Starting Your Ostrich Farm In Nigeria – Sample Business Plan Template For Livestock Farmers

I would like to start with telling you some of the benefits that you could derive from ostrich farming before I go ahead to tell you how to start the business. Some states in the northern parts of Nigeria have all ostriches you need to kick-start your ostrich farm.

Why Every Livestock Farmers Should Consider OSTRICH Farming

1. Profitability-: The egg of an ostrich could sell for as much as $500 in the international market.  Now imagine that you sell just 10 of that in 1 month and that is a very prudent estimation considering the increasing popularity of ostrich farming. We have fertile ostrich eggs in stock available to any farmers that need it. Also, a live ostrich in the international market sells for as much as $5,000 per one which is a whole lot of money.

2. High Return on Investment (ROI) -: You would also recoup your investments on ostrich farming faster than even pig farming or cattle farming. A single ostrich can produce as many as 60 eggs yearly and within 14 months, the chicks can grow to reach market size.

3. Meat Production-: A lot of people do not know that an ostrich produces more meat than cows. A single ostrich could produce as much as 1,800 kilograms of meat where a cow would produce just 250 kilograms of meat.

4. Leather-: An Ostrich can also produce as much as 50 square meters of leather which could be sold for profit apart from the meat.

5. Feathers-: Ostrich feathers are also in high demand by designers, decorators and manufacturers of furniture and decorations as well as artistes. You could get up to 36 kilograms of feather from one ostrich.

6. Easy to raise-: You would think that with the amount of profit that they yield, they would be very difficult to raise but that is far from the case as Ostrich farming is as easy just as it is lucrative. All you need is adequate space, sufficient feeding and healthcare and you are good to go.

Marketing Of Ostrich In Nigeria

This is very important information for anybody looking to venture into ostrich farming business. You must understand how your ostrich farming business can earn you some money. Ostriches have multiple uses and this means multiple sources of income for you. Some of the ways you can make money from ostrich farming include-:

• Selling the meat-: Ostrich meat is a healthier option for pork, beef or even fish and contains fewer calories and fat and this makes it very desirable for consumption. Apart from being healthy, they are also tasty and can be sold for as much as $12 per Kilogram in the international market.

• Selling The Leather-: The skin of an ostrich is also a very hot sales item because of the quality of leather that can be derived from its skin. Materials made with ostrich leather sells higher than those made with cattle leather and ostrich leather competes only with crocodile and snake leather.

• Selling The Feathers-: No part of an ostrich should be trashed because even the feather is useful. Ostrich feathers are used for decorations and furnishings and are popularly demanded in the market.

• Selling The Eggs-: Have you ever seen the egg of an ostrich? It’s the biggest egg of any bird in the world and can weigh up to 1 pound. These eggs could be sold for $500 in the international market and a single ostrich can lay up to 60 of these eggs yearly.

• Selling Live Ostrich-: As ostrich farming gains more popularity, there is a high demand for live ostriches for people who want to start their own ostrich farms. There is also a demand for live ostriches in the international market.

Starting Your Ostrich Farm – Sample Business Plan Template

1. OBTAIN YOUR OSTRICH CHICKS-: Buy high quality ostrich chicks from an established breeder like us.

You should also write your business plan and study all rules and regulations of ostrich farming in your state including export rules and regulations.

2. LOCATION-: Hey! Ostriches are very fast runners. They love to run so you must first provide a small space or very large sparse of land to breed them in and also fence it in to prevent them from running away. Also, ostriches can grow as tall as 9 feet so, if you want to build a shelter for them, you should put their heights into consideration. Another thing to put into consideration is water because ostriches drink a lot of water. You can choose a location close to a stream or build an artificial pond or borehole to allow for access to adequate water supply.

3. BREEDING-:  Because of the huge start-up costs, it is advisable for anyone who wants to go into ostrich farming to start on a lower scale. You should start with at least 1 male ostrich and a female ostrich. Due to the high level of production of ostriches, you would have your hands full in no time. So, you shouldn’t be scared of starting small.

4. FEEDING-: You can feed your ostriches on any poultry feed, fruits, tubers, grains, leaves and even small animals. You could also buy specially formulated feed for them to promote growth and productivity.

5. HEALTHCARE-: Although ostriches have a very strong immune system and are less likely to fall ill, it wouldn’t hurt to have a veterinary doctor on hand to be in charge of caring for their health and ensure that you include these costs in your income statement.

6. NETWORKING-:  Ostrich farming is a unique business and not as popular as other livestock farming businesses and as a beginner, you might find yourself in a confused state sometimes. This is why you need a lot of networking to successfully run an ostrich farming business. You should consider joining internet forums, watching YouTube videos and joining groups or unions of ostrich farmers if you can find any in your locality. There is no limit to what you can learn from other experienced ostrich farmers.

FAQs

1. What do I need to start an ostrich farm in Nigeria?

To start an ostrich farm, you'll need suitable land, secure fencing, shelter for the birds, feed, water supply, and permits from relevant authorities.

2. How much space do I need for an ostrich farm?

Ostriches require a lot of space to roam. Plan for at least 2 acres per pair of ostriches to ensure they have enough room to move and forage.

3. What do ostriches eat, and how do I feed them?

Ostriches primarily eat plants, seeds, and insects. You can supplement their diet with specially formulated ostrich feed that provides essential nutrients.

4. How do I care for ostrich chicks?

Ostrich chicks need warmth, protection from predators, and a balanced diet to grow healthy. Provide them with a secure brooding area and monitor their health closely.

5. What are the common diseases that affect ostriches?

Ostriches are susceptible to diseases like avian influenza and various parasites. Regular veterinary checks and maintaining hygiene in the farm can prevent many illnesses.

6. How can I market ostrich products in Nigeria?

You can sell ostrich meat, eggs, feathers, and leather products to local markets, restaurants, and specialty shops. Promoting the health benefits of ostrich meat can attract customers.

7. What are the challenges of running an ostrich farm in Nigeria?

Challenges include high initial investment costs, sourcing quality feed, managing large land areas, and dealing with specific health concerns of ostriches.

8. Do I need any special permits or licenses to start an ostrich farm?

Yes, you'll need permits from agricultural authorities and possibly other regulatory bodies to legally operate an ostrich farm in Nigeria.