Six Saskatchewan ostrich producers are demanding compensation from a Saskatoon feed company, saying feed they bought from the company resulted in high mortality rates and stunted growth problems in their flocks.
Gregg Anderson of Rosetown, who has raised ostriches for six years, has seen his flock drop to 90 birds from 400. He estimates his loss, a whole year’s production, to be $200,000.
Brian Watier of Leask called last season “a total writeoff.” He lost 100 birds and is now rebuilding his flock with 17 breeding hens and eight roosters.
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Neither Watier nor Anderson carry insurance on their flocks.
They, along with four other producers, believe their problems began with ostrich feed they purchased from New-Life Feeds.
“We feel everything points in that direction,” said Watier.
The farmers claim that reports from necropsies, blood work, bone ash, tissue and feed analysis confirm a nutritious bone disease. Watier and Anderson believe it stems from an imbalance of some nutrients or not enough nutrients in the feed, perhaps caused by mechanical errors in feed processing.
“We’re just trying to get the problem solved and carry on,” said Anderson, noting how devastating it is to see birds dropping daily.
Barry Everitt, general manager of New-Life Feeds, said the company’s ostrich feed has remained the same for a number of years. New-Life is a 25-year-old company that supplies a variety of feed products.
“We don’t believe we have a problem. We definitely stand behind what we produce. We stand behind the guarantee on the product, but we don’t guarantee performance.”
An adjuster from New-Life’s insurance company has visited the affected farms and told the farmers to expect to hear back from them within weeks.
Flock unhealty
Anderson’s problems emerged last August, with stunted growth and high mortality rates in his flock. The birds that survived are severely undersized, he said, noting six-month-old birds standing three-quarters of a metre tall should be 1.8 m.
The bones cannot support the weight and legs break. The birds must then be killed.
“There’s usually one or two a day breaking legs,” he said. “You’re picking up chicks every day. There’s no diseases and they’re still dying. It’s heart-wrenching to see.”
Watier said he understands how important a good diet is for these birds, which is why the producers purchased starter kits and grower rations.
“I expected it to do the job we needed to be done,” Watier said.
Anderson agreed: “When you’re buying a store-bought ration, it should have everything in there you require.”
For now, Anderson has switched to using a farm mix mill to blend lentils, alfalfa, corn and soymeal. The birds are improving, but are a long way from market weight.
Each bird slaughtered would be worth $600 for the meat and leather markets, Watier said, who is turning away orders for 50 birds a week.
