The Ratite Encyclopedia

Book excerpt: THE RATITE ENCYCLOPEDIA is the only comprehensive guide for the ratite farmer. Each chapter is a stand-alone article on a single subject, written by the top experts from four continents especially for this indispensable reference tool. Except on subjects such as tax considerations, each species is treated separately; for instance, there are separate chapters on ostrich, emu & rhea chick rearing. Subjects include the history & geography of ratites, record keeping, breeder management, reproduction, the egg, candling, incubation & hatching, chick rearing, genetics, diseases, biosecurity, anatomy, nutrition, meat studies, leather, emu & rhea oil, working with veterinarians, farm design & layout, microchips, hauling & transportation, legal aspects, insurance & tax considerations, equipment, products, services & a glossary of agricultural & medical terminology. The book also includes lists of national & state organizations, colleges & universities currently researching ratites, trade publications & other reference material. It is profusely illustrated with charts, graphs, diagrams & color photographs. The publisher's first book on record keeping set the standard for the industry. Ratite Records, P.O. Box 790365, San Antonio, TX 78279-0365, 800-926-4695.