Assessment on the potential of Osctrich Farming- A Case Study in Benguet And Baguio City

BIBLIOGRAPHY
SOBREVILLA, RAQUEL C. APRIL 2010. Assessment on the potential of
ostrich farming: A case study in Benguet and Baguio City. Benguet State University, La
Trinidad, Benguet.
Adviser: Prof. Jovita M. Sim
ABSTRACT
This study primarily aimed to find out the potential of ostrich farming in Benguet
and Baguio City. The study was conducting; to determine investment required in ostrich
farming; to identify the problems encountered by ostrich farm owners and to identify the
potential market of ostrich products and by-products. The data were gathered through
personal interview, with the aid of an interview schedule. Actual observation was also
done. Descriptive statistics was employed for the analysis of data.

Results revealed that the capital investment for the Tuba farm was 1,378,878
pesos and 531,933 pesos for Irisan farm. The problems encountered by the ostrich farm
owner were; the ostrich is easy to be fractured, high cost of feeds, disease and parasite
and lack of veterinarian service. The marketing problems identified were high price of the
ostrich product.

Majority of consumer respondents were aware about the ostrich and ostrich
product. Most of the respondents got the information about the ostrich from their friends.
Majority of the respondents were willing to buy ostrich product. Very few of the
respondents have tasted the ostrich meat because it is expensive. Majority of the

respondents were willing to buy ostrich meat and egg if the price is lessened or reduced.
For the ostrich non food product majority of the respondents have never tried ostrich
product such as feather and leather because it expensive.

For the problems on production, ostrich raisers attended seminars and consult
veterinarian. The marketing solutions were the two ostrich farm owner should try to
reduced or lessen the price of the ostrich product.

Market outlet and price of live ostrich and ostrich product. The two ostrich farms
were both a member of the Philippine Import-Export Ostrich Foundation (PIEOF). That
is why they only sell the ostrich meat, egg and live ostrich. The farms sell to their
neighbors and to all the people who visits the farm. The price per kilogram of meat is
1,000-1,500 peso and for the egg is 300-600 peso per piece for the Tuba farm and the
farm in Irisan the price is 400-600 peso per piece. The price for the live ostrich is 100,000
peso per head for the 8 months old ostrich. For the leather and feather, they sell to the
Philippine Import-Export Ostrich Foundation (PIEOF) because the foundation exports the
feather and leather to the different manufacturing company for bags and duster and other
products that could be produced from feather and leather.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

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Bibliography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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Abstract…………... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..
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Table of Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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INTRODUCTION

Rationale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ……
1

Importance of the Study . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..
3

Statement of the Problem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..
3

Objectives of the Study . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..
3

Scope and Delimitation of the Study . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..
3
REVIEW OF LITERATURE

Ostrich Production Enterprise . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..
4
Ostrich Products and its

Socio- Economic Importance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5

Ostrich Production and Breeding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..
5

Cooking Ostrich Meat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..
6
METHODOLOGY

Locale and Time of the Study . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..
8

Respondent of the Study . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..
8

Data Gathering Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..
8

Data Gathered . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8

Data Analysis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8
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INTRODUCTION
Rationale

The Philippines is an agricultural country where Filipinos derive their income
through farming. Poultry production is one of the major enterprises favorable in the
country, either in backyard or commercial basis. Furthermore, there is a consistent
demand for poultry meat due to the increasing human population. Filipinos are meat
eaters. However, in raising poultry there are several factors affecting production. These
factors could be lack of capital, unavailability of stock, adaptability of the stock to local
conditions, care and management and the high cost of commercial feed.

Poultry production in the Philippines is limited to raising chicken, duck, quail and
turkey. But today, there is one bird that is being considered as one of the most profitable
bird in the world “Ostrich”. Ostrich are the largest living birds in the world. Native to
Africa, ostriches are flightless, a characteristics they share with emu, rhea and cassowary.
For the past decade, the ostrich has been seen as potential “get rich quick” scheme. In the
beginning of ostrich craze, people in the market saw their original investment increase
tenfold. But, as number of breeding stock increased, potential investors are cautioned that
the ostrich production may become a financially risky proposition.

Ostriches are farmed for their meat, feathers, egg and skin. The feathers are used
to make feather dusters or as decorations or accessories to clothing. Ostrich feathers are
loose, soft and smooth. They don’t hook together the way feathers of other birds do,
giving ostriches that “shaggy” look. The unique design of the ostrich feather is that dirt
and dust are actually trapped by the many barbs or fingers on the feather. This allows
dust to be gathered and held rather than just moved to a different place. The skin makes
Assessment on the potential of ostrich farming:
A case study in Benguet and Baguio City / Raquel C. Sobrevilla. 2010

2

strong leather. Ostrich produces exotic leather, which is considered as one of the most
luxurious, flexible and durable in the world. It has the same quality as the crocodiles and
snake’s skin, making it an ideal working material for the manufacture of most leather
goods and certainly luxurious leather items. Although an ostrich egg is the largest of all
eggs, it is the smallest egg in relation to the size of the bird. The ostrich egg weighs 1600-
2300 gm (about 3.5 to 5 pounds) and is equivalent in volume to 2 dozen chicken eggs.
Ostrich eggs have been eaten for thousands of years as a delicious healthy food. It is a
little sweeter and fluffier than chicken eggs but tastes almost the same. The egg were
lower in cholesterol and healthier than chicken eggs. The egg yolk is deep yellow-orange
color. Ostrich meat is a wonderful healthy red meat with all the flavor and texture of beef.
It is rich in protein and high in iron yet is lower in fat, calories and cholesterol than
skinless chicken or turkey. Ostrich by-product is the ostrich eggshell. Eggshell used as an
elegant decorations, can be turned into necklaces, bracelet, beads and other accessories. It
can also be decorated, carved, painted or wrapped with printed decorative special paper
and can be sold as jewelry box, lamps or just as decorative ornaments. Other ostrich by-
product is the ostrich oil. Ostrich oil is that the natural way of restoring life and health to
our bodies. The benefit of ostrich oil is it has high concentrate of the healing Omega
Fatty Acids. The oil cures any sorts of skin condition such as cracked heels, burns, dry
skin, acne, eczema etc. The oil is great as a face moisturizer or after shave lotion (Sell,
2006).

Ostrich production is starting to boost in Benguet. There was one farm in Tuba,
Benguet and one in Irisan, Baguio City who started to venture into ostrich production.

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With all the above mentioned utilization of ostrich from feathers to meat and eggs, it is a
very attractive enterprise to someone who has the capital and resources.

Importance of the Study

This study looked into the potential of ostrich production in Benguet and Baguio
City.

The result of the study could be used as a decision factor for entrepreneur
intending to go into ostrich production. Result could be a reference for the other
researchers who are in the same line of interest.

Statement of the Problem
The study aimed to answer the following question.
1. How much capital investment is required in ostrich farming?
2. What are the potential problems encountered by the ostrich farm owners?
3. Who are the potential markets?

Objectives of the Study
1. To determine investment required in ostrich farming.
2. To identify the problems encountered by ostrich farm owners.
3. To identify the potential market of ostrich products and by-products.

Scope and Delimitation of the Study
The study focused on the ostrich production practices, investment requirement,
products and by-products and income potential of producers in Benguet and Baguio
City.

REVIEW OF LITERATURE
Ostrich Production Enterprise

Ostrich has been seen as a potential “get rich quick” scheme. In the beginning of
the ostrich craze, people in the market saw their original investment increase tenfold. But,
as breeding stock numbers increase, potential investors are cautioned that ostrich
production may become a financially risky proposition (Sell, 2006).

Ostrich is a red meat; it’s lower in fat than chicken. Ostrich is a red meat with the
nutritional benefits of poultry. It tastes like beef but is lower in cholesterol and fat and
higher in protein. Ostrich meat may also be healthier than chicken. A 100 gram serving
contains about 9 percent less cholesterol, 48 fewer calories, 57 percent less fat and 7
percent more protein than chicken. When it comes to sustainability, ostrich compare
favorably with cattle because they require less feed and less land, and they reproduce
quickly. Ostriches produce less methane gas than cattle (Censky, 2006).

Benson and Holle (2002) mentioned that in determining the profit potential of
ostrich it is necessary to develop a greater understanding of the factors that control
production end product quality and profitability. The cost per chick should be considered.
It is important to include the costs of incubation. If eggs are infertile or have poor
hatchability, the costs are very much higher per chick hatched.

Enterprising Cordillera traders have successfully marketed the bird to Cordillera
communities by presenting it as a richer alternative to native chicken used in pinikpikan,
a native chicken broth meal that is shared after the chicken undergoes a ritual
(Chumawin, 2009).

Assessment on the potential of ostrich farming:
A case study in Benguet and Baguio City / Raquel C. Sobrevilla. 2010

5

Ostrich Products and its Socio-Economic
Importance

Ostriches were often killed for the use of their hides, which makes fine leather,
and their feathers. Their eggs, which are equivalent to 24 fowl eggs, are often eaten by
animals as well as humans (Donegan, 2002).

Markets for ostriches are currently breeder markets with value determined as
much by nostalgia as the value of products provided by the ostriches. In the long term, if
the ostrich industry is to thrive, the birds will have to generate revenue sufficient to cover
their costs of production. The main products from ostrich are 1) a red meat which is
lower in fat and cholesterol than turkey, 2) leather which is extremely durable with
unique markings and 3) decorative by-products, namely, feathers and eggs. People
currently in the industry believe the ostrich industry will reach maturity in four to seven
years (Sell, 2006).

Ostrich Production and Breeding

Breeding birds needs high level of vitamins at correct ratios to one another to
ensure a good nutrient transfer from hen to egg, and egg to chick. Feeding any less than
these amounts will cause chicks survival problems (UST, 2002).

If your breeders currently have low egg laying, late egg laying, variability in egg
weights, low conversion of eggs to chicks, poorer quality chicks at the end of the season,
high chick mortalities, these are all symptoms of nutritional deficiencies in the breeder
rations. When these nutritional deficiencies are present, common sense dictates that the
inherent genetic potential cannot be correctly identified. If your chicks are hatched with
deformities, they are slow to get growing, there is high mortality, if you are experiencing

6

yolk sac problems, again these are symptoms of poor breeder nutrition. It is therefore
common sense that chicks that are slow to get growing are not only losing valuable time
and optimization of the best period of good feed conversion; it is also not possible to
identify accurately the inherent genetic abilities of the birds (Benson and Holle, 2002).

This can be translated into an imbalanced ration in livestock production. With
Ostrich, they may have plenty to eat, but with their limited daily intake of feed, the birds
will have symptoms of malnutrition if the overall daily intake is insufficient in total
nutrients no matter how much they actually eat (Benson and Holle, 2002).

Furthermore, Benson and Holle (2002) states that good nutrition affects more
things than simply egg production or chick survival. This study proves that Proper
Nutrition influences the age of follicle development and quality of the skin. With proper
nutrition, there are additional economic benefits. Birds raised in this manner produce
greater meat yields. The meat from faster grown muscles is more tender, even in color
and has a good aroma. It is also possible to inventory a lower number of Breeder birds as
their egg production, fertility and hatchability is much higher per bird. Increasing income
from skin, meat and from increased number of birds slaughtered, while lowering the
expense per unit produced with earlier slaughter ages and less Breeder birds is most
certainly “the path to profitability” for the future of the industry.

Cooking Ostrich Meat

With its low fat and cholesterol, and mild beef-like taste it is being highly touted
as a healthy alternative to the meat from cattle. Revealed ostrich meat as lower in fat and
calories than turkey, chicken, pork, and of course beef, ostrich is now clearly considered
as one of the proteins of choice for heart and other cholesterol-sensitive patients who

7

miss the flavor of "red meat", but are skittish about the side effects. "Because of its low
fat content, ostrich cooks faster than other higher fat meat products. It should be cooked
to medium rare but not more than medium to optimize flavor and moisture retention.
Cooking ostrich meat to well will result in a dry product with a slight liver-like after
taste" (Rosenberg, 2006).

Bob (2002) had some tips in cooking Ostrich meat. These are the following:

Steaking, if muscle cuts are not large enough for steaking, make butterfly steaks
or smaller medallions and fillets, using ends and pieces for stir fry, fajita, kabobs,
skewers, etc

Roasting, muscle cuts have to be seared or sealed and cooked quite quickly,
always checking the temperature for doneness.

Mincing, leg trim and better muscle trimming blend well- leave some fat
included.

Processing and Curing, full muscles and trim are well suited for hams, pastrami,
fresh and smoked sausages, pepperoni, jerky, etc.

Cooking Temperatures, steaks should be cooked to the likeness of rare to med-
rare beef appearance. Internal roasting temperature of 140 degree (F) or rare is when to
remove roasts from the oven allowing for hold cooking temperature, cooked ostrich does
not hold well for long periods of time.

METHODOLOGY
Locale and Time of the Study

The study was conducted in Benguet and Baguio City. Specifically in Tuba,
Benguet and Irisan, Baguio City. The study was conducted from November to December
2009.

Respondent of the Study

The respondents of the study were the owners of the ostrich farms, the current and
potential buyers or consumers of ostrich and it’s by-product in Tuba, Benguet and Irisan,
Baguio City.

Data Gathering Procedure

Data were gathered through personal interview, with the aid of an interview
schedule. Actual observation was also done.

Data Gathered

The data gathered were the investments in ostrich farming, care and management
practices. On the part of the potential buyers and consumers the data gathered were their
perception on ostrich and ostrich by- product.

Data Analysis

The data and information gathered from the respondents were tabulated and
analyzed using frequency and descriptive analysis.

Assessment on the potential of ostrich farming:
A case study in Benguet and Baguio City / Raquel C. Sobrevilla. 2010

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Socio-Demographic Profile of
the Owner of the Ostrich Farm

There were only 2 owners of an ostrich farm, one in Tuba, Benguet and the other
one is located in Irisan, Baguio City. These owners served as the respondents of the
study.

The two owners were engaged in business and ostrich farming. Ostrich farming is
a new business venture for them. The ages of the respondents were 39 and 42 years old
respectively. Respondents were male and female. The incomes of the two respondents
were 100,000 to 150,000 pesos per month. The respondents had finished college.

Inventory of Stock

Table 1 shows the inventory of stock of the ostrich farm in Tuba, Benguet and
Irisan, Baguio City.

There were 10 mature ostrich in Tuba, Benguet and 2 mature ostrich in Irisan,
Baguio City. The cost per one mature ostrich in both ostrich farm was 50,000 peso per
head. There were also 21 young ostrich in Tuba, Benguet and 15 young ostrich in Irisan,
Baguio City. The cost per head of young ostrich in both ostrich farm was 12,500 peso per
head.

Assessment on the potential of ostrich farming:
A case study in Benguet and Baguio City / Raquel C. Sobrevilla. 2010

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Table 1. Inventory of stock

PARTICULARS NUMBER OF HEADS COST PER HEAD BOTH

TUBA
IRISAN
(PESO)

Mature

10
2
50,000
Young

21
15
12,500
TOTAL NUMBER OF HEADS 31 17

Ostrich Farm Housing, Equipment
and Facilities

Table 2 shows the housing, equipment and the facilities used in the ostrich farm in
Tuba, Benguet and Irisan, Baguio City.

Equipment and utilities. Both the ostrich farm used electricity and water. The
ostrich farm in Tuba, Benguet paid 3,500 peso for the electricity and 2,000 peso for the
water bill, while the ostrich farm in Irisan, Baguio City paid 2,000 peso for the electricity
and 1,500 peso for the water bill.

Housing or shed. The kind of housing for both ostrich farm were Bamboo with
galvanized roofing. The cost of the housing for the ostrich farm in Tuba, Benguet was
30,000 peso for a floor area of 30 square meters and for the ostrich farm in Irisan, Baguio
City was 20,000 peso for a floor area of 20 square meter.

Facilities. There were two kinds of facilities in the ostrich farm, the drinking
facilities and the feeding facilities. For the drinking facilities, both ostrich farm used
bucket and a homemade waterers made out of plastic jars. For the feeding facilities they
both used aluminum trays and homemade feeders. The homemade feeders in Tuba,
Assessment on the potential of ostrich farming:
A case study in Benguet and Baguio City / Raquel C. Sobrevilla. 2010

11

Benguet was made out of plastic jars and for the homemade feeders in Irisan, Baguio City
is made of used wheels or tire of a car or truck.

Table 2. Housing, equipment and facilities

PARTICULARS

TUBA

IRISAN

Utilities (cost) peso
Electricity

3,500

2,000

Water

2.000

1,500

Housing or shed

Kinds of housing
Bamboo with galvanized
Bamboo with galvanized

roofing

roofing

Cost of housing (peso)
30,000

20,000

Facilities
Drinking facilities
Bucket (cost)

300

200

Homemade waterers

Used tires

300

Plastic jag

300
Feeding facilities
Trays (cost)

300

300
Homemade feeders

Used tires

300
Plastic jag

300

Assessment on the potential of ostrich farming:
A case study in Benguet and Baguio City / Raquel C. Sobrevilla. 2010

12

Feed and Medicine Management

Table 3 shows the feed source of the ostrich farm in Tuba, Benguet and Irisan,
Baguio City. Both farms were getting their feeds and medicines or vitamins from a feeds
supply store in Baguio City. For the ostrich farm in Tuba, Benguet, the ostrich consume 1
tablet of vitamin B complex a day, 1 tablet of calcium a day and 1 sachet of electrolyte a
day. Aside from the vitamins and the electrolyte, the ostrich consume 1 sachet of vetracin
powder (antibiotic) per month. For the ostrich farm in Irisan, Baguio City the ostrich
consume 1 tablet of vitamin B complex a day, 1 tablet of calcium a day and 1 sachet of
electrolyte a day. The cost of vitamin B complex was 30 pesos per bottle which contain
100 tablets. The cost of calcium was 30 pesos per bottle which contain 100 tablets. The
cost of electrolyte was 15 pesos per sachets and for the vetracin was 20 pesos per sachets.

Table 3. Medicines and vitamins intake of the ostrich in the 2 farms

DOSAGE
COST
MEDICINES/VITAMINS

TUBA

IRISAN (PESO)

Vitamin B complex (cost)
1 tab/day
1 tab/day 30
Deworming
Calcium (cost)

1 tab/day

1 tab/day
30

Electrolyte (cost)

1 sachet/day
1 sachet/day 15
Vetracin powder (cost)

1(per month)

20

Assessment on the potential of ostrich farming:
A case study in Benguet and Baguio City / Raquel C. Sobrevilla. 2010

13

Types of Feeds Used in the Ostrich Farm

There were different types of feeds used for the different growth stages of the
ostrich, just like chicks, juvenile and adults’ stage and also when the ostrich start to lay
their eggs. For the ostrich farm in Tuba, Benguet for the total of the 31 heads, the birds
were able to consume 5 sacks of chick booster mash, 5 sacks of chick starter mash, 5 sack
of chick grower mash, and for those ostrich laying eggs 5 sack of chick layer mash were
already consumed. In addition a total of 3 sack of corn was also consumed by the birds.
For the ostrich farm in Irisan, Baguio City, for a total of 17 heads, the birds were able to
consume 3 sack of chick starter mash, 3 sack of chick grower mash and in addition 2
sacks of corn was consume by the birds. The estimated cost of feeds consume of one
ostrich chick to juvenile to adult stage in Tuba, Benguet was 16,000 peso per head,
distributed as follows; from chick stage they spend 5,000 peso for the feeds, juvenile
stage they spend 5,000 peso for the feeds while for the adult stage they spend 6,000 peso
for the feeds. The estimated cost of feeds consumed from chick stage to juvenile stage to
adult stage in Irisan, Baguio City was 10,000 peso per head distribution as follows; for
the chick stage they spend 3,000 peso for the feeds, for the juvenile stage they spend
3,000 peso for the feeds while for the adult stage they spend 4,000 peso for the feeds.

General Flock Management

Table 4 shows the layer and chick management of the ostrich farm in Tuba,
Benguet and Irisan, Baguio City. The two ostrich farm used brooding management and
they maintained proper temperature. In Tuba, Benguet the farm used proper ventilation
because it is usually warm in the place.

Assessment on the potential of ostrich farming:
A case study in Benguet and Baguio City / Raquel C. Sobrevilla. 2010

14

Health and Sanitation Management

Table 5 shows the disease control program of the ostrich farm in Tuba, Benguet
and Irisan, Baguio City. Both farm used deworming and vaccination for the ostrich. The
Tuba ostrich farm had their own veterinarian to oversee the health condition of the birds
while in Irisan, Baguio City they don’t have their own veterinarian. The reason why
ostrich farm in Irisan, Baguio City have no veterinarians for their ostrich is because there
is only few ostrich in this farm.

Table 4. General flock management

TUBA

IRISAN

Do not use incubator

Do not use incubator
(Natural incubation)

(Natural incubation)

Used brooding house

Used brooding house

Maintained proper temperature

Maintained proper temperature

With proper ventilation

None

Table 5. Health and sanitation management

PARTICULARS

TUBA

IRISAN
Disease control program

Deworming

practice deworming
practice deworming
Vaccination

practice vaccination
practice vaccination

of bird of bird

Veterinary services

Available

Not available

Assessment on the potential of ostrich farming:
A case study in Benguet and Baguio City / Raquel C. Sobrevilla. 2010

15

Market Outlet of Live Ostrich
and Ostrich Product

Table 6 shows the outlet of live ostrich and ostrich product. The two ostrich farms
were both a member of the Philippine Import-Export Ostrich Foundation (PIEOF). That
is why they only sell the ostrich meat, egg and live ostrich. The farms sell to their
neighbors and to the people who visits the farm. The prices per kilogram of meat is
1,000-1,500 peso and for the egg is 300-600 peso per piece for the Tuba farm, while the
farm in Irisan, the price is 400-600 peso per piece. The price for the live ostrich is
100,000 peso per head for the 8 months old ostrich in the both farm. For the leather and
feather, they sell to the Philippine Import-Export Ostrich Foundation (PIEOF) because
the foundation exports the feather and leather to the different manufacturing company for
bags and duster and other products that could be produced from feather and leather.

Capital Investment

The investment of the Tuba farm for the stock, housing and facilities: drinking
facilities and feeding facilities totaled to 792,500 peso while for the Irisan farm with
lesser number of head had a total investment of 308,500 peso. For the supplies and
material, the total cost for the Tuba farm is 586,378 peso for entire growing period while
for the Irisan farm total was 223,433 peso. Total investment of Tuba farm with the 31
heads is 1,378,878 peso and for Irisan farm was 531,933 peso for the 17 heads (Table 7).

Table 6. Market outlet and price of live ostrich and ostrich product

PRICE (PhP)
PARTICULARS

TUBA

IRISAN
Ostrich meat
1,000-1, 5000/kg

1,000-1,500/kg
Ostrich Egg

300-600/pc
400-600/pc
Assessment on the potential of ostrich farming:
A case study in Benguet and Baguio City / Raquel C. Sobrevilla. 2010

16

Table 6. Continued. . . .

PRICE (PhP)
PARTICULARS

TUBA

IRISAN
Ostrich Feather

did not reveal

did not reveal
Ostrich Leather

did not reveal

did not reveal
Live Ostrich

100,000/head

100,000/head

Table 7. Capital investment
PARTICULARS

AMOUNT (PESOS)

TUBA (31 HEADS)

IRISAN (17 HEADS)

Bird
Mature

500,000

100,000
Young

262,500

187,500
Housing

30,000

20,000

Drinking and feeding

facilities

16,800

6,000

Sub-Total

792,500

308,500

Supplies and utilities
Feeds

496,000

170,000
Medicines

46,378

25,433
Utilities

44,000

28,000
(Water and electricity)

Sub. Total

586,378

223,433

TOTAL

1,378,878

531,933

Assessment on the potential of ostrich farming:
A case study in Benguet and Baguio City / Raquel C. Sobrevilla. 2010

17

Problems Encountered by the Ostrich
Farm Owner and Action Undertaken

Both ostrich farm owners encountered the following problems; ostrich easily get
fractured, high cost of feeds, disease and parasite. In addition, the farm owner in Irisan
experienced lack of veterinarian service. This was because he did not have any
veterinarian for his farm. Marketing problems encountered were the high price of ostrich
product both food and non-food.

To solve the problem, the farm owners attended seminars in ostrich raising
through the Philippine Import-Export Ostrich Foundation and consult veterinarian.
Sometimes, the farm owners reduce the price of the ostrich product to solve marketing
problems.

Socio-Demographic Profile of the
Consumer or Potential Consumer

Table 8 shows the profile of the consumer respondents according to occupation,
age, sex, ethnic affiliation, monthly income or allowance and highest educational
attainment.

Table 8. Profile of the consumer or potential consumer
CHARACTERISTICS

FREQUENCY

PERCENTAGE
Occupation
Housewife

73

37
Government employee or

49

24
Private agencies

Businessman or woman

40

20
Student

29

14
Assessment on the potential of ostrich farming:
A case study in Benguet and Baguio City / Raquel C. Sobrevilla. 2010

18

Table 8. Continued. . . .
CHARACTERISTICS

FREQUENCY

PERCENTAGE
Farmer

9

5
TOTAL

200

100
Age
Less than 20

31

15
21-39

131

65

40- 59

31

16
60- 69

5

3
70 and above

2

1
TOTAL

200

100
Mean age= 38.5
Gender
Female

129

65
Male

71

35

TOTAL

200

100

Ethnic affiliation
Igorot

93
46.5
Ilocano

82
41
Tagalog

24
12
Pangasinense

1
.5

TOTAL

200
100

Assessment on the potential of ostrich farming:
A case study in Benguet and Baguio City / Raquel C. Sobrevilla. 2010

19

Table 8. Continued. . . .

CHARACTERISTICS

FREQUENCY

PERCENTAGE

Income or monthly allowance

5000- below

113

57
5001- 10000

63

31
10001- 15000

7

3.5
15001- 20000

16

8
20001- above

1

0.5
TOTAL
200
100

Highest Educational Attainment
Elementary

4

2
High School

48

24
College

145

72
Vocational and 3

2
Undergraduate

TOTAL

200

100

Occupation. Thirty seven percent of the respondents were housewife, and other
respondents include teachers, security guard, driver etc (24%). Twenty percent were
businessman or woman, 14% were student while the 5% were farmers.

Age. The age of the respondent range from less than 20 years old to 70 years old
and above. Most (65%) of the respondents belonged to age bracket 21- 39 years old, 16%
were from the age bracket of 40- 59 and 15% were the less than 20 years old, 3% were
Assessment on the potential of ostrich farming:
A case study in Benguet and Baguio City / Raquel C. Sobrevilla. 2010

20

the 60- 69 years old and 1% was more than 70 years old. The mean age of the
respondents was 38.5 years old. The result shows that there was a wide distribution on
the age of the respondents.

Gender. Out of the 200 respondents, 65% were female and 35% were male.

Ethnic affiliation. Igorot was the common ethnic affiliation of the respondents.
This was followed by Ilocano 41% then Tagalog 12% and Pangasinense 0.5%.

Income or monthly allowance. The income or monthly allowance of the
respondent ranges from below 5,000 to above 20,000 peso per month. Most (57%)
belonged to income bracket of 5000 pesos and below. 31% belonged income bracket
ranging from 5,001-10,000 pesos, 8% from income bracket of 15,001-20,000 peso, 3.5%
from the income bracket of 10,001- 15,000 peso and 0.5% with the income bracket of
20,001 peso and above.

Highest educational attainment. The educational attainment was classified into
four: elementary, high school, college and the vocational and undergraduate.

Majority (72%) of the respondents, reached college level, 24% finished high
school level, 2% had finished elementary level while 2% had finished vocational course
or college undergraduate.

Assessment on the potential of ostrich farming:
A case study in Benguet and Baguio City / Raquel C. Sobrevilla. 2010

21

Awareness of Respondent About the Ostrich
and Ostrich By-Product

Majority (86%) of the respondents knew or heard the ostrich and ostrich product,
thus, the respondents were aware of what is ostrich and ostrich by-product. On the other
hand, 14% of the respondents have no idea or were not aware of ostrich and ostrich by-
product (Table 9).

Source of Information about Ostrich and
Ostrich By-Product

Table 10 shows that majority (71%) of the respondents acquired the information
about ostrich and its by-product from their friends, 70% acquired from their neighbors.
39% from family; 37% from literature and publications; 31% from television and 4%
from radio and internet.

Table 9. Awareness of respondents about ostrich and ostrich by-product

CHARACTERISTICS

FREQUENCY

PERCENTAGE

Aware

172

86
Not aware

28

14
TOTAL

200

100

Assessment on the potential of ostrich farming:
A case study in Benguet and Baguio City / Raquel C. Sobrevilla. 2010

22

Table 10. Source of information about ostrich and
Ostrich by-product

CHARACTERISTICS

FREQUENCY

PERCENTAGE
Family

78

39

Friends

141

71
Neighbor

139

70
Literature/publication

73

37
Television

62

31
Radio and internet

8

4
* Multiple responses

Willingness to Buy the Ostrich Products

Table 11 and 12 shows that majority (83%) of the respondents were willing to buy
ostrich meat while only 17% do not want to buy ostrich meat. All of the respondents were
willing to buy ostrich meat for food. For the feather, 72% of the respondents want to buy
ostrich feather and 28% do not want to buy it. For the feather 27% of the respondents
who were willing to buy ostrich feather wants it for business purposes while 78% want it
for other purposes such as for cleaning and decorations. For the leather, 74% want to buy
it and 27% do not want to buy ostrich leather because it was too expensive. For the
leather, 27% of the respondents who were willing to buy ostrich leather want it for
business purposes while 87% want it for others purposes like decorations and for own
use. Out of the 162 respondents who were willing to buy ostrich eggs want to buy for
food. Majority (69%) of the respondents want to buy ostrich by-product such as ostrich
eggshell and ostrich oil, while 31% do not want to buy it. For the ostrich by-product 29%
Assessment on the potential of ostrich farming:
A case study in Benguet and Baguio City / Raquel C. Sobrevilla. 2010

23

of the respondents who were willing to buy ostrich by-product want it for business while
77% want it for others purposes such as for decorations and for their own use.

Table 11. Willingness to buy the ostrich products

PRODUCT WILLING TO BUY %
NOT WILLING TO BUY %

Meat
167
83

33
17
Feather
145
72

55
28
Leather
147
73

53
27
Egg
162
81

38
19
By-product 139
70

61
31
Mean= 159
* Multiple responses

Table 12. Where to use the ostrich product

FOOD % BUSINESS % OTHERS %
Meat

167 100

Feather

40
28
113 78
Leather

40 27
122 83
Egg

160 99
By-product

40 29
107 77
* Multiple responses

Assessment on the potential of ostrich farming:
A case study in Benguet and Baguio City / Raquel C. Sobrevilla. 2010

24

Number of Respondents who have
Tasted the Ostrich Meat

Majority (77%) of the respondents have never tasted ostrich meat because it is so
expensive and they cannot afford to buy. The respondents mentioned that it is better to
buy pork or chicken meat because it is much cheaper than the ostrich meat. Furthermore,
they mentioned that if the price of the ostrich meat will be lower they will buy because it
is very nutritious. Only 23% have tasted ostrich meat. The respondent who tasted it says
that it taste like beef and it is very delicious (Table 13).

Price Acceptability About the
Ostrich Product

Table 14 shows that majority (74%) of the respondents want to buy ostrich meat if
the price will range from 100-500 peso per kilo, 17% were willing to buy at price ranging
from 501- 1000 peso, and 8% were willing at price ranging from 1001-1500 peso. For the
egg majority (87%) of the respondents want to buy ostrich egg if the price range from
100-300 pesos, 7% with price ranging from 301-500 and 5% with price ranging from
501-700 peso.

Table 13. No. of respondents who have tasted the ostrich meat

PARTICULARS

FREQUENCY

PERCENTAGE

Tasted ostrich meat

46

23
Have not tasted ostrich meat 154

77
TOTAL

200

100

Assessment on the potential of ostrich farming:
A case study in Benguet and Baguio City / Raquel C. Sobrevilla. 2010

25

Table 14. Price acceptability about the ostrich product

PARTICULARS

FREQUENCY

PERCENTAGE

Meat

100-500
118

74

501-1000
28

17.5
1001-1500
13

8.5

TOTAL

159

100
Egg
100-300 134

86.5
301-500 14

9
501-700 7
4.5
TOTAL

155

100

Willingness to buy Ostrich Meat and Egg

Majority (79%) of the respondents were willing to buy ostrich meat and egg. For
the meat, the consumer respondents mentioned that it is very nutritious, lower in fat,
calories, cholesterol and good for the heart. For the egg they say that it is very nutritious
and lower in cholesterol than any other eggs. While 21% do not want to buy because they
mentioned that it is so expensive and they prefer chicken meat and egg rather than ostrich
meat and egg because it is always available in the market (Table 15).

Assessment on the potential of ostrich farming:
A case study in Benguet and Baguio City / Raquel C. Sobrevilla. 2010

26

Consumer Respondents who Tried
Ostrich Non-Food Product

Table 16 shows that majority of the respondents never tried to use ostrich product
such as ostrich feather, leather and ostrich by-product such as ostrich eggshell and ostrich
oil. Only 2% of the respondents tried using ostrich feather, 7% of the respondents tried
ostrich leather and only 4% of the respondents tried ostrich by-product. The reason for
this was the ostrich non food product was so expensive, only rich people can afford to
buy these products. Result implies that very few have tried using ostrich non-food
product.

Table 15. Willingness to buy ostrich meat and egg

PARTICULARS

FREQUENCY

PERCENTAGE

Willing to buy

159

79.5
Not willing to buy

41

20.5
TOTAL

200

100

Table 16. Consumer respondents who tried ostrich non-food product
PARTICULARS

TRIED

HAVE NOT TRIED

F

%

F

%

Feather

4
2

196
98
Leather

14

7

186
93
Eggshell 8
4

192
96
and ostrich oil

Assessment on the potential of ostrich farming:
A case study in Benguet and Baguio City / Raquel C. Sobrevilla. 2010

27

Perception about Ostrich Feather
and Ostrich leather

Table 17 shows that only 3% have tried ostrich feather duster and they say it is
very good or more convenient for cleaning. The reason for this was because there are
only few stores who sell ostrich feather duster and price had higher compared to the other
feather dusters that sold to the market or malls. The respondent mentioned that they
prefer to buy the cheap feather duster because it is available anywhere. For the ostrich
leather only 7% of the respondent tried ostrich leather and they mentioned that it is very
durable. The reason for the small percentage of respondents who have tried ostrich
leather was because it was very expensive; some ostrich leather is worth million.
Furthermore, there were few stores who sell ostrich leather.

Table 17. Perception about the ostrich feather and ostrich leather

PARTICULARS

FREQUENCY PERCENTAGE

The feather were attractive 5

3
and good for cleaning

The leather was durable
14

7

Assessment on the potential of ostrich farming:
A case study in Benguet and Baguio City / Raquel C. Sobrevilla. 2010

SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATION
Summary

This study was conducted in Benguet and Baguio City particularly in Tadiangan,
Tuba, Benguet and Santo Nino, Irisan, Baguio City. The study was conducted; to
determine investment required in ostrich farming; to identify the problems encountered
by ostrich farm owners and to identify the potential market of ostrich products and by-
products.

The 2 owners of the ostrich farm in Tadiangan, Tuba, Benguet and Santo Nino,
Irisan, Baguio City and 200 consumer or potential consumer served as respondents of the
study. Consumer respondents were chosen at random.

Ostrich farming is a new business venture for the two farm owner. The ages of the
respondents were 39 and 42 years old respectively. The incomes of the two respondents
were 100,000 to 150,000 pesos per month. The two respondents had finished college.

The housing or shed of the both ostrich farm, was made of bamboo with
galvanized roofing, their utilities were both water and electricity and for their facilities
they have 2 different kinds of drinking and feeding facilities. For their feed source both
get their feeds from feed supply store. The feeds used by the ostrich farm in Tuba,
Benguet were chick booster mash, starter mash, grower mash and layer mash. For the
ostrich farm in Irisan, Baguio City, chick starter mash and the grower mash were used.
For the general flock management, both used brooding management and maintenance of
proper temperature. On the health and sanitation management both ostrich farm deworm
and vaccinate their birds. Ostrich farm in Benguet have her own veterinarian while
ostrich farm in Baguio City have no veterinarians. The capital investment for the Tuba
Assessment on the potential of ostrich farming:
A case study in Benguet and Baguio City / Raquel C. Sobrevilla. 2010

29

farm was 1,378,878 pesos and 531,933 pesos for Irisan farm. Both farms sell the ostrich
meat at 1,000- 1,500 peso per kilo, the egg at 300- 600 peso in Tuba and 400-600 peso in
Irisan and the live ostrich at 100,000 peso for an eight month old ostrich.

The problems encountered by the ostrich farm owner were; the ostrich is easy to
be fractured, high cost of feeds, disease and parasite and lack of veterinarian service. The
marketing problems identified were high price of the ostrich product. For the problems on
production, ostrich raisers attended seminars and consult veterinarian. The marketing
solutions were the two ostrich farm owner should try to reduced or lessen the price of the
ostrich product.

Most of the consumer respondents were housewife. The ages of the respondents’
ranges from less than 20 years old and 70 years old and above. Majority were female.
Majority of consumer respondents were aware about the ostrich and ostrich product.
Most of the respondents got the information about the ostrich from their friends. Majority
of the respondents were willing to buy ostrich product if the price were reduced. Very
few of the respondents have tasted the ostrich meat because it is expensive. For the
ostrich non food product majority of the respondents have never tried ostrich product
such as feather and leather because it expensive.

Conclusions

The following conclusions were drawn based on the findings of the study:
1. There were 2 commercial ostrich farm identified, one farm in Tuba, Benguet
and one in Irisan, Baguio City.
2. The capital investment for ostrich farm was 1,378,878 pesos for 31 heads
and 531,933 pesos for 17 heads.

30

3. The problems encountered by the ostrich farm owner were; the ostrich easily
get fractured, high cost of feeds, disease and parasite and the ostrich farm in Irisan,
Baguio City was lack of veterinarian service.
4. Ostrich was raised mainly for meat. However other product could be derived
such as egg, feather, leather and ostrich by-product like eggshell and ostrich oil.
5. Very few consumers have tasted ostrich meat and have tried or used ostrich
non-food products.
6. Consumers do not want to buy ostrich products because of its high price.
7. Consumers were willing to buy ostrich food and non-food product if price
will be reduced or lessen.
8. Ostrich farming was potentially viable as a business but for those who have
capital and target market for the product was the class A consumers who can afford to
buy.

Recommendation
The owner of the both ostrich farm should lower the price of the ostrich product
such as meat and egg, because not all people can afford to buy it. It is recommended that
raiser should put up their own store in the market to make it available to other
consumers.

LITERATURE CITED
BENSON, F. and D. HOLLE. 2002. Influences of Ostrich Skin Quality. Age or

Nutrition? The welfare of Ostrich and Malnutrition. Genetics and Nutrition.

Proving the Untapped Production and the Profit potential of ostrich. BDOA

(British Domesticated Ostrich Association). Retrieved August 2009.

http//www.BlueMountainOstrichNutrition.com

BOB, C. 2002. Ostrich meat: Cooking Tips. Retrieved August 2009.

http//www.OstrichMeatCookingTips.com

CENSKY, A. R. 2006, “Ostrich- the other Green Meat”. Retrieved August 2009.

http//www.Ostrich-theOtherGreenMeat.com

CHUMAWIN, P. 2009. Founder of the Philippine Import-Export Ostrich Foundation.

Retrieved September 2009. http//www.PhilippineImport-

ExportOstrichFoundation.com

DONEGAN, K.
2002. Struthio Camelus.
Retrieved
August 2009.

http//StruthioCamelus.com

ROSENBERG, B. 2006. “Big Bird” bound onto the dining scene. Retrieved August

2009. http//www.BigbirdBoundontothediningscene.com

SELL R. 2006. Ostrich. Retrieved August 2009. http//www.Ostrich.com

University of Santo Thomas (UST). 2002. Ostrich Nutrition and Health. Retrieved

August 2009. http//www.
BlueMountainOstrichNutrition.com

Assessment on the potential of ostrich farming:
A case study in Benguet and Baguio City / Raquel C. Sobrevilla. 2010

Document Outline

Assessment on the potential of Osctrich Farming- A Case Study in Benguet And Baguio City
- BIBLIOGRAPHY
- ABSTRACT
- TABLE OF CONTENTS
- INTRODUCTION
  - Rationale
  - Importance of the Study
  - Statement of the Problem
  - Objectives of the Study
  - Scope and Delimitation of the Study
- REVIEW OF LITERATURE
  - Ostrich Production Enterprise
  - Ostrich Products and its Socio-EconomicImportance
  - Ostrich Production and Breeding
  - Cooking Ostrich Meat
- METHODOLOGY
  - Locale and Time of the Study
  - Respondent of the Study
  - Data Gathering Procedure
  - Data Gathered
  - Data Analysis
- RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
  - Socio-Demographic Profile ofthe Owner of the Ostrich Farm
  - Inventory of Stock
  - Ostrich Farm Housing, Equipmentand Facilities
  - Feed and Medicine Management
  - Types of Feeds Used in the Ostrich Farm
  - General Flock Management
  - Health and Sanitation Management
  - Market Outlet of Live Ostrichand Ostrich Product
  - Capital Investment
  - Problems Encountered by the OstrichFarm Owner and Action Undertaken
  - Socio-Demographic Profile of the Consumer or Potential Consumer
  - Awareness of Respondent About the Ostrichand Ostrich By-Product
  - Source of Information about Ostrich andOstrich By-Product
  - Willingness to Buy the Ostrich Products
  - Number of Respondents who haveTasted the Ostrich Meat
  - Price Acceptability About theOstrich Product
  - Willingness to buy Ostrich Meat and Egg
  - Consumer Respondents who TriedOstrich Non-Food Product
  - Perception about Ostrich Featherand Ostrich leather
- SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATION
  - Summary
  - Conclusions
  - Recommendation
- LITERATURE CITED