Ostrich prices under pressure at research farm sale

Prices at the annual sale of the Western Cape Department of Agriculture’s ostrich research farm, held recently, averaged R4 500/head, which is lower than last year’s prices and not much higher than what farmers are currently achieving for slaughter birds.

The 77 ostriches on offer were sold to four bidders.

Dr Chris de Brouwer, scientific manager at the Western Cape Department of Agriculture’s directorate of animal sciences, said prices were under pressure due to the severe drought in the Klein Karoo, the main ostrich production region, as well as the effects of avian influenza and the COVID-19 pandemic on export markets in particular.

The breeding flock was established in 1964 from widely selected breeding material donated to the research farm by ostrich farmers in the region.

Dr Ilse Trautmann, chief director of research and technology development at the department, said the agreement with the industry was that the breeding flock was to be maintained and improved to supply the industry with improved breeding material. “[This year’s] ostrich auction is testimony to the [Western Cape Department of Agriculture’s] commitment to the industry,” she said.

The flock was also being used for evaluation and research relating to anything from feed and production management to reproduction.

De Brouwer said the department worked closely with the research advisory committee and the [South African] Ostrich Business Chamber to ensure that research complies with the needs of the industry. “Research on the harvesting of feathers and hair follicles are current priorities,” he said.

Since 1997, the flock had been divided into two breeding lines, one for reproduction and one for weight. The birds were being sold with breeding values for weight, egg and chick production, and feather follicles to allow buyers to make informed decisions, according to De Brouwer.

Over 1 700 selected breeding birds had been sold via the sale since its establishment in 2004. – Glenneis Kriel