By Bhupen Goswami

Guwahati : Emu meat health benefits Because it is low in fat and high in nutritional value, emu meat helps to meet the needs for this growing market. Emu meat is an excellent alternative for health-conscious consumers who love the taste of beef. The red emu meat is similar in taste and texture to lean beef, but lower in holesterol, fat, and calories.The Emu meat can be considered as a healthy substitute for other red-meat variants such as lamb or beef. It is supposed to be extremely nutritious, with fat and cholesterol content being much lower than in any other red meat. Emu meat has less fat content, it is easily digestible, very tasty and hence it serves as a very good alternative for mutton and chicken. Its meat which is 97 to 98% fats free. Emu meat is rich in proteins; it contains plenty of iron, Vitamin B-12, hence as the modern research shows ’emu meat is an excellent diet for people suffering from heart–ailments.

Some of the Characteristics and Benefits of EMU meat are as follows. More protein Much less fat than any meat Less saturated fat Low cholesterol levels More iron Less sodium More of the Vitamins A, B6, Folic Acid, B12, D, & E Emu is an economical buy; you are buying meat, not fat, skin or bone. The tenderness and texture of emu meat enable it to be prepared in a variety of ways. Emu requires shorter cooking times and lower temperatures. It is best prepared lightly grilled, pan fried, or sauted. Also Emu meat is low fat meat accepts most seasoning meat respond well to sweet marinades made with honey, soya sauce, ginger, lemon juice & garlic. There can be variety of dishes can be prepared from Emu meat like Emu Kebabs, Emu Roast, Emu Burgers & Sandwiches and Emu grilled steaks.In the first of its kind in entire North East India, the meat and eggs of Emu is all set to be introduced in the state for consumption. The endeavour was initiated by Imphal-based Salai Agri Consortium Private Limited back in 2017 when 400 Emu birds were brought from Australia of which many died leaving only 270 Emus survived. The 5 to 6 feet tall bird is being breeded at a farm in Kangchup Sanjenbam and as of now has 270 adult emus and 80 newly hatched chicks in the farm, informed T Tomba, Secretary of the private company said. While the meat will be sold at Rs 500 per kilo, it’s eggs which is black in colour will be sold at Rs 200 per kg.

“The second largest bird after Ostrich is considered to survive in all climatic conditions” Tomba remarked. During the breeding period which lasts from October to March, female Emus can lay upto 32 eggs and is ten to 12 times bigger than eggs of hen. With a life span of some 40 years, Tomba also said it’s meat has low cholesterol level and it’s skin can be used to make leather bags, Tomba said. Emu farming in India is a lucrative busines Emu farming is very popular in some states of India like and is also popular in Andhra Pradess, Delhi, Karnataka, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu. The large sized poultry birds can be used to produce valuable eggs, meat, oil, skin and feathers. USA, AUS and China are the leading countries in emu farming.