Al Ain, 18 Feb. 05 (WAM) - A growing interest for breeding ostrichis currently witnessed in the United Arab Emirates A number of UAE nationals set up farms for breeding the largestbird in Al Ain's area of Al Sad, with the prospect of lucrative business.

"Ostrich breeding in the country is nothing new, the Arabian Peninsulawas once home for large numbers of ostrich who adapted to the region'sharsh conditions before its extinction half a century ago," Sameeh MohammedSaleem, an engineer who manages one of the farms in Al Ain told the EmiratesNews Agency (WAM).

He cited a number of researchers as confirming the presence ofostrich in the region long time ago, adding that it was mentioned manytimes in the old Arab poetry, yet another proof that it lived in the region.

Ostriches are bred for their delicious cholesterol-free meat andfor their eggs and feathers.

The first ostrich farm in the country was opened in 1997 in AlAin with 400 ostriches brought from Namibia.

"It was a risky adventure by the investors who were determinedto introduce a new type of meat. Since then, the number of farms is increasingnotably. There are now five farms in Al Sad alone," Saleem said.

He added that of all pedigrees, the black African ostrich wasthe one on high demand as it lays an average of 60 eggs during every matingseason.

He also said that Al Ain was chosen for setting up farms becauseof its perfect weather.

Saleem said that investment in ostrich farm was not expensive.

"Such an investment needs no capital. One can start with threechicks, a male and two females. They start mating and laying eggs fromthe age two. The female usually lay 1,000 to 2,000 thousand during itslife which averages at 60 years." Ostrich does not need extensive attention. It is well immuneagainst common diseases.

"If it contracts a disease, the ostrich pokes its neck out, asif inviting you to slaughter it," he added.