The effect of different feeding programmes on reproduction parameters in breeding geese

Abstract

In the process of the so-termed traditional housing of breeding geese the breeding birds are fed laying feed ad libitum. The high energy level of the feed, exceeding the requirements of the birds, represents a serious problem for breeding geese, as the goose, unlike other poultry species, is unable to limit feed consumption according to the energy level of the feed (particularly in the case of high energy level feed mixes); therefore it is susceptible to fatness, i.e. over-condition. Since in the case of the goose the authors found no differences like the ones observed with broiler parent stocks, that is difference in the diameter of the head and the height of males and females, it was not possible to feed the geese separately by sex. In spite of this the authors endeavored to establish what effect restricted feeding for goose breeding stocks in the laying period has on their reproduction traits.
Keywords: goose; restricted feeding; fertility; egg laying