Links
Recommended resources for veterinary and animal science

Emus

• General resources
• Diseases and pests
• Reproduction
• Nutrition
• Emu farming
• Associations
• Recommended research databases and indexes for this area of study
• Suggest a site

SEE ALSO: Birds | Poultry

General Resources

The University of Sydney Library Catalogue
Recommended subject headings on the University of Sydney Library Catalogue are listed below. Please check all related subject heading for comprehensive results.

• emu farming
• emus

Emu Bibliography
Compiled by Ken Ladd, Associate Director, University of Saskatchewan Library, this website is an extensive bibliography citing articles and books covering all aspects emus. Keywords and abstracts are often provided. Subjects covered include anatomy, physiology, reproduction, diseases and medical treatment of emus.

Ratite database
Compiled by Ken Ladd, Associate Director, University of Saskatchewan Library, this is a fully searchable database which indexes papers, journal articles and conference proceedings published on ratites. The database can be searched by author, title, or keyword.

Ratites - Emus and ostriches
This website is a series of DPI Notes published by the Queensland Department of Primary Industries covering many practical aspects of emu farming. Subjects covered include: setting up a farm, breeding, brooding, catching and handling emus, nutrition, and diseases such as aspergillosis and salmonellosis.

Diseases and Pests

Ratite neuromuscular diseases
This paper is authored by Brian L Speer DVM of the Oakley Veterinary and Bird Hospital Oakley, California for the Netpets website. It examines the anatomy and nutritional requirements of ratites and then focuses on clinical signs, diagnosis and treatments of both infectious and non infectious diseases with neuromuscular manifestations. Diseases covered include Newcastle's Disease, encephalitis, clostridium and leg deformities.

Avian influenza prevention in ratite and gamebird facilities
This article is authored by R. Scott Bayer, Extension Specialist, Poultry, Kansas State University. It is a practical guide to practicing biosecurity to prevent the spread of avian diseases on ratite farms. The article is in .pdf format.

Reproduction

The incubation of ratite eggs
This is an article written by Joan S. Jeffrey, Gregory P. Martin and Roy C. Fanguy of the Texas Cooperative Extension, Texas A&M University System. It is a detailed examination of all aspects of the incubation of ratite eggs. The article is in .pdf format.

Incubation and hatching of ratites
This is a paper by Professor H.R. Wilson, Dairy and Poultry Sciences Department, University of Florida. It examines the incubation of ratite eggs including temperature, humidity and ventilation.

Emu Farming Reproductive Technology
Report written by Irek Malecki and Graeme Martin in March 2000 for the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation. The report discusses establishing a basis for development of reproductive technology for the emu industry so as to achieve efficiency of production and accelerate genetic progress.

Overcoming the constraints of emu egg laying season
A report written by Graeme Martin of the University of Western Australia for the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation.

Nutrition

Ratite nutrition and feeding
This is an article by Julian D. Brake, Broiler Extension Specialist, Animal & Poultry Sciences Department, Virginia Cooperative Extension, Virginia State University. It provides recommended vitamin and mineral levels and suggested minimum nutrient compositions for ratites.

Nutrition Guidelines for Ostriches and Emus
Document authored by Sheila E. Scheideler, extension poultry specialist and associate professor, University of Nebraska, and Jerry L. Sell, professor of animal science, Iowa State University, and published by Iowa State University Cooperative Extension. Provides details of ratite physiology and nutritional tables.

Emu farming

Emu farming
This article is written by Peter O'Malley, Senior Research Officer, Agriculture Western Australia. It is a chapter from a book The new rural industries: a handbook for farmers and investors edited by Keith Hyde and published by the Rural Industries Research & Development Corporation (RIRDC). It covers several aspects of emu farming in Australia including breeds, husbandry and production requirements.

Model Code of Practice for the Welfare of Animals: Husbandry of Captive Bred Emus
This is an Australian model code of practice for the welfare of animals prepared by the Standing Committee on Agriculture and Resource Management . It is a guide "for all people responsible for the welfare and husbandry of emus that are bred and/or reared in captivity." Areas covered include housing, nutrition, handling and yard facilities, hatchery management and humane slaughter. The document is in .pdf format.

RIRDC - New Animal Products Research Reports - Emus
Collection of reports written for the Rural Industries Research & Development Corporation. Reports covering emu production include:

• Commercial emu raising using cool climate forage based production systems
• Benchmarks for new animal products: emu & ostrich production
• Emu products: increasing production and profitability
• Emu processing and product development
• Improving skin quality of emus and ostriches.
• Declawing of farmed emus: harmful or helpful?

Humane slaughter of emus
This information sheet provides guidance on acceptable and unacceptable methods of emu culling and was endorsed by the South Australian Emu Industry Consultative Committee on 24 August 1998.

Raising emus and ostriches
This website is compiled by Rebecca S. Thompson of the Alternative Farming Systems Information Center, National Agricultural Library, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture. It is an extensive publication on all aspects of emu and ostrich farming with links to websites, databases and contacts. It also provides details of software and videos as well as an extensive bibliography. Areas covered include emu production, incubation and hatching, behaviour, transportation, nutritional requirements, and health issues.

Emu production
This is an article written by Dr. Joan S. Jefferey, Extension Veterinarian, Texas Agricultural Extension Service, Texas A&M University System and is an introduction to all aspects of emu production including reproduction, nutrition, health, facilities and management. The article is in .pdf format

Raising ratites: ostriches, emu, and rheas
This is an article by J.C. Hermes, Extension Poultry Specialist, Oregon State University and is a general introduction to emus and other ratites covering subjects such as reproduction, brooding, and nutrition. The article is in .pdf format.

Associations

American Emu Association

Recommended Research Databases and Indexes

Recommended research databases and indexes for this area of study are: CAB Abstracts, MEDLINE, AGRICOLA and Web of Science.