Breeders get the bird

The lucrative business of ostrich farming came out of the farmyard yesterday when one breeder started a High Court action, accusing another of copying its methods.

The Ostrich Breeding Corporation and Ostrich Farming Corporation, set up in in 1986, are suing the Ostrich Breeding Company, which began trading 18 months ago.

Robin Higgens, spokesman for the two corporations, based in Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, said the company, which is based in Swansea, was mimicking their offers and publicity.

Ostrich meat - with the taste of fillet steak and less fat than fish - is being hailed as the dish of the future Supporters claim it will be as cheap and plentiful as turkey within 10 years.