Production performances and egg characteristics of emu (Dromaius novaehollandiae) birds

The present study was conducted to assess the production performances of emu birds and to analyze the characteristics of emu eggs. The emu breeders (mean ± SE) were started to lay eggs from 764.1± 44.39 days. The mean ± SE production of 13.0± 2.86, 21.8± 3.39, 24.2± 2.49, 29.1± 13.13, 30.2± 11.77 and 24.9± 10.12 eggs per hen for 1^st, 2^nd, 3^rd, 4^th, 5^th and 6^th laying seasons, respectively with the spread of laying period (mean ± SE) 75.2± 10.81, 98.7± 8.98, 88.6± 10.47, 119.1± 12.71, 109.7± 14.85 and 97.6± 11.02 days were recorded, respectively. The mean ± SE egg weight (g) was 488.98± 1.69, 562.23± 4.08, 590.85± 4.44, 593.12± 3.50, 614.43± 4.99 and 633.46± 3.86 for 1^st, 2^nd, ₃rd ₄th₅th, and 6^th laying seasons with maximum weight (g) of 523, 660, 685, 686, 659 and 671, respectively. Egg laying was started in September, reaching peak in December, ending in March. Most (59.86%) of the eggs were laid at 3 days interval, mostly (40.73%) between 6 to 7 PM. In the present study, fatty acid composition and internal qualities of emu eggs were carried out.