Growth Performance, Slaughter and Carcass Traits in White and Multicolour Native Geese

Growth Performance, Slaughter and Carcass Traits in White and Multicolor Native Geese

Abstract

In this study, 24-week growth performance, slaughter and carcass traits were determined in white and Multicolor varieties geese reared by producers. Slaughter and carcass traits were determined by slaughtering 5 male and 5 female geese from each variety at 24 weeks of age. During the growth period, hatching (gosling) weight and live weights were determined every 4 weeks. Although Multicolor variety geese had higher body weight at 12 weeks of age, no difference was found between varieties at slaughter age (24 weeks). Daily live weight gain was higher in Multicolor geese between hatch (day-old) and 12 weeks of age and White variety geese between 12-24 weeks of age. Feet weight and ratio were higher in Multicolor geese, and abdominal fat weight and ratio were higher in White variety geese. Most of the growth and development traits of male geese were determined higher than females as expected due to the biological superiority of males.