Some growers allow their birds access to forage, while others provide only the prepared feed. Alfalfa works well in growing and breeding pens. The general consensus is that ratites may require more fiber in the diet than chickens. Exact levels, however, are unknown. There is little research-based information concerning the production of these birds.
Some research is underway, but useful results are slow in coming.
It probably will be several years before research-based information is published in a usable form. Most current information is based on grower trial and error, and is modified from poultry information. Various groups and associations publish information, but it also is usually from growers, which doesn't necessarily make it unreliable, just unproven. Take care not to consider all published information as useful. Many claims are made with little or no data to substantiate them.