Ostrich eggs are obtained due to the reproductive function of birds of the Ostrich family. They can be yellow-pink or dark green (see photo). Also, eggs can have different sizes, and their weight can vary from 500 g to 2 kg. The bulk goes to protein. Today, ostrich farms are common throughout the world. They supply the market not only with eggs, but also with meat and feathers. During a season, a female can lay up to 100 eggs. Basically, all of them are used for incubation and only unfertilized varieties are used for culinary purposes.
In terms of their qualities, ostrich eggs are practically no different from chicken eggs. The main feature is the size, so 1 ostrich egg can hold 40 chicken eggs. To prepare an omelet from this product you need to spend up to 1.5 hours. 1 egg can feed up to 10 people.
If you get your hands on an ostrich egg, you need to break it correctly, since the strong shell will not allow you to do this in the usual way.. You need to take a special tool: a hammer or a nail file. If you want to use the shell for engraving in the future, you need to use a drill to make 2 holes on each side. You need to insert a tube into one hole to mix the contents and blow it out.
Shelf life
Due to the fact that ostrich eggs have a very strong shell, the shelf life of this product is quite long.
They can be used for food within 6 months, but they must be refrigerated. If the eggs are broken, the contents must be poured into a container and stored under a closed lid for 3 days.
Beneficial features
The benefits of ostrich eggs are determined by the rich composition of vitamins, minerals, amino acids and other substances. This product contains less cholesterol than chicken eggs, which means it can be classified as a dietary product.
These eggs contain polyunsaturated fatty acids, which are an excellent preventive measure for heart and vascular problems.
Ostrich eggs can be used like regular chicken eggs, that is, you can use them to make an omelet, fry them, etc. In some European countries, an unusual delicacy is prepared for Easter: the shell is opened at the top, the white and yolk are thoroughly mixed and then baked for 30 minutes. in the oven. Ostrich eggs are also used to prepare delicious desserts.
Harm of ostrich eggs and contraindications
Ostrich eggs can cause harm to people with individual intolerance to the product.
The size of the ostrich egg has always been impressive. How impressive it is in size is judged by the fact that it can feed the whole family. By collecting ostrich eggs, it is possible to make a good profit for the family budget. To do this, you need to know the frequency of birds laying eggs and what contributes to a positive result.
Ostrich eggs are a profitable product
What influences the laying frequency of ostriches?
It happens that farmers breed ordinary ostriches together with Australian ones, called Emu, as well as cassowaries, Nanda (South African).
They have many similarities during the time of insanity. But it also has its own characteristics that must be taken into account:
- heat temperature of the home during the egg-laying period;
- what is the possible weight of the largest fruit.
Ostriches that eat grass with roots and swallow small stones have good offspring. A bird that feels free to move increases its weight faster, which has a positive effect on the laying rhythm.
Room temperature is of great importance for the proper development of birds. Ostriches feel comfortable at a temperature of +16-20 degrees.
Stress has a negative effect on the laying frequency of ostriches. When moving ostriches to another room, you should be careful and not rush. Birds are worried in this situation, which negatively affects egg production. To prevent this from happening, increase the amount of beneficial substances that work as antidepressants.
How many days should birds be given increased amounts of vitamins and microelements? Usually - two days.
In order for ostriches to produce healthy chicks with resourceful egg production, it is useful to add grass meal to their food. It is very important to give it specifically to females in winter. The diet of adult ostriches at this time should consist of 5-7% grass meal. For chicks – 3-5%.
Ostriches should not be frightened, otherwise they will stop laying eggs.
If we say, when ostriches begin to lay eggs, the process of egg production is expected after two years of their life. Sometimes, the African ostrich lays eggs even at one and a half years old.
Initially, individuals bring unfertilized egg shells. So, Emu ostriches mature only in the fortieth month. But Nanda becomes fertile after 2.5 years.
But for fertilization, it is better to stick to the optimal (already proven) option - one male and two females.
How many times do ostriches lay eggs in a year? All birds lay eggs twice a year - in winter and in autumn. The only breed of Cassowary lays eggs once a year - in August.
Replenishment of the clutch by individuals occurs over the course of two months. Starting laying eggs in February, the final hatch is expected in late March. In the autumn, ostriches lay in their usual rhythm, and farmers receive chicks or eggs.
An ostrich lays eggs for two months
How many eggs does one individual lay?
Fun fact: Ostrich eggs come in different colors. So, in the African breed they are white, in the Emu they are dark green, in the Nandus they are golden-yellow. How many eggs does an individual lay? The largest number of fruits per season for one individual is 80 pieces. But there are exceptions when the female does not give birth to offspring the entire season.
An important feature is that ostriches do not lay eggs evenly every season. So, if Nandu had 60 embryos in the previous period, there is no need to expect the same result again.
The main factors affecting egg production:
- climatic conditions;
- food quality;
- conditions of detention.
Ostriches lay unevenly, and it is quite difficult to predict the number of eggs
Characteristics of eggs
The shell of such a fruit is extremely similar to porcelain, therefore it is used in artistic direction. A variety of products are made from it and painted or engraved.
The eggshell is surprising in its large size and it is fairly light, but is highly durable. Such a shell is difficult to break. Its color scheme is associated with the color of bird feathers.
Stately, dark-colored Emu ostriches lay dark greenish eggs, white-gray birds are stockier, but bear picturesque pink-yellow fruits.
The yolk has a rich yellow color. To hard-boil an ostrich product, it will take 1 hour and 15 minutes.
The eggshell is surprising in its large size, but it is quite light, but durable. It's hard to break. The color scheme of the eggs is associated with the color of the feathers of the individuals.
Proud Emu ostriches with stately necks and dark colors lay dark greenish eggs, white-gray birds are more squat and bear beautiful pink-yellow fruits.
The yolk has a rich yellow color. To prepare hard-boiled eggs, cook for 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Only one egg is taken to prepare one dish. But, often this is a lot, so you can cook it in parts, and store what’s left in the refrigerator for no more than 2-3 days. Due to the good strength of the shell, ostrich eggs can last up to three months.
The ostrich egg is highly durable and you can stand on it without fear.
How does the number of eggs depend on the type of ostrich?
People often wonder how much an ostrich fetus can weigh? This figure ranges from 450 grams to 1800 grams. How many chicken eggs replace one ostrich egg? The quantity is impressive - 40 pieces.
The African ostrich likes to deposit fertilized fruits in a common nesting hole. The characteristics of these eggs are as follows:
- egg length 15-21 cm;
- weight reaches two kilograms;
- thick shell exceeding 0.5 cm.
How many fruits does an African ostrich produce?
During the season, she brings from 40 to 80 eggs.
Nandu ostriches lay fruits in large nests with a clutch capacity of 5-7 females. How many eggs can one clutch have? They number from 15 to 40. The incubation period is 1.5 months.
But the female Emu produces from 11 to 20 testicles. How often does an emu lay eggs? It happens every day, but it happens once in three days.
The thickness of the egg shell is 1 mm. How many grams will these eggs weigh? The largest weight will be 900 grams, but there may be 700 grams. After mating, Emu ostriches lay their fruits in clutches containing up to 25 eggs.
A cassowary egg weighs about half a kilo.
Cassowary ostriches have green fruits. Their nest consists of moss and leaves. Up to six eggs can be in a clutch. They weigh no more than 500 grams. With proper incubation of the fruits, chicks appear already in September.
Amazing facts
Some amazing facts about ostrich eggs:
- The largest ostrich egg was recorded in China, weighing 2.35 kilograms with a diameter of 18.67 cm.
- Only the hatched chicks were 12 cm tall and 500 grams of weight.
- During the mating stage and after the birth of chicks, females become quite aggressive. Emus often express themselves this way.
- Ostrich eggs are lower in calories than chicken eggs.
- This product contains a huge amount of selenium and sodium.
Bird eggs are laid by female birds. Different species of birds lay eggs of different shapes, colors and sizes, depending on the breed of bird and where they lay them.
Ostrich eggs have a high commercial value; they are not among the main products of ostrich farming and, practically, all are sent for incubation.
In the diet, unfertilized eggs are used - table eggs, eggs obtained from young females, early or late eggs.
Ostrich eggs are in no way inferior to chicken eggs and are prepared in a similar way. One ostrich egg holds 25-40 chicken eggs and weighs from 450 g to 1800 g; its resemblance to porcelain allows the shell to be used in artistic products by painting and engraving it. The world's largest ostrich egg, weighing 2.35 kg and with a diameter of 18.67 cm, was registered in China.
The egg shell is very light and strong, it is very difficult to break it, it is amazing in its size. Ostrich, they come in two colors.
Stately dark emu ostriches produce dark green, almost black eggs, while squat white-gray rhea ostriches produce yellowish-pinkish eggs. The color of the egg directly depends on the color of the bird's plumage.
The color of the yolk is rich, the white is translucent. Ostriches lay eggs in the summer, and eggs cannot be obtained at other times of the year. To hard boil an ostrich egg you will need 75 minutes.
The egg production of one female is 40-80 eggs or more per season. The productive season for the ostrich lasts from March to October. During the first egg-laying season, the female lays 10 to 30 eggs.
Females lay eggs every other day, up to 20 eggs. Then they pause. A good colony during the breeding season will produce eggs with a fertilization rate of at least 90%. Early and late season eggs may not be fertilized.
Healthy ostriches remain productive for 25-35 years, which means purchasing breeding pairs can be considered a multi-year investment.
In Poland, ostrich eggs are mainly interested in restaurants that, in search of originality and exoticism, offer scrambled eggs from one ostrich egg for 8–10 people.
Often eggs are also purchased by individual consumers who want to serve a special dish at a special occasion (birthday, anniversary, etc.). The use of ostrich eggs for direct consumption can only be considered in terms of significant exoticism.
Useful properties of ostrich eggs
An egg weighing 1600 g contains about 1000 g of protein and 320 g of yolk, which is a hefty portion of valuable nutrients.
The constant interest of buyers is caused not only by the volume of the egg, but also, above all, by its beneficial natural properties. The fat and cholesterol content in ostrich eggs is much lower than in poultry eggs, which indicates its high dietary properties.
The entire egg can be used to prepare one dish, but you can also cook it in portions, keeping the leftovers in a sealed container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.
Due to the strength of the shell, ostrich eggs can last the longest - up to three months. Ostrich eggs have a relatively strong flavor and are best used in baked goods.
Excellent ostrich egg recipe:
Boil the egg, cool, peel, cut into rings. Spread each ring with butter like a sandwich. Place in a heap on a plate, pour over creamy mustard sauce and garnish with slices and lettuce leaves.
Very appetizing
Portuguese omelette: pour the egg in a thin layer onto a large hot frying pan and fry, lifting the edges. Cut five pieces and half a kilo of zucchini, fry them in oil and wrap them in an omelette. Sprinkle with grated cheese, pour over tomato sauce, add herbs and spices to taste
To date ostrich is no longer exotic. This is due to the fact that many farmers try to breed it themselves. Certain characteristics of the time when an ostrich may lay eggs must be taken into account. Most farmers appreciated the fact that ostrich eggs are of high value.
When do ostriches start laying eggs?
If you answer the question, when do ostriches lay eggs, then after two years egg production begins. Sometimes, the African ostrich begins to lay eggs at one and a half years old. Birds initially carry unfertilized egg shells. Only in the fortieth month do Emus mature, while Nandas are capable of conception at 2 years and 5 months. In order for fertilization to be successful, you need to use a proven conception option - these are 2 females and a male.
How often does an ostrich fly? During the year, these birds lay eggs twice - in autumn and winter. Birds of the Cassowary breed are seen only once a year - in the summer. Over the course of two and a half months, the ostrich replenishes the clutch. If the process begins in February, then the final conclusion should be expected at the end of March.
Birds fly at a normal pace into the autumn season. Breeders receive either eggs or baby ostriches. Gestation occurs over the course of two months.
How many eggs does an ostrich lay?
An unusual circumstance is that an ostrich egg can be of different colors. For example, the Nandu breed has golden eggs, the Emu breed has green eggs, and African ostriches carry white testicles. How many ostrich eggs can appear? Mature bird can lay 80 eggs in one season. Although it also happens that an individual does not give birth to offspring during the season. Another characteristic is that ostriches do not lay the same eggs every time. For example, if Emu had 70 embryos last season, then you should not expect a similar result.
The following circumstances influence the bearing of eggs:
- feeding conditions;
- quality of content;
- weather.
Due to the fact that birds do not lay eggs at the same time, it is quite difficult to predict the number of ostrich eggs.
Characteristics of ostrich eggs
The shell of an ostrich egg is similar to porcelain. It produces different and interesting products that are engraved and painted. The ostrich egg shell is impressive in size and strength, but at the same time it is very light. It is very difficult to break, and the color depends on the feather color of the ostriches. The yolk has a brightly saturated yellow color. He very helpful.
It takes more than an hour to hard-boil an ostrich egg. To prepare the dish you only need one egg. However, often this is too much, so the leftovers can be put in the refrigerator and stored for no more than three days. Ostrich eggs can be stored in the refrigerator for over two months due to their strong shell.
How much does an ostrich egg weigh?
The largest flightless birds are ostriches. They are extremely popular among farmers due to their high adaptive abilities. The weight of an egg, on average, ranges from 1.7 to 2 kg. If you compare it with chicken, the ratio will be 36:1. Its rather interesting feature is high density, and the thickness is 0.7 cm. Thus, the weight of an ostrich egg is several times greater than the weight of a chicken egg.
What is the maximum weight of an ostrich egg? How much is the record? The largest testicle was recorded in China. The diameter of which was 18.6 cm and the weight was 2.3 kg. These eggs are low in calories and are an ideal dietary dish. Their taste is peculiar. The omelet will turn out the way it would turn out from 27 chicken eggs.
Benefits of ostrich eggs
Such foods are rich in vitamins, amino acids, minerals. This is a dietary dish, as they contain less cholesterol than chicken eggs. They contain Omega-6 and Omega-3, thus, this is a wonderful prevention of vascular and heart diseases. Ostrich eggs also contain vitamins A and E. They promote the beauty and health of eyes and skin.
- Eggs can be cooked in the same way as chicken eggs. You can make fried eggs or an omelet. They are very popular for baking and making desserts. The results are delicious dishes that are rich in protein.
The size of the ostrich testicle is very impressive, weighing up to 1700 grams. The strong shell will also not leave anyone indifferent. However, true connoisseurs pay attention not only to this, but also to the beneficial properties. The testicles of this bird are very rich in useful substances such as calcium, potassium, proteins, phosphorus and fats. They break all records for sodium content, as well as selenium. They have no cholesterol. An ostrich egg is enough to feed a whole family.. Irrefutable advantages include the possibility of long-term storage. The product is rich in microelements. It can be consumed by both young children and elderly people.
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