The Emu is big, flightless, ostrich like bird of Australia.  They are among the oldest bird families on earth, having evolved near the base of the avian tree of life.  They are like other flightless ratites such as the Ostrich of Africa and the Rheas of South America and generally inhabit grassy plains and the Australian bush.  Proper Management of emu bird is very important during starter, grower, fattening/finishing, breeding and non-breeding stages.

Breeder Management:

Generally, flock and pen mating system should be preferred.  One male is allowed to mate one female(1:1).  In pen mating pairing should be selected based on their compatibility.  During mating, floor space about 2500 sft per pair is necessary.  Diet with minerals and vitamins should be offered 3-4 weeks prior to breeding.  Semen collection and artificial insemination was successful in emu.  AFter breeding season, both sexes should be separated and fed them maintenance ration.

         The female bird lays about 20 to 50 greenish brown eggs in a clutch. Majority of eggs are medium grreen with rough surface.  Eggs will be laid during October to February.  eggs can be collected twice daily to avoid damage of eggs in the pen.   An average egg weight is bout 560gms.  The breeder raiton with sufficient calcium should be fed drung laying period.  grit or calcite powder should be given in a separae trough.  Laying period normally ranges from t pm to 7 pm.  Egg production starts at 16-18 months of age, but laying normally begins at 2 to e years.  Emu can be productive for more than 20 years.