Soy Excellence Center

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Mohamed Hamada Nasser

Member
October 16, 2025 at 9:50 am in reply to: ostrich

Although ostriches grow fast and produce valuable meat, leather, and feathers, they aren’t raised worldwide mainly because of climate, management, and market challenges. They need warm, dry environments, large open spaces, and special handling that many regions can’t provide efficiently. Also, high startup costs, limited processing facilities, and unstable market demand make large-scale ostrich farming less feasible outside Africa.Although ostriches grow fast and produce valuable meat, leather, and feathers, they aren’t raised worldwide mainly because of climate, management, and market challenges. They need warm, dry environments, large open spaces, and special handling that many regions can’t provide efficiently. Also, high startup costs, limited processing facilities, and unstable market demand make large-scale ostrich farming less feasible outside Africa.
Muhammad Ahmad

Member
October 16, 2025 at 9:47 am in reply to: ostrich

While ostriches are indeed farmed commercially in a few non-African countries like Iran and parts of the United States and Australia, they are not raised commercially worldwide due and South Africa’s dominance.

The primary reasons for the lack of widespread commercial ostrich farming outside of Africa are related to infrastructure, market development, and biological challenges.

1. Lack of Established Infrastructure and Market

The biggest hurdle for the ostrich industry outside of Africa is the absence of a vertically integrated supply chain, which South Africa spent decades developing.

* Processing Infrastructure: There is a severe lack of specialized, EU-approved abattoirs and processing facilities dedicated solely to ostriches. Ostrich processing is complex due to the size of the bird and the need to preserve the valuable hide, meat, and feathers separately and hygienically for export.

* Market Development: The global market for ostrich products (meat, leather, and feathers) is small and niche. Producers in new regions struggle to find reliable, high-volume buyers. The market is often production-led (farmers produce and then seek buyers) rather than demand-led (producers supply a known contract), leading to volatile prices and fierce competition.

* South African Monopoly: South Africa has a near-monopoly on the global ostrich market, particularly for high-end leather. They have controlled the genetics and the processing chain for over a century, making it incredibly difficult for smaller, international competitors to gain market share.

2. Biological and Technical Challenges

While ostriches are hardy birds, raising them efficiently for commercial slaughter is technically demanding, especially for new producers.

* High Reproductive Problems: Ostrich farming often struggles with low fertility and high embryonic mortality in eggs, meaning fewer chicks per breeding pair compared to poultry.

* Chicks are Fragile: Ostrich chicks are susceptible to various health issues, including post-hatching leg deformities and digestive problems (starve-out deaths), resulting in a high mortality rate during the first few months of life.

* High Initial Cost: The initial investment required for breeding stock, secure fencing, and specialized housing is significantly higher than for traditional poultry or livestock.

3. Economic and Regulatory Issues

* High Feed Costs: Outside of their native arid environment where they can utilize inexpensive fiber-rich forage, farmers in intensive systems often rely on expensive commercial feed, which dramatically increases production costs and reduces profit margins.

* Regulatory Fit: In many non-traditional farming countries (like those in the EU), the ostrich does not fit neatly into existing regulatory frameworks for livestock, creating confusion regarding animal welfare, slaughter standards, and health certification for trade.

* “Fad” Industry: Historically, interest in ostrich farming outside Africa has been driven by speculative “breeder bird” sales (selling birds for their high price rather than their meat/leather production) rather than sustainable commercial meat production, leading to market collapses once the initial excitement wore off.While ostriches are indeed farmed commercially in a few non-African countries like Iran and parts of the United States and Australia, they are not raised commercially worldwide due and South Africa’s dominance.
The primary reasons for the lack of widespread commercial ostrich farming outside of Africa are related to infrastructure, market development, and biological challenges.
1. Lack of Established Infrastructure and Market
The biggest hurdle for the ostrich industry outside of Africa is the absence of a vertically integrated supply chain, which South Africa spent decades developing.
* Processing Infrastructure: There is a severe lack of specialized, EU-approved abattoirs and processing facilities dedicated solely to ostriches. Ostrich processing is complex due to the size of the bird and the need to preserve the valuable hide, meat, and feathers separately and hygienically for export.
* Market Development: The global market for ostrich products (meat, leather, and feathers) is small and niche. Producers in new regions struggle to find reliable, high-volume buyers. The market is often production-led (farmers produce and then seek buyers) rather than demand-led (producers supply a known contract), leading to volatile prices and fierce competition.
* South African Monopoly: South Africa has a near-monopoly on the global ostrich market, particularly for high-end leather. They have controlled the genetics and the processing chain for over a century, making it incredibly difficult for smaller, international competitors to gain market share.
2. Biological and Technical Challenges
While ostriches are hardy birds, raising them efficiently for commercial slaughter is technically demanding, especially for new producers.
* High Reproductive Problems: Ostrich farming often struggles with low fertility and high embryonic mortality in eggs, meaning fewer chicks per breeding pair compared to poultry.
* Chicks are Fragile: Ostrich chicks are susceptible to various health issues, including post-hatching leg deformities and digestive problems (starve-out deaths), resulting in a high mortality rate during the first few months of life.
* High Initial Cost: The initial investment required for breeding stock, secure fencing, and specialized housing is significantly higher than for traditional poultry or livestock.
3. Economic and Regulatory Issues
* High Feed Costs: Outside of their native arid environment where they can utilize inexpensive fiber-rich forage, farmers in intensive systems often rely on expensive commercial feed, which dramatically increases production costs and reduces profit margins.
* Regulatory Fit: In many non-traditional farming countries (like those in the EU), the ostrich does not fit neatly into existing regulatory frameworks for livestock, creating confusion regarding animal welfare, slaughter standards, and health certification for trade.
* “Fad” Industry: Historically, interest in ostrich farming outside Africa has been driven by speculative “breeder bird” sales (selling birds for their high price rather than their meat/leather production) rather than sustainable commercial meat production, leading to market collapses once the initial excitement wore off.
Mohamed Hamada Nasser

Member
October 16, 2025 at 9:46 am in reply to: Environmental Concerns
Major environmental concerns in aquaculture include:
1. Water pollution – from uneaten feed, fish waste, and chemicals that increase nutrient loads.
2. Habitat destruction – such as mangrove loss from pond construction.
3. Escaped farmed species – can compete or interbreed with wild fish.
4. Disease and parasite transfer – from farmed to wild populations.
5. Overuse of resources – like fishmeal and freshwater.
6. Antibiotic and chemical residues – harming aquatic ecosystems.
Sustainable practices like recirculating systems, biofiltration, and eco-friendly feeds help reduce these impacts.Major environmental concerns in aquaculture include:

Water pollution – from uneaten feed, fish waste, and chemicals that increase nutrient loads.

Habitat destruction – such as mangrove loss from pond construction.

Escaped farmed species – can compete or interbreed with wild fish.

Disease and parasite transfer – from farmed to wild populations.

Overuse of resources – like fishmeal and freshwater.

Antibiotic and chemical residues – harming aquatic ecosystems.

Sustainable practices like recirculating systems, biofiltration, and eco-friendly feeds help reduce these impacts.
Mohamed Hamada Nasser

Member
October 16, 2025 at 9:45 am in reply to: Simple Biosecurity Habits

One simple but effective habit is using footbaths and changing footwear before entering poultry houses. It greatly reduces the risk of carrying pathogens between flocks and is easy to apply daily. Consistent handwashing and equipment disinfection also go a long way in keeping the farm disease-free.One simple but effective habit is using footbaths and changing footwear before entering poultry houses. It greatly reduces the risk of carrying pathogens between flocks and is easy to apply daily. Consistent handwashing and equipment disinfection also go a long way in keeping the farm disease-free.
Muhammad Ahmad

Member
October 16, 2025 at 9:43 am in reply to: Simple Biosecurity Habits

Daily shower

Cleaning

Spraying of disinfectant

Cloth changing
Mohamed Hamada Nasser

Member
October 16, 2025 at 9:42 am in reply to: cooked appearance of meat

Birds that die from heat stress often show a “cooked” appearance on the breast because high body temperature and poor blood circulation cause protein denaturation in the muscles before or soon after death. This leads to pale, soft, and exudative (PSE)-like meat, resembling partially cooked tissue due to internal overheating and lack of oxygen in muscle cells.Birds that die from heat stress often show a “cooked” appearance on the breast because high body temperature and poor blood circulation cause protein denaturation in the muscles before or soon after death. This leads to pale, soft, and exudative (PSE)-like meat, resembling partially cooked tissue due to internal overheating and lack of oxygen in muscle cells.
Mohamed Hamada Nasser

Member
October 16, 2025 at 9:40 am in reply to: Nutritional requirements

Broilers need high-energy, high-protein diets for fast growth — typically protein 20–23%, metabolizable energy 3000–3200 kcal/kg, plus balanced amino acids, vitamins, and minerals.

Layers require lower protein (16–18%) but higher calcium (3.5–4%) for strong eggshells, along with adequate phosphorus, vitamins, and trace minerals to maintain egg production and quality.Broilers need high-energy, high-protein diets for fast growth — typically protein 20–23%, metabolizable energy 3000–3200 kcal/kg, plus balanced amino acids, vitamins, and minerals.

Layers require lower protein (16–18%) but higher calcium (3.5–4%) for strong eggshells, along with adequate phosphorus, vitamins, and trace minerals to maintain egg production and quality.
Muhammad Ahmad

Member
October 16, 2025 at 9:39 am in reply to: Environmental Concerns

Good explanation
Mohamed Hamada Nasser

Member
October 16, 2025 at 9:39 am in reply to: Poultry

Newly hatched chicks need high protein levels to support rapid growth and muscle development — typically 20–23% crude protein in the starter diet for the first 2–3 weeks. The protein should come from high-quality, digestible sources like soybean meal and fish meal, balanced with essential amino acids (especially lysine and methionine).Newly hatched chicks need high protein levels to support rapid growth and muscle development — typically 20–23% crude protein in the starter diet for the first 2–3 weeks. The protein should come from high-quality, digestible sources like soybean meal and fish meal, balanced with essential amino acids (especially lysine and methionine).
Mohamed Hamada Nasser

Member
October 16, 2025 at 9:38 am in reply to: Anticoccidial effects of oregano and garlic

That’s a great finding — it shows that oregano and garlic essential oils can effectively reduce Eimeria oocyst shedding, likely by disrupting parasite development and enhancing gut immunity. Such herbal additives offer a promising natural alternative to synthetic anticoccidials, supporting both health and performance in broilers.That’s a great finding — it shows that oregano and garlic essential oils can effectively reduce Eimeria oocyst shedding, likely by disrupting parasite development and enhancing gut immunity. Such herbal additives offer a promising natural alternative to synthetic anticoccidials, supporting both health and performance in broilers.
Mohamed Hamada Nasser

Member
October 16, 2025 at 9:38 am in reply to: Hammer mill sieve size

The ideal hammer mill sieve size depends on bird age and feed type:

<ul data-start=”75″ data-end=”409″>
Broiler pre-starter: 2.0–2.5 mm (fine grind for better digestibility)
Starter: 2.5–3.0 mm
Finisher: 3.0–3.5 mm
Layer phase 1 & 2: 3.0–4.0 mm (coarser to aid gizzard function)
Breeder feed: 3.5–4.0 mm
Pellet feed: Slightly finer (around 2.5–3.0 mm) for better pellet quality and binding.

Proper particle size improves digestibility, pellet durability, and bird performance.The ideal hammer mill sieve size depends on bird age and feed type:

Broiler pre-starter: 2.0–2.5 mm (fine grind for better digestibility)

Starter: 2.5–3.0 mm

Finisher: 3.0–3.5 mm

Layer phase 1 & 2: 3.0–4.0 mm (coarser to aid gizzard function)

Breeder feed: 3.5–4.0 mm

Pellet feed: Slightly finer (around 2.5–3.0 mm) for better pellet quality and binding.

Proper particle size improves digestibility, pellet durability, and bird performance.

Mohamed Hamada Nasser

Member

October 16, 2025 at 9:37 am in reply to: Feed

A sudden drop in feed intake can result from several factors:

Temperature stress – High heat or cold stress reduces appetite.
Poor feed quality – Rancid fats, mold, or ingredient changes affect palatability.
Water issues – Dirty or unavailable water immediately lowers feed intake.
Disease or vaccination stress – Illness or recent vaccination can suppress appetite.
Lighting or ventilation changes – Poor air quality or sudden light adjustments disturb feeding behavior.A sudden drop in feed intake can result from several factors:

Temperature stress – High heat or cold stress reduces appetite.

Poor feed quality – Rancid fats, mold, or ingredient changes affect palatability.

Water issues – Dirty or unavailable water immediately lowers feed intake.

Disease or vaccination stress – Illness or recent vaccination can suppress appetite.

Lighting or ventilation changes – Poor air quality or sudden light adjustments disturb feeding behavior.

Mohamed Hamada Nasser

Member

October 16, 2025 at 9:36 am in reply to: Cost management

To calculate cost of production and determine profit margins in poultry or livestock farming:

Add all costs – include feed, chicks, vaccines, labor, utilities, housing, litter, and depreciation of equipment.
Divide total cost by output – e.g., per kg of meat or per dozen eggs.
Determine selling price – based on market rates.
Calculate profit margin –

<math xmlns=”http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML” display=”block”><semantics><mrow><mtext>Profit Margin (%)</mtext><mo>=</mo><mfrac><mrow><mo stretchy=”false”>(</mo><mtext>Selling Price</mtext><mo>−</mo><mtext>Production Cost</mtext><mo stretchy=”false”>)</mo></mrow><mtext>Selling Price</mtext></mfrac><mo>×</mo><mn>100</mn></mrow><annotation encoding=”application/x-tex”>\text{Profit Margin (\%)} = \frac{(\text{Selling Price} – \text{Production Cost})}{\text{Selling Price}} \times 100</annotation></semantics></math>Profit Margin (%)=Selling Price(Selling Price−Production Cost)×100

Tracking these costs regularly helps identify where to cut expenses or improve efficiency.To calculate cost of production and determine profit margins in poultry or livestock farming:

Add all costs – include feed, chicks, vaccines, labor, utilities, housing, litter, and depreciation of equipment.

Divide total cost by output – e.g., per kg of meat or per dozen eggs.

Determine selling price – based on market rates.

Calculate profit margin –

Profit Margin (%)
=
(
Selling Price
−
Production Cost
)
Selling Price
×
100
Profit Margin (%)=
Selling Price
(Selling Price−Production Cost)

×100

Tracking these costs regularly helps identify where to cut expenses or improve efficiency.

Mohamed Hamada Nasser

Member

October 16, 2025 at 9:35 am in reply to: meal limitations

Canola and rapeseed meals are good protein sources, but they have some limitations:

Glucosinolates – Can reduce feed intake and affect thyroid function if levels are high.
Fiber content – Higher than soybean meal, which can lower digestibility and energy value.
Palatability – Some birds may eat less due to bitter taste.
Variability – Nutrient content can vary depending on processing and seed variety.

Using low-glucosinolate (canola-type) meals and proper formulation helps minimize these issues.Canola and rapeseed meals are good protein sources, but they have some limitations:

Glucosinolates – Can reduce feed intake and affect thyroid function if levels are high.

Fiber content – Higher than soybean meal, which can lower digestibility and energy value.

Palatability – Some birds may eat less due to bitter taste.

Variability – Nutrient content can vary depending on processing and seed variety.

Using low-glucosinolate (canola-type) meals and proper formulation helps minimize these issues.

Muhammad Ahmad

Member

October 16, 2025 at 9:34 am in reply to: Aquaculture

Selecting a suitable site is the single most important decision in fish pond construction, as it affects construction cost, water retention, and long-term production. The primary considerations revolve around Water, Soil, and Topography.

Here are the key factors for fish pond site selection:

1. Water Supply (Quantity and Quality)

This is the most critical factor, as fish require a continuous supply of suitable water.

| Consideration | Requirement | Why it Matters |

|—|—|—|

| Source Reliability | Must be available year-round to fill the pond and replace losses from evaporation and seepage. Groundwater (wells, springs) is often preferred for consistency. | If the source is seasonal (like a stream), the pond may dry up, resulting in total fish loss. |

| Flow Rate | Should be sufficient to fill the pond quickly (ideally within 1–2 weeks) and maintain the desired water level. | Slow filling delays production cycles and encourages unwanted weed growth. |

| Source Purity | Must be free from pollution (industrial effluents, toxic runoff, agricultural pesticides, or heavy domestic waste). | Pollutants directly poison the fish or make them unfit for consumption. |

| Basic Parameters | Should meet quality standards for the intended fish species (e.g., pH 6.5–8.5, dissolved oxygen > 5 \text{ mg/L}, low ammonia). | Water quality directly impacts fish health, growth, and survival. |

2. Soil Quality (Water Retention)

The soil composition determines the ability of the pond bottom and walls (dykes) to hold water.

* Best Soil Type: Clayey soils (e.g., clay, sandy clay, silty clay loam, or clay loam) are ideal because the fine particles compact well and are impermeable, minimizing seepage.

* Clay Content: The soil should ideally have at least 20\% \text{ to } 30\% clay content to ensure good water retention.

* Unsuitable Soils: Avoid highly sandy soils, gravel beds, or rocky/limestone areas, as water will leak rapidly. Also, avoid organic soils (like peat or swampy marsh) as they are unstable and unsuitable for dyke construction.

3. Topography (Land Shape and Slope)

The shape of the land affects the pond design, construction cost, and drainage.

* Slope: The ideal site should be level or gently sloping (0.5\% to 3\% slope). This is sufficient for gravity drainage without requiring extensive, costly earthwork.

* Gravity Flow: Ideally, the pond should be located slightly lower than the water source so it can be filled by gravity, avoiding the cost and complexity of continuous pumping.

* Drainage: The site must allow for total drainage by gravity for harvesting and maintenance purposes. A higher elevation area is suitable for this.

* Flood Risk: The site must be above the highest flood level and should not be prone to seasonal flooding, which can wash away the fish stock and damage the structure.

4. Accessibility and Economic Factors

* Accessibility: The site should be easily accessible by road for transporting construction materials, feed, supplies, and, most importantly, for taking the harvested fish to market.

* Security: Proximity to the farmer’s residence or a secured area is important to prevent poaching and vandalism.

* Labor and Utilities: Access to reliable electricity (for aerators or pumps) and a source of local labor can be important factors, especially for commercial operations.

* Market Proximity: Being reasonably close to the target market reduces transport costs and ensures the fish are delivered fresh.Selecting a suitable site is the single most important decision in fish pond construction, as it affects construction cost, water retention, and long-term production. The primary considerations revolve around Water, Soil, and Topography.
Here are the key factors for fish pond site selection:
1. Water Supply (Quantity and Quality)
This is the most critical factor, as fish require a continuous supply of suitable water.
| Consideration | Requirement | Why it Matters |
|—|—|—|
| Source Reliability | Must be available year-round to fill the pond and replace losses from evaporation and seepage. Groundwater (wells, springs) is often preferred for consistency. | If the source is seasonal (like a stream), the pond may dry up, resulting in total fish loss. |
| Flow Rate | Should be sufficient to fill the pond quickly (ideally within 1–2 weeks) and maintain the desired water level. | Slow filling delays production cycles and encourages unwanted weed growth. |
| Source Purity | Must be free from pollution (industrial effluents, toxic runoff, agricultural pesticides, or heavy domestic waste). | Pollutants directly poison the fish or make them unfit for consumption. |
| Basic Parameters | Should meet quality standards for the intended fish species (e.g., pH 6.5–8.5, dissolved oxygen > 5 \text{ mg/L}, low ammonia). | Water quality directly impacts fish health, growth, and survival. |
2. Soil Quality (Water Retention)
The soil composition determines the ability of the pond bottom and walls (dykes) to hold water.
* Best Soil Type: Clayey soils (e.g., clay, sandy clay, silty clay loam, or clay loam) are ideal because the fine particles compact well and are impermeable, minimizing seepage.
* Clay Content: The soil should ideally have at least 20\% \text{ to } 30\% clay content to ensure good water retention.
* Unsuitable Soils: Avoid highly sandy soils, gravel beds, or rocky/limestone areas, as water will leak rapidly. Also, avoid organic soils (like peat or swampy marsh) as they are unstable and unsuitable for dyke construction.
3. Topography (Land Shape and Slope)
The shape of the land affects the pond design, construction cost, and drainage.
* Slope: The ideal site should be level or gently sloping (0.5\% to 3\% slope). This is sufficient for gravity drainage without requiring extensive, costly earthwork.
* Gravity Flow: Ideally, the pond should be located slightly lower than the water source so it can be filled by gravity, avoiding the cost and complexity of continuous pumping.
* Drainage: The site must allow for total drainage by gravity for harvesting and maintenance purposes. A higher elevation area is suitable for this.
* Flood Risk: The site must be above the highest flood level and should not be prone to seasonal flooding, which can wash away the fish stock and damage the structure.
4. Accessibility and Economic Factors
* Accessibility: The site should be easily accessible by road for transporting construction materials, feed, supplies, and, most importantly, for taking the harvested fish to market.
* Security: Proximity to the farmer’s residence or a secured area is important to prevent poaching and vandalism.
* Labor and Utilities: Access to reliable electricity (for aerators or pumps) and a source of local labor can be important factors, especially for commercial operations.
* Market Proximity: Being reasonably close to the target market reduces transport costs and ensures the fish are delivered fresh.

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Md.Mizanor

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