- 1a Department of Animal Science, Agricultural and Natural Science Faculty , Bozok University , 66900 Yozgat.
- 2b Department of Animal Science, Agricultural Faculty , Ondokuz Mayis University , 55139 Samsun , Turkey.
Abstract
1.
This study investigated the effect of incubation type and production
system on geese growth traits. 2. A total of 216 geese that were either
naturally (114) or artificially (102) hatched and reared in intensive or
free-range production systems (4 replicates each) until 18 weeks of
age. 3. Weights of naturally hatched goslings were significantly higher
than artificially hatched goslings at 2 weeks (644 g vs. 536 g);
however, weights of artificially hatched goslings were significantly
higher than naturally hatched goslings at both 6 weeks (3245 g vs. 3010
g) and 18 weeks (5212 g vs. 4353 g). 4. Artificially hatched goslings
had better feed conversion ratios than naturally hatched goslings (6.21
vs. 6.46 at 18 weeks). Feed consumption of naturally hatched geese was
found higher in first 4 weeks when compared to artificially hatched
geese and artificially hatched geese consumed more feed than naturally
hatched geese after 8 weeks. 5. Production system had insignificant
effects on feed consumption, feed conversion ratios, viability and
mutilation rates. 6. Slipped wings were more frequent in naturally
hatched goslings than artificially hatched goslings (8.32% vs. 1.68% at 6
weeks; 23.84% vs. 5.12% between 7-18 weeks) 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 naturally hatched goslings can be reared in
free-range production systems without any loss in performance and in
deference to animal welfare.
