Performance of emu (Dromaius novaehollandiae) breeders*

The performance of emu breeders (3^rd to 5^th year of age) maintained in pair mating under semi-intensive system was evaluated during 1^st and 2^nd laying years. They were fed mash feed and water ad lib besides raw vegetables (125 g/b/d) in breeding season. The 1^st (sexual maturity) and 2^nd laying periods were 105 and 66 days, respectively in winter season of the year. The mean egg production per hen was 18.7 and 18.2 in 1^st and 2^nd laying years, respectively. The highest egg production per hen was 24 in both laying years. About 54.4 and 81.3% eggs were laid by hens with egg laying interval of 3–4 days in 1^st and 2^nd laying years, respectively. The feed consumption during 2^nd laying year (4^th to 5^th years of age) was 924, 538 and 731 g/b/d in non breeding, breeding and annual basis, respectively. The hatching performance of emu breeders was evaluated during 2^nd laying year. In a laying year, the feed intake per egg was 23, 35 and 183 kg in layers at productivity of 24, 17 and 3 eggs, respectively while the mean was 73.5 kg/egg in flock (18.2 eggs/hen). The range of incubation period recorded was 49.5 to 50.3 days with mean of 49.5 days at incubation temperature of 96.5 to 97°F dry bulb and 78 to 80°F wet bulb. The mean percent fertility and hatchability on total and fertile eggs were 83.6%, 49.0% and 58.3%, respectively.