Ostriches are ratites (flightless birds). Ostriches originated in Africa but are now bred in captivity throughout the world. The country with the most intensive breeding programmes, however, is South Africa. Ostriches are hunted mostly for their hides. Most of the income generated from ostriches comes from selling these hides.

Habitat
Wild ostriches live in the savannah covering almost all of southern Africa: from South Africa and Namibia in the southwest to Kenya in the northeast.

Breeding
Although the breeding of ostriches has been going on for more than 50 years, it was not until 20 years ago that the export of ostrich meat began.

This was because ostriches were traditionally bred for their hides and their meat was merely a by-product sold on the local market.

Hunting
There is no trade in the meat of wild ostriches. They are effectively protected by CITES and other national and international laws. Ostriches are being raised on farms all over the world. The most important exporting countries are: South Africa, Australia, Zimbabwe, Israel, Namibia, Spain, France and New Zealand.

Season
Ostriches brood from late July to September. Ostriches are ready for slaughter from the age of 12 to 18 months. There are actually two seasons for slaughtering: the more important one starts in September and lasts until February; the less important one starts in April and lasts until the beginning of August.

Meat
Ostrich meat is not only very tender and delicious but it is also very lean and contains less than 2% fat. This makes it perfect for the current trend toward light, healthy diets.

Cuts
Ostrich meat is primarily sold as:
Filets: fan filet, eye filet and tournedos
Steaks: small and large steaks

Also available as goulash.

Video's

Ostrich production