Herd Parameters
420
Dexerto reported >400 ostriches managed by single survivor.
300 lbs
Young (200 lb)
Market Standard (300 lb)
Heavy (380 lb)
$18.50
Specialty allergy/gourmet red meat retail & direct-to-consumer cut blend.
45% (135 lbs/bird)
Meat Harvest
56,700 lbs
De-boned steak & filets
Gross Revenue
$1,048,950
At $18.50/lb direct yield
Total Feed Cost
$51,450
3.5:1 FCR @ $0.35/lb
Estimated Margin
$997,500
Over feed investment
Nutritional Comparison (Per 100g Cooked Lean Cut)
USDA Livestock Nutrition Standard vs. Ostrich Red Meat Profile
| Nutrient / Metric | Ostrich (Dexerto Sub) | Beef (Choice Loin) | Pork (Tenderloin) | Ostrich Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Protein (g) | 26.9 g | 23.4 g | 24.2 g | +15% vs Beef |
| Total Fat (g) | 2.8 g | 11.2 g | 6.4 g | -75% vs Beef (25% fat load) |
| Cholesterol (mg) | 78 mg | 86 mg | 80 mg | Comparable to chicken breast |
| Iron (mg) | 4.1 mg | 2.6 mg | 1.2 mg | +57% higher bio-available iron |
| Calories (kcal) | 140 kcal | 210 kcal | 165 kcal | -33% fewer calories |
Resource Footprint: Water & Feed Efficiency
Feed Conversion (FCR)
Ostrich3.5 lbs feed / lb
Pork3.2 lbs feed / lb
Cattle (Beef)8.5 lbs feed / lb
Ostriches convert forage and grain 58% more efficiently than cattle.
Water Needed / lb Meat
Ostrich580 gal / lb
Pork720 gal / lb
Cattle (Beef)1,800 gal / lb
68% water savings compared to conventional beef stock.
Reproductive Multiplier
Hen Ostrich Eggs/Yr:
40 – 80 eggs
Incubation Cycle:
42 days
Slaughter Age:
10 – 14 months
Cow Gestation:
283 days (1 calf)
The Science Behind the Dexerto Report: Lone Star Tick & Alpha-Gal
The Lone Star tick transmits galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose (alpha-gal), a carbohydrate found in most mammals. When bitten, the human immune system produces IgE antibodies that react severely to beef, pork, and lamb. Because ostriches are ratites (flightless birds), their meat contains zero alpha-gal carbohydrates while matching the color, iron density, and savory texture of high-grade beef loin.