Emu farming has expanded globally for oil, meat, and feathers, yet welfare standards remain inconsistent and often inadequate for this large, intelligent ratite.
Farmed emus face significant welfare challenges including restricted movement, social disruption, and inadequate environmental complexity. Their large size and activity needs are poorly met by most commercial operations. Welfare assessment should include feather condition, aggression rates, lameness prevalence, and dustbathing opportunity. Pre-slaughter handling is a critical welfare point requiring species-specific protocols.