Australian Emu migrates to Karnataka

The story of the Golden egg laying bird has been made a reality at a Manna farm at Geddalahalli area near Bangalore. Over 150 Emus, the largest birds of Australia, have been raised at this farm.

By K.G.Vasuki

Bangalore, Nov.28 : The story of the Golden egg laying bird has been made a reality at a Manna farm at Geddalahalli area near Bangalore. Over 150 Emus, the largest birds of Australia, have been raised at this farm.

The successful breeding of Emus has showcased a new source of employment and prosperity for millions of farmers in the State. It is Karnataka's first and country's biggest farm of giant Emu birds.

"Emu breeding is the best way that our farmers can make money from. Over rupees 75,000 can be raised by breeding a pair of Emu birds. Besides, there is tax exemption on this income," says Dr. Loknath Singh, Manna farm owner.

Apart from the meat and expensive eggs, the oil extracted from the birds have great healing properties for arthritis, joint pains, blood pressure and skin problems. The oil extracted from Emu also has a huge export market, Singh said.

Emu is also the second largest extant bird in the world by height after the well-known ostrich. This Australian native can adapt itself to any environment and lays eggs which are a delicacy and expensive.

Male Emu incubates the eggs and takes care of the chicks for six months. The Emu farming is catching the attention of those farmers who are on the look out for alternatives.

The soft-feathered, brown, flightless birds reach up to 2 metre (6 foot) in height.

Emus can travel great distances at a fast, economical trot and, if necessary, can sprint at 50 km/h (30 mph) for some distance at a time. They are common over most of mainland Australia, although they avoid heavily populated areas, dense forests and arid areas.

Emu birds have small vestigial wings and a long neck and legs. Their ability to run at high speeds is due to their highly specialised pelvic limb musculature. Their feet have only three toes and a similarly reduced number of bones and associated foot muscles.

They have brown to grey-brown plumage of shaggy appearance; the shafts and the tips of the feathers are black.

Emus are largely solitary while they can form enormous flocks, this is an atypical social behaviour that arises from the common need to move towards food sources.

ANI