CARCASS AND COMPONENT FIELDS OF RHEAS

1. Three Greater Rheas (Rhea americana) and 5 Lesser Rheas (Pterocnemi a pennata) were slaughtered, using the procedures conventional for ost riches in South Africa in order tn determine the expected yield of by- products and saleable lean meat? fat and bone of rheas. 2. Differences (P<0.05) between species were found in the proportional weight of the wings, feet, skin and liver. The wings, feet and head of rheas form a higher proportion of the carcase than in ostriches, whereas the skin of the former represents a lower percentage of body weight. 3. Lean me at production from rheas (64% on a carcase weight basis) is in the sam e order as for ostriches, broilers, turkeys and beef.