South Africa’s multi-billion Rand ostrich industry is rich with opportunities, mainly driven by exports, benefitting both the local economy and international trade. In this episode of Farmer’s Inside Track, Kabelo Lekalakala of Pitso Ostrich Farm in North West, provides insights on how aspiring ostrich farmers can get started.
According to Lekalakala, selecting the ideal location, necessary infrastructure requirements, and effective feeding practices should not be overlooked.
Climate, he says, is everything. “Dry arid areas are ideal locations for ostrich farming. Climatic conditions should be dry with very minimal summer rainfall.”
Ample water supply and the design of the camp are also important. Lekalakala also shares insights on common diseases ostriches are prone to and how these could be prevented.
Ostrich feeding practices
When it comes to feeding practices, Lekalakala explains that day-old ostriches feed on their own yolk for up to seven days, which means they are self-dependent as far as nutrition is concerned.
“Over time you can [implement] starter crumbs, which is crushed lucerne, maize and soybeans. As the ostrich grows, lucerne pallets are very important as a base feed composition for optimal ostrich growth.”
Lekalakala also shares his thoughts on marketing and selling ostrich products.
In this episode, Lekalakala also addresses:
- The ostrich leather trade; and
- Overproduction in the ostrich industry.
Dive deeper into the episode and gain insights from the award-winning Farmer’s Inside Track, officially recognised as Africa and the world’s best podcast at the 2024 Digital Media Awards presented by WAN-IFRA, the global press organisation.
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