15 September 2006
KARAJ, Tehran: Iran is the world's third largest ostrich farming country, producing 120,000-150,000 of the bird per annum.
Keyvan Niamanesh, an ostrich farming expert, told Mehr that South Africa and China are the world's top ostrich producers, respectively.
"Only these two countries are capable of producing more ostriches (than Iran)," he said, adding that some 4,000 tons of ostrich meat is being produced in Iran annually.
"Per capita protein consumption of each Iranian could increase significantly through (incorporation of) ostrich meat (into Persian cuisines)," he said, adding that the producers are willing to sell their products on domestic markets.
The expert, however, noted that ostrich meat is more expensive abroad.
"In Iran, (ostrich) meat sells for 95,000-150,000 rials per kilo, whereas the meat is priced at 13 euros in other countries," he said.
Niamanesh said ostrich meat, feather, hide, liver, bones and eggs have extensive use in various industries.
There are some 14,000 ostriches in Iran. The figure is expected to reach 16,000 next year.
Ostrich meat is distributed in packages under license from State Veterinary Organization.
Presently, some 130 ostrich farms are operating nationwide.
Ostrich is the largest living bird, which has found a place on the menu, delivering red meat flavor with less fat.
Ostrich is already a popular menu item at upscale American and European restaurants. It is poised to become the premier red meat of the next century.
Iran, due to its climatic diversity, is one of the best places to breed ostriches, say experts.
Scientific research studies indicate that ostriches reach maturity earlier in Iran than in any other countries.
Ostrich is similar in taste, texture and appearance to beef. But Ostrich has less than half the fat of chicken and two-thirds less fat than beef.
KARAJ, Tehran: Iran is the world's third largest ostrich farming country, producing 120,000-150,000 of the bird per annum.
Keyvan Niamanesh, an ostrich farming expert, told Mehr that South Africa and China are the world's top ostrich producers, respectively.
"Only these two countries are capable of producing more ostriches (than Iran)," he said, adding that some 4,000 tons of ostrich meat is being produced in Iran annually.
"Per capita protein consumption of each Iranian could increase significantly through (incorporation of) ostrich meat (into Persian cuisines)," he said, adding that the producers are willing to sell their products on domestic markets.
The expert, however, noted that ostrich meat is more expensive abroad.
"In Iran, (ostrich) meat sells for 95,000-150,000 rials per kilo, whereas the meat is priced at 13 euros in other countries," he said.
Niamanesh said ostrich meat, feather, hide, liver, bones and eggs have extensive use in various industries.
There are some 14,000 ostriches in Iran. The figure is expected to reach 16,000 next year.
Ostrich meat is distributed in packages under license from State Veterinary Organization.
Presently, some 130 ostrich farms are operating nationwide.
Ostrich is the largest living bird, which has found a place on the menu, delivering red meat flavor with less fat.
Ostrich is already a popular menu item at upscale American and European restaurants. It is poised to become the premier red meat of the next century.
Iran, due to its climatic diversity, is one of the best places to breed ostriches, say experts.
Scientific research studies indicate that ostriches reach maturity earlier in Iran than in any other countries.
Ostrich is similar in taste, texture and appearance to beef. But Ostrich has less than half the fat of chicken and two-thirds less fat than beef.
© Iran Daily 2006
