Production traits of artificially and naturally hatched geese in intensive and free-range systems: I. Growth traits

Abstract

1. This study investigated the effect of incubation type and production system on geese growth traits. 2. A total of 216 geese were either naturally (114) or artificially (102) hatched and reared in intensive or free-range production systems (4 replicates each) until 18weeks of age. 3. Weights of naturally hatched goslings (NHG) were significantly higher than artificially hatched goslings (AHG) at 2weeks (644 vs. 536g); however, weights of AHG were significantly higher than NHG at both 6weeks (3245 vs. 3010g) and 18weeks (5212 vs. 4353g). 4. AHG had better feed conversion ratios (FCRs) than NHG (6.21 vs. 6.46 at 18weeks). Feed consumption of naturally hatched geese was found higher in first 4weeks when compared to artificially hatched geese and artificially hatched geese consumed more feed than naturally hatched geese after 8weeks. 5. Production system had insignificant effects on feed consumption, FCRs, viability and mutilation rates. 6. Slipped wings were more frequent in NHG than AHG (8.32% vs. 1.68% at 6weeks; 23.84% vs. 5.12% between 7 and 18weeks) and in free-range production when compared to intensive production (17.88% vs. 11.08% over the course of the production period). 7. The study results indicate that both artificially and NHG can be reared in free-range production systems without any loss in performance and in deference to animal welfare.