Gorky geese: breed description and characteristics, breeding rules

When breeding geese, there are many features to consider. First of all, it is recommended to choose a breed that meets high egg production parameters and is a source of tasty meat. Gorky geese are characterized by excellent productivity indicators. In order to succeed in raising birds, it is important to provide them with full and high-quality care.

History of the breed

Geese of this breed were bred in the Nizhny Novgorod region. The main goal of the researchers was to make the breeding of birds profitable and give the birds resistance to adverse external factors.The breed was based on Chinese geese. They were crossed with several types of birds. As a result, it was possible to obtain high parameters of precocity and endurance, as well as increase life expectancy.

The selection didn't end there. To make the fluff better and bring mass gain to a new level, scientists crossed the resulting geese with the Ladger breed. As a result, we managed to get the final result.

The birds were officially registered in 1994. Today they are considered so popular that about half of the poultry farmers in Russia are breeding Gorky geese. They are also actively grown in Germany, France, Hungary.

Description and characteristics of Gorky geese

Gese are characterized by white feathers. Sometimes there are gray and gray birds. Gorky geese have a small head. Their characteristic feature is the presence of bumps on the forehead. There is a small skin fold directly under the beak.Gorky geese are characterized by a wide body. The chest is not too wide, but rather domed.

On average, ganders gain up to 6.9-8 kilograms, and geese - 5-6.5. They are characterized by very tasty meat. Females of the Gorky breed are considered excellent laying hens. The annual parameters of their egg production are 50-65 eggs. However, these are not the best hens. The maternal instinct in Gorky geese is not so pronounced. Puberty occurs 240 days after birth.

Gorky geese are characterized by high fertility parameters. Egg fertility rates reach 90-100%. At the same time, the hatchability of goslings is at the level of 70-80%, which is considered an excellent parameter.

In addition, Gorky geese perfectly adapt to different climates. Another advantage is the increase in live weight. By 2 months, the weight of birds is 3.5-4 kilograms. In addition, young birds are resistant to pathologies. Therefore, the chicks are saved in the amount of 80-96%.

Pros and cons of birds

Pros and consGood precocity parameters. At 3 months, goslings already weigh 4 kilograms. In a year, birds gain up to 11 kilograms.Great taste of meat. It is soft and has a delicate aroma.Resistance to temperature fluctuations. These birds can be raised in the north. At the same time, it is important to monitor the absence of drafts in the room.High parameters of egg production. During the year, 1 female gives at least 50 eggs.Friendly disposition. These birds are considered calm and unhurried. They don't show aggression.High survival rates. Goslings are distinguished by strong immunity and are not susceptible to many pathologies.The risk of developing viral enteritis. For prevention, after each meal, it is recommended to clean the cells.The risk of developing beriberi. The appearance of pathology leads to a monotonous diet and lack of walking.The need for walking when breeding birds.

Maintenance and care requirements

In order for Gorky geese to grow and develop well, they need to provide a comfortable temperature and light. For maximum convenience of birds, it is worthwhile to properly place drinking bowls, perches and feeders. This will help avoid fights over territory. Keeping the bedding dry is important. In conditions of high humidity, mold or rot appears on it. This increases the risk of developing pathologies.

Food containers must be kept clean at all times and the water changed to fresh water every day.

What to feed the birds?

The main difference of this breed is that even with a small amount of cereals, birds can fully develop. However, when compiling a diet, it is important to adhere to a number of recommendations:

Geese need to be given green food. Therefore, it is worth periodically putting fresh greens in the feeders.
The amount of feed is selected taking into account the purposes of breeding birds.
Feed geese at least 2-3 times a day. The frequency depends on the diet and the seasonal factor.
In warm weather, birds should be released to pasture. This will allow them to find their own food. This will help reduce the number of feedings to 2 times a day.

It is also recommended to take into account the need for mineral supplements. Equally important is the addition of river sand, fine gravel or crushed shells to the feeders. It helps to improve digestion and eliminate intestinal pathologies. In the evening, it is worth giving the geese a lot of fiber, because the birds love to eat at night.

There must be enough water in the drinkers. Geese not only drink it, but also use it to rinse their heads, nostrils and beaks.

Features of breeding

Females begin to rush in February. The first pair of eggs are usually not fertilized. At the same time, they should be removed from the nest, as the bird may stop producing eggs. One female can incubate 11-17 eggs - it all depends on her size. A month later, goslings are born. It is recommended to remove the first chick so that the female does not leave the nest. After the end of the withdrawal, the goslings should be returned to their mothers.

Possible diseases

Despite strong immunity, geese of this breed are susceptible to the development of viral enteritis. To avoid pathology, it is recommended to remove the cells after each feeding. In the spring, birds often experience beriberi. This pathology can occur with the use of monotonous food or the absence of walking. Gorky geese are distinguished by high productivity parameters. To be successful in raising birds, they need comprehensive care.