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OSTRICH FARMING IN ARTSAKH: FEASIBLE OR FOLLY?
Knar Babayan
hetq
11:46, August 31, 2011
Believe it or not, ostrich farming may be the next big business
in Artsakh.
With a 25 million AMD loan from the Artsakh government and his
own money, Ararat Baghryan is currently raising 50 three month old
ostriches in the Gishi village in the Martouni District.
After extensively researching the market, Baghryan says that there
is great potential in raising the flightless birds that can run up to
97.5 kilometres per hour and lays the largest egg of any living bird.
The ostrich farmer says that only 20% of the international market is
currently being supplied
It cost 39 million AMD to buy the birds, transport them to Artsakh and
purchase feed. The loan wasn't enough. Friends and relatives kicked
in the rest. My partners from Yerevan instructed me about building
the farm which guarantees all the needs of the birds," says Baghryan.
The birds were imported from Kenya along with special food for the
first couple of months. Later on, Baghryan will give them corn,
rye and wheat to eat.
The farmer says that it's even possible to obtain most of the eleven
plants and grasses in Artsakh that comprise the special ostrich feed.
Baghryan says that despite some preliminary concerns, the birds took
to their new surroundings quite well.
He said the birds can also adapt to the colder climes of Artsakh.
Ostriches can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. In much of their
habitat, temperatures vary as much as 40 °C (72 °F) between night and
day. Their temperature control mechanism relies on action by the bird,
which uses its wings to cover the naked skin of the upper legs and
flanks to conserve heat, or leaves these areas bare to release heat.
When threatened, Ostriches run away, but they can cause serious injury
and death with kicks from their powerful legs. Their legs can only
kick forward
Contrary to popular belief, Ostriches do not bury their heads in sand.
This myth likely began with Pliny the Elder (AD 23-79), who wrote
that Ostriches "imagine when they have thrust their head and neck
into a bush, that the whole of their body is concealed.
The Ostrich is farmed around the world, particularly for its feathers,
which are decorative and are also used as feather dusters. Its skin
is used for leather products and its meat marketed commercially.
Baghryan says that he hasn't yet decided how he will market the birds
but that his endeavor will be profitable.
Ostrich meat, an unknown item in Armenia, tastes similar to lean
beef and is low in fat and cholesterol, as well as high in calcium,
protein and iron. Uncooked, it is dark red or cherry red, a little
darker than beef.
One kilo goes for 15,000 AMD.
"The meat has a distinct flavor and, if produced in quantity,
could compete with beef or pork in terms of price," Baghryan says
confidently.
His ostrich farm, the only one in Artsakh, just started to operate
two weeks ago.
As to the future of ostrich farming in Artsakh, Baghryan said it was
too soon to make any predictions.
But he seems intent on giving it his best shot.
"Sure it's difficult and demanding, but the demand in the Armenian
market alone would seem to justify the effort," says the only ostrich
farmer in Artsakh.
From: A. Papazian
Knar Babayan
hetq
11:46, August 31, 2011
Believe it or not, ostrich farming may be the next big business
in Artsakh.
With a 25 million AMD loan from the Artsakh government and his
own money, Ararat Baghryan is currently raising 50 three month old
ostriches in the Gishi village in the Martouni District.
After extensively researching the market, Baghryan says that there
is great potential in raising the flightless birds that can run up to
97.5 kilometres per hour and lays the largest egg of any living bird.
The ostrich farmer says that only 20% of the international market is
currently being supplied
It cost 39 million AMD to buy the birds, transport them to Artsakh and
purchase feed. The loan wasn't enough. Friends and relatives kicked
in the rest. My partners from Yerevan instructed me about building
the farm which guarantees all the needs of the birds," says Baghryan.
The birds were imported from Kenya along with special food for the
first couple of months. Later on, Baghryan will give them corn,
rye and wheat to eat.
The farmer says that it's even possible to obtain most of the eleven
plants and grasses in Artsakh that comprise the special ostrich feed.
Baghryan says that despite some preliminary concerns, the birds took
to their new surroundings quite well.
He said the birds can also adapt to the colder climes of Artsakh.
Ostriches can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. In much of their
habitat, temperatures vary as much as 40 °C (72 °F) between night and
day. Their temperature control mechanism relies on action by the bird,
which uses its wings to cover the naked skin of the upper legs and
flanks to conserve heat, or leaves these areas bare to release heat.
When threatened, Ostriches run away, but they can cause serious injury
and death with kicks from their powerful legs. Their legs can only
kick forward
Contrary to popular belief, Ostriches do not bury their heads in sand.
This myth likely began with Pliny the Elder (AD 23-79), who wrote
that Ostriches "imagine when they have thrust their head and neck
into a bush, that the whole of their body is concealed.
The Ostrich is farmed around the world, particularly for its feathers,
which are decorative and are also used as feather dusters. Its skin
is used for leather products and its meat marketed commercially.
Baghryan says that he hasn't yet decided how he will market the birds
but that his endeavor will be profitable.
Ostrich meat, an unknown item in Armenia, tastes similar to lean
beef and is low in fat and cholesterol, as well as high in calcium,
protein and iron. Uncooked, it is dark red or cherry red, a little
darker than beef.
One kilo goes for 15,000 AMD.
"The meat has a distinct flavor and, if produced in quantity,
could compete with beef or pork in terms of price," Baghryan says
confidently.
His ostrich farm, the only one in Artsakh, just started to operate
two weeks ago.
As to the future of ostrich farming in Artsakh, Baghryan said it was
too soon to make any predictions.
But he seems intent on giving it his best shot.
"Sure it's difficult and demanding, but the demand in the Armenian
market alone would seem to justify the effort," says the only ostrich
farmer in Artsakh.
From: A. Papazian