Until recently, the ostrich was a relatively uncommon agricultural animal in many parts of the world, even in South Africa where it was domesticated only a little over a century ago. Recently, however, ostrich farming has grown much more popular because of its healthy meat, and production of slaughter ostriches is now a reality in many parts of the world. This book is the first wide-ranging volume to address this phenomenon and review the current scientific literature on ostrich biology, production, and health. It is written by leading authors from Europe, the United States, Israel, and South Africa, and its topics range from the anatomy, biochemistry, and physiology of the ostrich to diseases and veterinary care. The Ostrich is a necessity for avian and poultry scientists and an ideal reference for all those intrigued by the growing interest in ostrich farming.

A comprehensive review of all aspects of ostrich production including a series of case histories from some countries that farm ostriches commercially: important countries such as South Africa, Namibia and Zimbabwe; newly re-emerging industries such as Australia; and countries where production is less developed, such as Kenya, Ethiopia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Set against the unexpected splendor of an ostrich ranch in the California desert, April Dávila’s beautifully written debut conjures an absorbing and compelling heroine in a story of courage, family and forgiveness. When Tallulah Jones was thirteen, her grandmother plucked her from the dank Oakland apartment she shared with her unreliable mom and brought her to the family ostrich ranch in the Mojave Desert. After eleven years caring for the curious, graceful birds, Tallulah accepts a job in Montana and prepares to leave home. But when Grandma Helen dies under strange circumstances, Tallulah inherits everything—just days before the birds inexplicably stop laying eggs. Guarding the secret of the suddenly barren birds, Tallulah endeavors to force through a sale of the ranch, a task that is complicated by the arrival of her extended family. Their designs on the property, and deeply rooted dysfunction, threaten Tallulah’s ambitions and eventually her life. With no options left, Tallulah must pull her head out of the sand and face the fifty-year legacy of a family in turmoil: the reality of her grandmother's death, her mother's alcoholism, her uncle's covetous anger, and the 142 ostriches whose lives are in her hands. “Vivid…uplifting…The fascinating details of operating an ostrich ranch elevate this family tale.” —Publishers Weekly “Tension mounts in every chapter, and when the difficult forces converge in the satisfying climax, Tallulah discovers clarity. This is an enjoyable, winning, interesting novel for readers of many backgrounds.” —Booklist (starred review) “A story told with depth and beauty about the many things we inherit from our families. Dávila’s characters are familiar, yet unforgettable, and I’m waiting patiently for what she writes next.” —Wayétu Moore, author of She Would Be King

Ostriches may not be able to fly, but they loom large in the bird kingdom. They are the world’s tallest and heaviest living birds, and they lay the largest eggs. With their long legs, ostriches are also fleet of foot, running up to 43 miles per hour, and formidable fighters—an ostrich kick can kill. But since the beginning of history, these extraordinary and outlandish birds have also been exploited by humans for their eggs, meat, skin, and feathers. In Ostrich, Edgar Williams provides a singular, comprehensive insight into the natural history, behavior, and habitat of this monumental bird. Williams describes how the demand for ostrich feathers was so great during the Victorian era that vast fortunes were made from ostrich farming, particularly in South Africa and the United States. After fashions changed following World War I, farmers lost their fortunes, but the now domesticated ostrich found a new purpose—today, ostrich farmers produce plumes and leather for luxury markets, as well as meat for grocery stores. In addition to telling its, Williams reveals how the ostrich has been featured in culture, from its representations in cave paintings, medieval manuscripts, and the Bayeux tapestry to its use in advertising and cartoons. Featuring many striking illustrations, Ostrich will interest nature lovers, artists, and fashionistas alike.

The indispensable classic on marketing by the bestselling author of Tribes and Purple Cow. Legendary business writer Seth Godin has three essential questions for every marketer: “What’s your story?” “Will the people who need to hear this story believe it?” “Is it true?” All marketers tell stories. And if they do it right, we believe them. We believe that wine tastes better in a $20 glass than a $1 glass. We believe that an $80,000 Porsche is vastly superior to a $36,000 Volkswagen that’s virtually the same car. We believe that $225 sneakers make our feet feel better—and look cooler—than a $25 brand. And believing it makes it true. As Seth Godin has taught hundreds of thousands of marketers and students around the world, great marketers don’t talk about features or even benefits. Instead, they tell a story—a story we want to believe, whether it’s factual or not. In a world where most people have an infinite number of choices and no time to make them, every organization is a marketer, and all marketing is about telling stories. Marketers succeed when they tell us a story that fits our worldview, a story that we intuitively embrace and then share with our friends. Think of the Dyson vacuum cleaner, or Fiji water, or the iPod. But beware: If your stories are inauthentic, you cross the line from fib to fraud. Marketers fail when they are selfish and scurrilous, when they abuse the tools of their trade and make the world worse. That’s a lesson learned the hard way by telemarketers, cigarette companies, and sleazy politicians. But for the rest of us, it’s time to embrace the power of the story. As Godin writes, “Stories make it easier to understand the world. Stories are the only way we know to spread an idea. Marketers didn’t invent storytelling. They just perfected it.”

Unlock the secrets to a thriving and sustainable ostrich farming venture with "Mastering Ostrich Farming," your ultimate guide to navigating this unique agricultural niche. Whether you're a budding entrepreneur or a seasoned farmer looking to diversify, this comprehensive eBook offers invaluable insights and practical strategies for success. Begin your journey with an in-depth introduction to ostrich farming, exploring why these magnificent birds are not just fascinating but also highly lucrative. Discover the vast potential of the ostrich farming industry and how you can carve out your own niche by identifying market opportunities and differentiating your farm. Dive into the world of breeding with expert guidance on optimizing reproductive practices, managing genetic selection, and ensuring hatching success. Learn to nurture your flock with tailored nutrition and feeding strategies that meet their unique dietary needs. Create the perfect habitat for your ostriches, focusing on land requirements, security, and climate considerations. Stay ahead of potential challenges by developing a robust health management plan, complete with disease prevention and veterinary care. Master safe handling techniques and training methods that enhance management efficiency and reduce stress in your flock. A successful ostrich farm is also a smart business. Gain critical insights into market trends, develop effective marketing strategies, and explore diverse product opportunities—from meat and fashion to niche products like eggs and oil. Utilize sustainable practices to minimize your environmental impact while maximizing profitability. Navigate the financial and legal landscapes with confidence, mastering budgeting, risk management, compliance, and permit acquisition. Learn from real-life case studies of successful ostrich farms, drawing lessons from their innovative techniques and scaling strategies. As the industry evolves, so should your approach. Stay informed on future farming trends and technological innovations that could reshape your business. "Mastering Ostrich Farming" is your roadmap to a prosperous future, complete with actionable steps, comprehensive resources, and the inspiration to make your ostrich farming dreams a reality.

Edwin Cawston courted the early-20th-century publics fascination with exotic foreign creatures when he began raising ostriches, for more than the use of their feathers in the clothing industry. When Cawston brought the enormous, flightless, African birds onto prime real estate in the Arroyo Seco of South Pasadena, Los Angeles County, more than a few observers thought that the looniest bird might be him. But Cawston was determined to showcase struthio camelus, the biggest bird in the world at 8 vertical feet and 350 pounds. The Cawston Ostrich Farm soon became one of the most popular Southern California attractions, drawing millions to watch people ride the birds bareback at a cruising speed of 35 miles per hour. Cawston supplied ostrich plumes for budget-minded consumers as well as fancy feathers for Vaudeville dancers, movie actresses, and even European queens, becoming a great promoter and showman of his time.

Explores the societies that have pinned hopes for wealth on the feathers and meat of the ostrich, from South Africa's Karoo Desert to the modern American west, and discusses the passions and politics surrounding the bird.