ITALY: BSE BOOST FOR OSTRICH MEAT

Italian/Nat Ostrich meat is one of the alternatives Italians have turned to since the spread of mad cow disease through Europe. Italian ostrich farmers say the demand for ostrich meat has increased in the last few weeks, strengthening their intention to improve their farms and the distribution of the product. Remo Giangrazzo - owner of a 250-ostrich farm near Rome - said he decided to cooperate with some other 20 ostrich farmers to form a company and organise better ostrich meat distribution. The company will start operating in January 2001. At the moment, ostrich is sold in big stores but it is not easy to find. The ostrich meat business is still young in Italy - the first ostrich farm being created in the early 90's in the north of Italy. The Italian government allowed the sale of ostrich meat in 1996. Today, 2,500 ostrich farmers operate in the country, but demand for ostrich meat exceeds supply. Remo Giangrazzo explained that if any farmer produced 1000 ostriches a year this would cover only 1% of the demand, the rest being met by imports mainly from Israel. Ostriches destined for the table are slaughtered when they reach 10 to 12 months old. They are fed with dried herbs, cereals and vegetable-based meal. SOUNDBITE: (Italian) \"Definitely yes, because there is a high demand for this (i.e. ostrich) alternative meat compared to (the demand for) veal, which is being affected negatively by this serious thing (mad cow disease).\" SUPER CAPTION: Remo Giangrazzo, Ostrich Farmer SOUNDBITE: (Italian) \"Ostrich meat is very rich in proteins, has low cholesterol, low fat, contains omega three. It is recommended for people who practice sport, children, pregnant women, anybody who needs a low-fat diet. Doctors recommend it. I think it's good.\" SUPER CAPTION: Remo Giangrazzo, Ostrich Farmer You can license this story through AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/metadata/youtube/19c4b0b733d452584af5cc7069643f33 Find out more about AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/HowWeWork