Working Group  – Ratites (including ostriches, emus, rheas and cassowaries)

Working Group chairperson notes

The previous couple of years following the World Poultry Congress 2022 conference in Paris has been interesting, challenging and educational for scientists and stakeholders interested in ratite research and production. Challenges facing ostrich production continues to limit returns, while research relentlessly address solutions to alleviate those challenges. Unfortunately, very little research information could be gathered for other ratite species. The pool of scientists working on ratite research keeps growing smaller, as well as availability of funds to support research. The South African group of scientists working on ostrich research keeps constant contact with industry personnel to navigate areas of research focus for sustainable ostrich production. In this way, the South African scientists working on ostrich research manage to generate several research outputs across years.

Upcoming Working Group events

The Working Group is planning to host educational webinars from this year onwards focused on ratite research and production. Interested personnel should contact the current Working Group chairperson Dr Anel Engelbrecht at An**************@*************ov.za for more information.

Other Conferences

The ostrich research scientists in South Africa will attend the annual South African Society for Animal Science (SASAS) conference to be held in Polokwane, Limpopo Province, South Africa. Details of the conference can be found here https://www.sasascongress.co.za/