Emu farming for meat, oil, and leather is practiced in Australia and internationally, with welfare standards varying enormously across producers.
Emu welfare in farming reflects many of the tensions in ratite production generally. These are large, fast-moving birds with strong territorial instincts and requirements for space that commercial systems often cannot meet. Aggression injuries are common when density is too high. Heat stress is a significant risk. Slaughter of large ratites requires specialised equipment and training that not all facilities possess. Welfare certification for emu products is rare, leaving consumers without reliable information. Australian welfare standards for emus are less comprehensive than for conventional poultry.