Emus are farmed for meat, oil, and leather across several countries. As large, intelligent ratites, they have specific welfare needs that differ from conventional livestock.
Farmed emus require substantial space, environmental enrichment, and careful social management. Stress during handling and transport is a major concern, as emus respond poorly to confinement and novel environments. Welfare standards should ensure adequate space allowances, access to dust bathing, varied substrates, and social groupings that reflect natural behavior. Slaughter methods must minimize stress for these large, stress-sensitive birds. Pain management and injury prevention are priorities in intensive emu systems.