Relationship between the abdominal sagging index and the reproductive performance of the Roman goose

Abstract

This research aimed to explore the changes in the observed abdominal sagging index and reproductive performance of white Roman male and female geese during the breeding period. Methods:The 339 six-month-old breeding geese (109 male; 230 female) were used in this study, in which five male and five female geese were slaughtered on a monthly basis to record the abdominal sagging index (ASI). Results:The short diameter of the testes of the male goose when the female goose lays eggs and in the second, third, and fourth months was significantly wider than in the fifth months (19.0, 20.8, 21.4, and 19.6 vs. 12.7 and 14.0 mm/bird, P=0.0105). On the other hand, the testicular weight of the male goose in the second and third months after the female goose lays eggs was significantly higher than that in the second and fifth months after laying (0.33 and 0.37 vs. 0.11 and 0.19%, P=0.0212). During the exploring period, the length and weight of the fallopian tube, the weight of the ovary, the number of follicles in 2-3 cm, the number of follicles in 3-4 cm, the fallopian tube weight in the carcass weight percentage, and the ovary weight in the carcass weight percentage all demonstrated a significant curve response. Further, female ASI was positively correlated with reproductive tract length (r=0.815, P < 0.05) and egg production per female (r=0.790, P < 0.05). Conclusion:The ASI classification method is more objective and easy to distinguish. This scoring method has a high correlation with the number of eggs laid by each goose and the length of the reproductive tract, inferring that the goose observation could take advantage of ASI during egg-laying and can predict the reproductive system development during the laying period and determine when the breeding goose begins to lay eggs.

Effect of the age and sex on growth performance and feather quality of 13 to 25-weeks-old White Roman geese

“…The domestic goose shows an obvious seasonal pattern of reproductive activity under natural lighting conditions ( Zeman et al, 1990 ). Their reproductive seasons start in late autumn in subtropical areas or early spring in temperate areas ( Gillette, 1976 ; Chang et al, 2016 , 2023 ). In Landaise gray goose, laying intensity rises from 0 in January to 50% in April to May ( Mialon et al, 2004 ).…”

“…The yields of down and feather, which are natural substances for keeping warm in winter, are of economic importance in the goose industry ( Chang et al, 2023 ). Goose feathers and down provide high-quality insulation in garments and fabrics.…”