Research Note: Comparison on laying behavior and clutch traits among Zhedong white geese (Anser cygnoides), Sichuan white geese (Anser cygnoides), and Hungarian geese (Anser anser)

Abstract

Egg laying is an important reproductive behavior of female poultry. Here, we investigated the laying behavior and clutch traits of different goose breeds, specifically, Zhedong white geese ( Anser cygnoides ), Sichuan white geese ( Anser cygnoides ) and Hungarian geese ( Anser anser ). A total of 108 geese in their first laying year were selected. Their laying rhythm was monitored daily by video cameras during the egg-laying period. The results showed that the prenatal behavior included nest hunting, nest site selection and nesting, as well as laying behavior included prenatal crouching, anal contraction until oviposition and postnatal resting. There were some differences in laying times among the 3 breeds. Approximately 70% of the eggs were laid between 03:00 and 12:00 in Zhedong white geese and Sichuan white geese, while the Hungarian geese laid throughout the day. Also, the clutch length and the oviposition interval differed among these 3 breeds. Their average clutch lengths were approximately 14.07, 12.14 and 19.15 days in Zhedong white geese, Sichuan white geese, and Hungarian geese, respectively. While their oviposition intervals showed 2 peaks (39 and 47 h), 3 peaks (41, 50 and 53 h), and 1 peak (46 h). Moreover, there were significant correlation between egg yield and clutch length in Zhedong white geese ( r = 0.951), Sichuan white geese ( r = 0.987) and Hungarian geese ( r = 0.991), respectively. Taken together, the difference in laying behavior among the breeds was mainly reflected in laying time and oviposition intervals, Zhedong white geese and Sichuan white geese have egg laying time preference and short oviposition intervals, which was helpful not only to understand egg-laying process, but also to manage egg-laying geese scientifically and improve egg production.

Floor eggs in goose breeders: patterns, genetic and environmental influences, and physiological indexes

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“…A gap of 75 mm was left at the bottom of the delivery room to transfer goose eggs from the delivery room area to the coding area. At the same time, in order to meet the habit of geese laying eggs in quiet, dark, and dry places [ 24 , 25 , 26 , 27 ], artificial turf was sewn on the surface of the induction conveyor belt and the delivery room was wrapped with black cloth to create a real laying environment for breeding geese and improve the comfort and laying efficiency of breeding geese. When the target detection module detected that there were only goose eggs in the delivery rooms, the egg body limit transmission devices and contactless coding devices were started, and the breeding geese identity information was printed on the corresponding egg bodies in the form of QR codes to realize one-to-one correspondence between the laying information and the breeding geese identity information.…”

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