LPM 222: Diversified poultry production and current concepts in poultry management and marketing [Livestock Production Management (Regional Interest)] (1+1)

SEMI-INTENSIVE SYSTEM

• A shelter with open run is provided in this system of management. This system may be either attached with a hatchery for artificial incubation or allowed for natural incubation. Where natural incubation and natural brooding is carried out in the breeding pen, wire netting or solid wall to a height of 1½ feet should be provided on all fences to prevent the escape of chicks and to prevent them from being injured by emus housed in adjacent pens.
• The hen could attack her own chicks once they hatch. It is therefore recommended that either the hen be removed before the chicks hatch or else remove the chicks to a rearing shed.
• Under good management and housing conditions it is recommended that chicks can be housed in groups of up to 25 for the first four weeks of life. The provision of an additional outside run is optional.
• From 5-12 weeks groups of up to 100 chicks can be housed together with the access to an outside run.
• Juveniles (12 weeks to 6 months) may be kept in groups of up to 250 birds.
• Yearling emus (6 to 18 months) and adult emus during non breeding season can be housed in open conditions. A breeding emus should be provided a covered area and open run.

Fig.9.19. Emus under semi-intensive system