Eggs differ in shape, size, color, and other indicators, which depend on the type of bird, the conditions of its housing and the location of its laying. Of course, the ostrich stands out against the general background, from which farmers receive not only meat and feathers. Price ostrich eggs can "bite." This is due to the fact that most of them are sent to the incubators for further breeding. For dining purposes, use unfertilized eggs laid by young females.
Ostrich eggs come in only two colors. Dark emus are deep-green, almost black, white-gray nandu - yellow-pink. Thus, the color of the shell is directly dependent on the color of the female.
The content of an ostrich egg is almost the same as usual. The protein is transparent, the yolk is orange (the color intensity depends on how much the female spent outdoors and received vitamin D from sunlight).
Ostriches rush from March to October. In total, one female gives 40 to 80 eggs. At the beginning of the season the clutch is replenished every other day. When it reaches about two dozen, the ostrich is taking a break, after which it resumes toes. During breeding, most of the eggs are fertilized, and only 10% at the beginning or end of the season may be unfertilized.
In general, ostriches are healthy birds. One pair can breed for 30 years. Therefore, farmers began to appreciate them dearly: a one-time waste per male and one female can provide a profit for several decades ahead.
The weight of an ostrich egg ranges from 500 grams to 2 kilograms. Moreover, the bulk of the mass falls on the content, since the shell is very light, but durable. This quality made her favorite material for engraving and painting. Many artists even compare ostrich shells to porcelain.
Beneficial features
An ostrich egg weighing 1.5 kg can contain up to 1000 g of protein and 320 g of yolk. And that means a decent dose of nutrients. In comparison with the eggs of our usual poultry, ostrich is more dietary, and also acts as absolute champions in the content of selenium and sodium. They contain many amino acids, minerals, vitamins and polyunsaturated fatty acids. Those who are interested in how many eggs in an ostrich egg will be interested to know that the ratio is approximately 40: 1.
Of course, it should be noted, and the large size of ostrich eggs. From one such "eggs" you can cook an omelet for 10 people. Which, by the way, has long been done in Polish restaurants. In size this dish can be comparable to a big pizza. If the invasion of guests is postponed, an ostrich egg can be kept in a refrigeration chamber for up to 6 months (if there are no damages on the shell) or simply cooked in batches, keeping the remains in a tightly closed container (no more than 3 days). In addition, an ostrich egg has a strong taste, because its addition to baking can bring a certain variety to our usual dishes.
disadvantages
An ostrich egg may not be digested if a person has intolerance to the substances it contains. Children are especially prone to allergic reactions. Therefore, if you find yourself or your child a rash on the skin, if there are signs of failure of the digestive system, it is better to refuse this product.
It should be remembered that cholesterol has a relatively low proportion in ostrich eggs, but this does not mean that they can be abused. Excess cholesterol is harmful to blood vessels. In all the measure is important.
Another disadvantage is the difficulty with the opening. Smash the shell just like a simple chicken will not work.
Information about ostrich egg production
Ostriches in Russia began to breed relatively recently. Therefore, farmers in Russia are interested in any information relating to these birds.
Excellent offspring appears in birds, which eat grass with roots and small stones. Faster is a set of live weight and increases the degree of egg production in those ostrich females who have a lot of space for movement and free living. The temperature indicator also plays a significant role - it should be at the level of 16 - 20 degrees of heat.
The frequency of egg production is also affected by the absence of stress. Birds do not tolerate moving from one room to another for further residence, which they will necessarily answer by reducing the number of eggs. The anti-stress diet includes a double dose of vitamins a couple of days before relocation.
Ostriches rush frequently if grass meal is present in their diet. Especially important is its use by females in the winter. If we talk about how much this product is required, then there is an opinion that 5 - 7% of the total amount of feed will be enough. For ostrich acceptable 3 - 5% grass meal in their diet.
These birds have eggs, the color of which depends on the color of the feathers of the female - rich green, almost black, pink-yellow. The shell looks like porcelain, so artists use it for decoration or painting. The shell is very hard, difficult to develop, but light at the same time. The yolk has a bright yellow color, the protein is more transparent and dull. The purpose of these eggs is to produce new ostriches. Not a hatching egg is used for human consumption, but one that has been torn down by a young bird. One ostrich egg can replace 26 - 42 chicken eggs.
When egg production begins
Ostriches rush when they are 2 years old. In some cases, the female carries eggs when she reaches 1.5 years of age. During this period, females tend to give unfertilized shells. Emus females are considered mature for the 40th month, and for the Nanda bird, this figure is relevant in 2.5 years.
How many times a year do ostrich birds bring eggs? This does not happen so often: twice a year - in the fall and winter. The exceptions are females of Casuar, which rush in August. Never do these flightless birds rush from season to season in the same way. Therefore, one should not expect that this year Nanda will lay 60 eggs on the grounds that last February there were so many.
The degree of egg production is always influenced by weather conditions, food (it is better if there are always vegetables in the diet), as well as housing conditions and other factors.
How long does it take
The process of laying eggs occurs every other day. After that, the female rests and gains strength. During the season, a healthy pair of birds produces egg products with fertilization of over 92%. At the beginning and end of the period, it may be unfertilized.
How long will the female replenish clutch? It takes about 2 months. If the birds started laying in February, then the last offspring should be expected at the end of March. In the autumn, ostrich birds give eggs in the same rhythm, thanks to which the owner receives new offspring and fresh produce.
Egg is formed 2 days. If you create good living conditions for the female and good nutrition, she will bring 12 to 17 pieces per cycle. Then follows 1 - 2 weeks break. In the warm period of the year, an old woman has an average of 2 to 4 such cycles. The reason for cyclicity in these birds by scientists is not fully understood. Some sources claim that sometimes the cycle is long, and you can expect up to 27 pieces of egg production, and sometimes - short, when the bird gives about 12 copies.
How many eggs does an ostrich give?
How many can be demolished per season American ostrich? Usually this bird carries 40 - 80 pieces. Ostriches Nanda produce laying in the nest of a large size. And in one nest is laying 5 - 7 females. They give from 15 to 40 products in a dense shell. The incubation period is 1.5 months.
Ostrich gives him from 11 to 20 pieces. She does it often - daily, or 1 time in 3 days. The shell of these embryos is 1 mm. The result of the pairing of birds of this species can be one common clutch, numbering 25 pieces.
The female Cazuara makes laying in a nest, at the bottom of which is moss and leaves. In it really find 6 pieces. Under the condition of normal incubation, the offspring appears in September.
The parameters of the eggs of the largest flightless bird are different, depending on its species. How much does one egg product weigh on all breeds on average? About 2 kg. The ostrich egg yolk weighs about 350 grams, whereas the protein weighs about a kilogram. The thickness of the shell is slightly more than 0.5 cm. For example, an Emu's egg weighs an average of 700 grams, individual specimens are tightened to 900 grams. For the female ordinary Cazuar, a figure of 500 grams is relevant.
The record among all egg products was an ostrich egg laid in China. With a diameter of 18.67 cm, it had a weight of as much as 2.35 kg.
Particular attention is paid to the egg products of these exotic animals in restaurants in Poland. There, customers are offered exotic dishes, and for 8-10 people they prepare a dish of 1 egg. If in Russia about 15 years ago such a product was considered a rarity, today it is more popular than ever.
How much is such a product in Russia? If we take the data in Moscow, an average egg costs about 1,500 to 1,600 rubles. In small farms it costs about 700 - 800 rubles. The female for the season can give up to 80 pieces of selected products, which costs a total of 15 dollars per kilogram. And the meat of this exotic bird in recent years costs about $ 17 per 1 kg.
Weight and size
Many people are interested in how much weight an egg has. Its dimensions are impressive, and the weight ranges from 1600-2000 grams. The standard weight indicator is 1500 kg. In China, a record copy was launched, the weight of which is 2400 kg.
The size of an ostrich egg reaches 15-20 cm. It can replace from 27 to 45 chickens. It all depends on weight and size.
Number of eggs laid
Ostriches lay an egg every two days. This gap is needed to restore the bird. If the conditions of detention are good, and the diet is chosen to the smallest detail, then fertilization can reach 95%. During the laying cycle, the female brings 12-17 eggs, after which the next 10-16 days she rests. In warm time, she can have 4 such cycles.
For the year, the female brings from 40 to 80 eggs, and in one nest there can be 5-6 females.
The number of calories is 118. Proteins - 12.2 grams, fats - 11.7 grams, carbohydrates - 0.7 grams.
If we talk about the content of cholesterol in the yolk, then here it is less than the turkey, but more than the guinea fowl or duck. Pay attention to the fact that the yolk contains more polyunsaturated acids than protein.
Use of eggs
Ostrich Egg can be used in cooking. It is customary to cook from this product:
- Omelets with mushrooms, ham.
- Omelet rolls.
- Salads
- Pizza, where the baked egg is the main element.
- Baking. It will be more fragrant and piquant. Ostrich eggs can be used to make large portions.
The first thing to stop attention is just a boiled egg. In order to boil it softly, it takes 45 minutes, hard-boiled - 70 minutes, in a pouch - 35 minutes, poached - 20 minutes.
The second dish on the polarity of the dish - scrambled eggs. For its preparation will require:
- 150 grams of ham.
- 2 tbsp. spoons of butter.
- A bunch of green onions.
- A teaspoon of paprika.
- Ostrich egg (1 piece).
- Pepper and salt to taste.
First, wash and chop the onion. Half will go into the egg mixture, and the second half will act as an omelette decoration. Ham must be cut into cubes. Milk is poured into dishes, all other products are put in and the mixture is stirred. At this time, the oven should warm up to 170 degrees. Omelet must be poured into a greased form, and then sent to the oven until the liquid evaporates. The finished dish is sprinkled with onions.
In baking, an ostrich egg can be used to make custard, biscuit or meringue. To make the cream you need:
- 2 liters of cream.
- 200 grams of cheese.
- Spoon greens.
- Chili (ground).
- Salt.
- Ostrich egg.
Make a hole in the egg, and then carefully drain the entire contents. Beat all this into a homogeneous mass, then add herbs, cream, spices and other products. Cover the baking sheet with foil, and then put in a preheated oven. After 20 minutes, remove the foil and re-send the baking pan to bake.
Shells are often used to create Easter decorations. Also very beautiful is the egg carving.
In conclusion, it is worth noting that the ostrich egg is a useful and necessary product with an impressive weight and good taste. It can be used for different purposes, and everywhere it will show itself from the best side.
Product Description
African ostrich females lay eggs that are large and heavy. In the first season of egg production, their mass is low: their weight barely reaches 1 kg. As they grow older, they become larger. Their weight can be 2.7 kg, length - 22 cm, diameter 13 cm. The shell is strong, 5 mm.
The color is exclusively white or cream. Shell emu ostrich dark green color. During prolonged storage or during incubation, the color of the shell changes to purple. The eggshell from the female nandu is blue. In ostrich eggs the shade of the shell does not change with time. Numerous pores on the shell form an asterisk pattern.
Certain conditions are created for the production of good laying for the birds. The temperature inside the room should be at least 15 C. The daylight hours for ostriches are kept for at least 14 hours. The female builds a nest herself. In nature, this used branches, dry grass. If there are no branches and hay, then the nest is built of sand.
The male finds a suitable place, the female digs a hole 30 cm deep. All females of the bird family, which are in the aviary, lay in one nest. If the bird laid in another place, then it rolls the egg back into the hole dug in the sand with its head.
Experts note the following features of ostrich eggs:
- the yolk has a weight of 400 g, has an orange color,
- protein weighs more than 1 kg, color is clear,
- shell weight up to 900 g,
- 100 g of the product - 120 kcal,
- 100 g of the product - 12.5 g of protein,
- 11.8 g fat
- High volume of omega 3 fatty acids,
- a small amount of cholesterol
- 0.7 g carbohydrates
- mineral substances: calcium, iron, manganese, selenium, copper, zinc,
- vitamins of group "B", "E", "A",
- 1 ostrich egg can replace up to 40 eggs.
Eggs of the dining room category can be stored in a refrigerator at a temperature of +8 ° C for 2 months. Longer shelf life is not allowed. Determine the deterioration of the product is difficult. Usually the eggs look at the light.
If blackouts are detected, they are discarded. Ostrich egg shell is too thick to see defects inside in the light. The product at the end of the storage period is simply discarded.
Sometimes they resort to an easy method for determining the shelf life of an egg. If it is stale, then there will be some changes in it. They are associated with fluid loss: moisture evaporates over time. This reduces the air chamber under the shell. Experts suggest shaking a dubious product to determine its quality.
If a gurgling sound is heard, the product is stale. Reducing the air chamber gives more space for the squirrel. It becomes more fluid, fluid. Hence the unusual sound. In a stale product, the chemical composition of both the yolk and the protein changes.
A great difficulty is the opening of the shell. It is impossible to make it with an ordinary kitchen knife. If there is no need to preserve the integrity of the yolk, then the shell is opened with a drill. Make a hole. From it follows the contents of the product. This method of opening is resorted to if there is a need to save the shell. It can be sold or painted.
Another method was taken from the chicks, which begin to hatch and break free of the shell. With their beak they make a furrow along the circumference in it, they rest against their paws and take it off. A chisel and a hammer are used at home. Use tools to knock the shell around the circumference, then break it into 2 pieces with your hands. The yolk remains intact, but the shell is broken.
Ostrich eggs are useful. 100 g of the product contains a daily rate of protein, fat, vitamins and minerals for an adult. The product is dietary, but it can cause allergies.
Product use
Ostrich eggs are used primarily for food. They are boiled and fried. They can be included as ingredients in the cream for confectionery. They are added to the dough. This takes into account the weight of the product.
- Before cooking the egg, it must be washed with soap. For cooking choose a large pot. Take cold water. Duration of cooking after boiling is 90 minutes. Later it is used for making salads or simply eaten with salt or sauce. One egg can feed 30 people.
- To make an omelet, choose a frying pan with high edges. The mixture is poured on a preheated pan. Cooking time 15 min.
- Scrambled eggs are made in a frying pan with a large diameter so that the yolk and white are distributed over it in a thin layer. Время приготовления 10-15 мин.
Для получения птенцов используют оплодотворённые яйца. На ферме создают страусиные семьи. Их держат в отдельных вольерах. В брачный период самец оплодотворяет самок птичьего семейства. Важно сразу забирать из гнезда принесённое самкой яйцо. В противном случае она его закопает в песок. In addition, it can overcool, which will adversely affect the development of the embryo.
For incubation, select samples with a whole shell without any defects. They must have a uniform color. The optimum weight is 1.5 kg. Maximum weight 1.8 kg. The shell does not have a protective shell like that of chicken eggs. The pathogens can easily penetrate through it, so the samples for the incubator are treated with an antiseptic. This will prevent microorganisms from entering the germ. Ostrich eggs washed under running warm water, wiped with iodine solution. Store at a temperature of +18 C. Comply with 40% humidity.
Lay the material in the incubator for 45 days. At the same time it is necessary to observe certain temperature conditions and humidity. Samples are inverted 8 times per day. Hatchability is considered normal if out of 100 specimens 80 chicks appear.
The shells of ostrich eggs are used by craftsmen. From it make souvenirs and beautiful dishes for home use. The shell is decorated with painting, subjected to roasting. Externally, products are similar to porcelain. They are highly appreciated.
Ostrich bird eggs are a valuable food item. They are expensive. Before buying, you must determine their freshness. When purchasing a product, you can feed the whole family, and receive as a bonus material for handicrafts and souvenirs in the form of a shell.
