the 1910-1915 period.

100 years later and todays factors that influence are: South Africa does not hold monolpoly in the ostrich industry. The ostrich industry has spread to Canada, Turkey, Israel, Australia, Mexico, Spain, China. Bird flu spread has limited distribution of ostrich products, manufacturing has moved to China and harming the American market. Without governmnt subsidy farmers are finding it difficult to compete internationally.

The first ostrich blog on earth.

2006-02-13T10:00:00.000-08:00

Welcome to Ostrich blog. The first ostrich blog on earth.