Ostrich meat is a low-fat, no cholesterol red meat. It looks and tastes like lean beef. Ostrich hides are in demand for fine leather products, and the egg shells are popular with artists. The two biggest purchasers of ostrich feathers are IBM and General Motors. IBM uses them to clean computer components before they're packaged, and GM uses them to dust cars before they're painted.
Nothing is more effective in picking up dust than an ostrich feather.
Oil from ostrich toes is used in cosmetics, ostrich corneas are being used in transpants, and lately there's been evidence that an enzyme found in ostrich brains may be a cure for Alzheimer's disease. Ken's business manager, Bill Casciato , told us how people interested in the ostrich industry can now become members of the Gila Bend Ostrich Ranch. Members receive the quarterly newsletter of the Arizona Ostrich Association, free tours of the ranch when they're in the area, and an ostrich eggshell when one becomes available. It's a great way to learn more about this environmentally-friendly form of ranching. As we left Ken invited us to come back in the morning for breakfast.