Carcass yield and edible component parts of ostriches raised under an intensive system in Malaysia

E. A. Engku Azahan and M. Noraziah

Abstract

African Black ostriches raised under an intensive system were evaluated for carcass yield and edible component parts at slaughter ages of 11–14 months. The ostriches weighed 88.2–90.7 kg/bird and yielded eviscerated carcasses in the order of 53–57% of live weight. The thigh, drumstick and back were the main meat-yielding parts, providing 29.5–31.4 kg meat/bird which accounted for 33.1–34.7% of live weight. The neck which is usually not deboned, contributed 2.0–2.4% of live weight. The edible offal including the liver, heart, empty gizzard, kidney and spleen accounted for 5.3–5.8% of live weight. Between sexes, differences in yields of carcass and other edible component parts were small, inconsistent and not significant.

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