Landes geese: breed description and characteristics, care and breeding

The Landes geese was bred specifically for large and fatty livers. The birds were bred in France on the basis of local Toulouse geese. Birds belong to medium-heavy breeds. Today they are actively grown both in Russia and in European countries. To achieve high productivity parameters, it is important to strictly follow the rules for caring for birds. At the same time, it is important to provide them with a balanced diet and prevention of pathologies.

History of Appearance

The Landes geese were obtained by crossing different species. Breeders used Toulouse geese as the basis. The first experiments were carried out by scientists in France. Birds came to Russia in 1975.

Description and characteristics of the Landa breed

These French geese have an outstanding appearance. This allows them to be distinguished from other bird species. The main features include the following:

1. Grey color of feathers. Most often, birds of this breed are distinguished by light gray feathers. However, sometimes there are darker birds. There is usually white fluff on the belly.
2. Large and voluminous body and back.
3. Short and almost invisible tail.
4. Deep chest. She is characterized by developed muscles.
5. White belly shade. There are also several sagging fat folds in this area.
6. A large number of feathers on the wings. The pattern in this area resembles scales.
7. Broad head. It is slightly flattened on top and covered with dense plumage.
8. Deep-set eyes. Some individuals have a bump above the eyes.
9. Orange beak. However, it can have a different shape.
10. Dark gray neck. In some individuals, it is gray-brown.

These birds are characterized by large sizes. The mass of adult males is 7-8 kilograms, females - 6-7. Due to this weight, it is possible to get a large liver. Its mass can reach 800 grams. Birds acquire large sizes as early as 10 months. At this age, their weight is 5 kilograms.

Some scientists and farmers are crossing the Landes geese with the Hungarian ones. As a result, it is possible to obtain very large individuals, whose weight is 10 kilograms.

Egg laying parameters for birds are up to 40 eggs per year. Weight of 1 egg - 150 grams. This is considered a great option.

At the same time, goslings are characterized by a low level of survival. Only half of the chicks live up to 2 months. Relatively few goslings hatch from eggs. This figure does not exceed 60%.

Pros and cons

Pros and conshigh egg production parameters;the possibility of growing a large liver with good taste - its weight reaches 720-800 grams;the possibility of plucking geese 3 times a year - they bring 350-400 grams of feathers each;excellent parental instincts;the bold disposition of the ganders - they look after the herd perfectly.unexpressed incubation instinct in females;difficulties with maintaining the ability to fertilize in males.

Subtleties of maintenance and care

In the summer it is recommended to place birds in free enclosures. They are easy to build from ordinary rails and roofing material. When the geese reach 7 weeks of age, they are allowed to be released for grazing.In this case, movement should be limited only to the territory of the site. Perennial grasses are ideal for walking geese. This allows the birds to get the maximum amount of vitamins and minerals. If grazing geese is not possible, they should be given green types of food. In winter, geese require brick or wooden structures. Equally important is the presence of bedding in the room. It should be warm, dry and thick.

This helps to minimize the risk of developing pathologies. Landes geese tolerate frost well. Therefore, poultry houses do not require insulation. At the same time, it is important to monitor the absence of drafts.

To prevent the birds from getting cold and to have a place in which they can warm up, it is important to maintain the temperature in the house at +10 degrees. Landes geese need regular water procedures. If they do not have access to a natural reservoir, it is required to build an artificial pool. Any deep container will do for this.

Food

The diet is selected taking into account the goals of growing birds. To get a large liver, geese should be fed by the hour. In this case, the diet is divided into the following stages:

1. Cultivation of young animals. In this case, at the age of 1-4 weeks, the chicks should be given an unlimited amount of compound feed and 200 grams of greenery. At 5-8 weeks, birds need 170 grams of feed and 500 grams of greens. From week 9, the volume of greens is 300 grams.
2. Preparatory period. At 11-13 weeks, geese should limit space. However, it is recommended to place them in a closed house. Birds need 50% corn, 30% protein, 20% turf. It is also worth giving a double dosage of vitamins A and C.
3. Forced fattening. From 14 weeks, the basis of the diet of birds should be corn. It should be poured for half an hour with hot water. It is also recommended to add 1% s alt, 1% oil and vitamins there.In the first 3 days, geese are recommended to give 300-400 grams of porridge, on days 4-7 - 450-580 grams, from day 8 - 670-900 grams.

Features of breeding

For successful breeding of birds, a female and a male should be bought from different farms. It is important to ensure that the goose is not obese. Such birds produce many unfertilized eggs.

When forming a herd, it is important to consider that 1 goose is able to fertilize 3-5 females. During the laying and incubation phase, geese require a lot of free boxes. This will help avoid conflicts.

What do they get sick with?

Geese are characterized by strong immunity. However, improper nutrition leads to a weakening of the birds. With a lack of vitamins in birds, inflammation of the cloaca often develops.When using dry food and water deficiency, there is a risk of blockage of the esophagus. Violation of hygiene rules provokes the development of salmonellosis.

Land geese are highly productive and are used to produce large livers. In order to be successful in raising birds, they need careful care.

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