The association of social rank with paternity efficiency in competitive mating flocks of Zi goose ganders (Anser cygnoides L.)

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of social rank ( SR ) on paternity efficiency ( PE ) in competitive mating flocks of geese. Thirty ganders and 150 geese (Zi geese, Anser cygnoides L.) aged approximately one, were divided into 3 groups. Flock 1 included 10 ganders and 50 female geese, flock 2 included 11 ganders and 55 female geese, and flock 3 included 9 ganders and 45 female geese. The frequency of the agonistic behavioral interactions ( ABI ) of the ganders and mating activity ( MA ) were video recorded in each flock. The SR of each gander was determined by the frequency of ABI with a score of 1 to 3 (1 being the dominant and 3 the most subordinate). To clarify the difference between being dominant and submissive, we collapsed rank 2 and rank 3 into a “subordinate” category. In total, 280 eggs were collected, and 219 goslings were hatched. Parent–offspring relationships among 399 individuals from the 2 generations were identified via 20 microsatellite markers, and the PE of each gander was calculated. There was no significant difference in individual body weight and semen quality factor among the different SR groups (dominant and subordinate), and the SR of the ganders was significantly correlated to PE for the 3 flocks. Goslings of high-ranking ganders contributed 48.68% in flock 1, 37.50% in flock 2, and 47.62% in flock 3. Approximately 45% of all goslings were sired by the 7 dominant ganders of the 30 total ganders across the 3 flocks. As SR has been shown to be heritable in geese, the selection of high-ranking ganders might be an effective way to improve reproductive efficiency in commercial geese flocks.

Characteristics of the Mating Behavior of Domesticated Geese from Anser cygnoides and Anser anser

“…Consequently, eliminating aggressive male and uncooperative female geese before forming the groups may significantly improve the frequency of successful copulation. In addition, the reason for the differences between our results and those of previous studies could be attributable to the different breeds used in experiments [ 4 ]. Gumulka and Rozenboim also found that the sexual interactions in the mean range (0.4–0.8) from 9:00 to 12:00 a.m. and 1:00 to 4:30 p.m. were enough to meet the requirement for geese breeding [ 24 ].…”

“…In terms of mating location, all these three goose breeds expressed a preference for mating on land. Another experiment also noted that high fertilization rates are sustained under waterless conditions, confirming their capacity to mate properly on land [ 4 ]. However, considering the waterless condition might increase the risk of phallus pecking and phallus hygiene problems, an enhanced approach to the management of geese should be required.…”

“…On the other hand, female Hungarian geese may also be uncooperative, which has been previously established as a reason for low copulation success [ 22 ]. Moreover, several studies have found that the degree of female cooperation could be reflective of her willingness to accept a specific mate [ 4 , 23 ]. Consequently, eliminating aggressive male and uncooperative female geese before forming the groups may significantly improve the frequency of successful copulation.…”

“…Similar to mammals, the mating behavior of poultry is not only an essential guarantee for reproduction, but also crucial to attaining successful fertilization. Typically, the reproductive success of poultry also depends on sexual interaction and mating behavior of potential mates in a competitive social structure [ 3 , 4 ]. The previous study by Zhang et al suggested that sexual behavior was the main factor affecting the reproductive performance of poultry [ 5 ].…”

Comprehensive analysis of the differential expression of mRNAs, lncRNAs, and miRNAs in Zi goose testis with high and low sperm mobility

“…Experiment I: Following the protocol outlined by Zhang et al (2021) , semen samples were collected from 40 ganders on five occasions, once per week, and SM was assessed for each gander. Based on SM rankings, ganders were categorized into high- and low-sperm mobility rank ( SMR ) groups, comprising 3 ganders each with the highest and lowest SM, respectively.…”