Botswana ostrich abattoir gears up for production
An ostrich abattoir geared to the European Union (EU) export market for meat and skins is currently taking shape in Botswana.
Located near the capital of Gaborone, adjacent to the Sir Seretse Khama International Airport, the abattoir has been constructed by the Botswana government a cost of P14 million ($2.7 million). On completion, it will be leased to the Botswana Ostrich Company with the aim of encouraging local ostrich farmers to export meat and skins to the EU via the airport.
In the short-term, the abattoir will slaughter around 13,000 birds per year, with production rising to around 50,000 birds when full capacity is reached. Only birds from farms that comply with Botswana and EU veterinary requirements will be accepted for slaughter. Though the skins will be exported in their raw state initially, a tannery and other related facilities are expected to be added at a later stage.
