Ostrich meat has lower cholesterol than beef, but higher iron levels than other meat types. Ostrich meat is low-fat red meat, rich in iron, produced in sustainable, mostly free-range farming systems.

South African ostrich leather, with its distinct textured pattern of feather follicles, has a longstanding reputation of quality, durability and beauty. Even though it is thinner than cowhide, it is certainly stronger.

The ostrich feather trade was extremely profitable and South Africa was the ostrich farming capital of the world. Feathers were its fourth largest export behind gold and diamonds, and ostrich feathers were the most profitable because they were the most fluffy. The town of Oudtshoorn was the epicenter of this.

A serving of ostrich egg is a good source of choline and B vitamins such as vitamin B12, riboflavin and folic acid. Ostrich eggs are richer in magnesium and iron than chicken eggs.