Emu oil has become increasingly popular in recent years due to its many purported health and beauty benefits. However, there are ethical concerns around obtaining emu oil, as traditionally the oil was harvested from emus slaughtered for their meat and skins. So an important question arises – can emu oil be obtained humanely and sustainably, without killing the emu?
What is Emu Oil?
Emu oil is an oil derived from the thick deposits of fat on the backs of emus. Emus are large, flightless birds native to Australia. Emu oil has been used for centuries by Aboriginal communities in Australia for its healing properties. Modern research has shown that emu oil contains high levels of essential fatty acids, like oleic acid, as well as antioxidants and other anti-inflammatory compounds. This unique combination is believed to be responsible for its wide-ranging therapeutic effects.
When applied topically, emu oil is easily absorbed into the skin. It is commonly used to moisturize the skin, treat skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis, and reduce joint inflammation and muscle pain. It can also help heal burns, wounds, and damaged skin when applied frequently. Emu oil is non-comedogenic, meaning it does not clog pores. This makes it suitable for all skin types.
When taken orally as a supplement, emu oil may provide anti-inflammatory effects throughout the body. Some preliminary research shows it may protect against heart disease by improving blood lipid levels. More research is still needed to confirm many of emu oil’s proposed benefits.
Obtaining Emu Oil Conventionally
Up until recent years, emu oil was always obtained through very non-humane practices. Emus were farmed primarily for their meat and secondarily for their oil, hides, and feathers. At slaughterhouses, emus were put through extreme distress and suffering. Common practices included:
- Crowded, cramped holding pens
- Inhumane transport conditions
- Rough handling and mistreatment by workers
- Improper stunning methods before slaughter
The emu bodies were then processed for maximum material extraction. The fat deposits on their backs were rendered and filtered to collect the oil. Their skins were taken for leather, their meat packaged for consumption, and their feathers used for clothing or duster brushes. Nothing was wasted.
This intensive, industrialized farming and slaughtering of emus raised major ethical concerns around how emu oil was sourced. Many consumers were uncomfortable using a product derived from such clear animal exploitation and cruelty. However, emu oil was still in high demand due to its popularity for cosmetic and medicinal uses.
Humane Emu Oil Extraction
In response to growing public outrage, some emu farmers began developing more humane methods of obtaining emu oil. Their goal was to collect the oil without any harm or distress to the birds. Some of the techniques they came up with include:
Collecting Tail Feathers
Emus naturally lose and regrow their tail feathers multiple times per year. Farmers can collect these feathers during molting seasons as a non-invasive way to obtain pure emu oil. The feathers are washed to remove dirt and debris, then gently heated to extract the fatty oils from the base of the feather shaft.
Massaging the Emu’s Back
Similar to collecting feathers, farmers can directly massage an emu’s back to stimulate the secretion of oil from their sebaceous glands. The emu’s back skin is gently kneaded and rubbed in a circular motion to loosen and collect the oil. This is a safe, humane technique when done properly by experienced handlers.
Non-Invasive Contraptions
Specialized contraptions have been designed to extract emu oil without touching the bird. One method involves training the emu to back up and lean against a curved piece of metal. The pressure applied causes oil to secrete, which runs down the curve into a collection tray. Another method uses vacuum suction cups on the emu’s back to gently draw out small amounts of oil.
Chemical Extraction from Eggs
A small amount of emu oil naturally occurs in emu eggs. After eggs are collected, a chemical solvent like hexane is used to extract the fatty oils without harming the emulsifiers that give emu oil its unique properties. This method is still in development but shows promise as a humane alternative.
Challenges of Humane Emu Oil Production
Transitioning to humane emu oil extraction has not been easy. Several obstacles still stand in the way of making this a widespread reality. Some of the main challenges include:
Lower Yields
Humane methods provide only a fraction of the oil volume compared to rendering the bird. Emus naturally produce enough oil to thoroughly coat and waterproof their plumage – not gallons of excess oil. The maximum oil collected humanely per emu is about 250 ml per year. In comparison, over 2 liters can be extracted from a slaughtered emu.
Higher Costs
With lower yields and added steps to ensure humane practices, the costs to produce emu oil ethically are higher. Specialized equipment, extra handlers, and careful supervision add to expenses. These higher costs lead to a more expensive end product that some consumers resist paying for.
Lack of Regulation
No mandatory certification or auditing process exists currently to validate an emu oil as “humane”. Some farms self-regulate or pursue voluntary cruelty-free certification. But unethical oil may still get misleadingly marketed and sold as “humane”. Tighter regulation and manufacturing standards are needed industry-wide.
Resistance to Change
Many established emu farms are reluctant to alter their slaughterhouse infrastructure and processes. Transitioning requires costly investments in new equipment and retraining employees. Theanimals may take time to adjust to the new procedures as well. These barriers delay large-scale adoption of ethical emu oil production.
The Future of Humane Emu Oil
While slaughtering emus for oil remains standard practice currently, public support for humane treatment is growing. As consumers learn more about the cruel commercial emu industry, demand increases for ethical alternatives. Here are some positive signs that point to a future where no emus have to be killed for their oil:
Improving Technology
Emerging technologies like the chemical extraction method offer potential for large-scale humane emu oil production. As these technologies develop further, yields should increase to viable commercial levels without any emu suffering.
Greater Transparency
Some emu companies like Emurent are pioneering transparent processes that allow buyers to trace an oil batch back to individual emus and verify humane treatment. Such traceability helps build consumer trust in cruelty-free claims.
Higher Prices Commanded
Ethically sourced emu oil already commands price premiums over 2-10 times conventional oil, showing people’s willingness to pay more for humane products. As demand grows, increasing economies of scale should bring prices down.
Industry Groups Formed
Groups like the American Emu Association have committees dedicated to developing and enforcing humane farm practices. With collective effort, the industry can create viable models for compassionate emu oil production.
Conclusions
Emu oil has outstanding natural healing properties, but obtaining it through cruel farming and slaughter practices raises ethical concerns. In response, some emu farmers have pioneered gentle, non-invasive techniques to extract emu oil humanely. These involve collecting loose feathers, massaging the bird’s back, using specialized contraptions, or chemically extracting oil from eggs.
Widespread humane production still faces challenges like low yields, high costs, lack of regulation, and resistance to change. But with improving technology, greater transparency, higher prices for ethical oil, and collective industry effort, the signs point towards a more compassionate future for emu oil production.
It is possible even today to source emu oil ethically, as long as buyers thoroughly research a producer’s practices. While availability is still limited, conscientious consumers should keep demanding humanely-sourced emu oil. With enough public pressure, no emus will need to be killed for us to benefit from their oil.