Emu matters!! @ the Avian Research Centre, UBC.

Emus, their life and behaviour -continues to be an enigma. The basic principles of emu breeding,

management and nutrition have been looked into, but several aspects are still not completely known.

We at the Avian Research Centre, University of British Columbia, have designed and pursued a process

to study the emu at close quarters. Some projects have already been completed; some are in progress

and many more in concept. The effort is on to establish scientific facts to support the marketing of emu

products.

The digestive processes, metabolism and blood profile study provide the ideal ground for building a new

theory requiring complex interpretations. Our studies have merged the key concepts of direct

observation, active thinking and a holistic approach into the several minute facets of emu behaviour.

The genetics behind fat deposition in emus has been of interest to the scientific community and our

research opens the window to a whole new world of information. The research into transport stress has

enabled us to deliver quantifiable results that can serve as the benchmark for animal behaviour studies

and develop new stands for the welfare of emus. Attempts to precondition emus to be transported as a

means to alleviate the impact of stress has shown promising results to improve the economics involved.

Moreover the role of emu as a source of healthy human food and an economically viable farming

endeavour could be reported in graphic detail.