Emu Birds - Importance for Humans
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Picture source: Birdphotographique © Site and Contents Copyright by Birdphotographique and Bruce Craig, C.S.
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Emu-birds play a great role in the American agriculture because they are far more profitable than traditional domestic birds. The females of Emus are productive for 20 years or more and are able to produce 20-50 chicks annually. The Emu-bird meat is very delicious. It is red, low-fat (97% fat free) and mild flavored, similar to beef. Emus are higher in protein, vitamin C and iron compared to beef and lower in cholesterol compared to chicken. It is a healthy alternative to traditional meat sources.
The Emu fat is refined into stable oil that is widely used in cosmetic and health products. It is non-toxic, anti-bacterial, anti-microbal, anti-inflammatory oil. It relieves discomfort of rashes, bug bites and burns. It also relieves the pain of arthritis, bursitis and rheumatism as well as the discomfort of injured, tired muscles. It is used to moisturize dry skin and reduce the appearance of age spots and wrinkles. Skin care products include: body lotions, soaps, sunscreens, analgetic creams, shampoo and face creams. A market-age bird yields 5-6 litters of oil.
The leather of emus is extremely durable, supple and breathable. It is used for making various fashionable items, such as boots, belts, luggage and accessories. What's more, emu feathers are used in high-tech industrial cleaning applications. And emu egg shells and toenails provide a unique material for fashion jewelry and craft design. The unique dot and quill pattern of the skin of Emu-birds is considered very attractive.
Emu Birds - Breeders Links
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Picture source: Jan's Tasmanian
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About Emeus - Physical description, history and usage of these birds. Site in English and French.
Agriculture of Australia - The history of commercial farming and saleable Emu products are described.
All about Emu - Sells Emu oil and meat. Contains information about the birds and their products, along with online ordering
American Emu Association - The American Emu Association represents an alternative agriculture industry, dominated by the small farmers.
Arizona Emu Oil - Offers information about the Emu and the company producing cosmetics from Emu oil.
Australian Nature. Emu Birds - Detailed description of Emus and their chicks with several photos.
Bioproducts. Emu - Emu oil is the oil that most resembles human dermal lipids. Overview of products made of Emu oil.
Blue Bank Emu - General information about Emu natural history, Emu recipes and various products.
C"mon Back Acres - A ranch offering Emu products and providing articles on Emu ranching.
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Picture source: Monash University © 2003
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Emu Magic - Learn about the wonderful features of Emu products used in cosmetics and medicine.
Emu Ranching in Cornwall - Read about the advantages of raising Emu instead of traditional cattle and birds.
Lazy Farm - Breeds, raises and boards Emus, llamas and peacocks.
National Parks - Tips on raising and breeding Emu in captivity.
Queensland Emu Farming - Conditions of application for Emu farm licence and tips for novice Emu owners.
Raising Emus and Ostriches - A complete guide for those who want to breed these exotic birds. Offers list of breeders and resources.
What is an Emu - General description of the species and its importance for human health and wealth.
Emu Birds - Conservation Links
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Picture source: NatureBase Plants&Animals © 2002 Department of Convervation and Land Management
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A Conservation Collection - Detailed description of Emu birds, their impact on humans and status in the wild. Contains a photo gallery.
Dinornis Maximus - Read about this extinct relative of Emu birds.
Science Reviews - The influence of rainfall on the timing of the breeding season of the Emu and other aspects of Emu natural history.
The Animals of the Amanda Blake Memorial Wildlife Refuge - Read about the animals kept and raised in this refuge and measures that are taken to protect them.
The NSW Wildlife Information and Rescue Service - The organization has established a network of hundreds of volunteer who rescue, rehabilitate and release sick, injured or orphaned native wildlife.